Spire of Dublin The Spike Monument of Light Ian Ritchie Architects


Designed by Ian Ritchie Architects, it is an elongated cone of diameter 3 m ( ft) at the base, narrowing to 15 cm ( in) at the top. Construction of the world's tallest sculpture[3] was delayed because of difficulty in obtaining planning permission and environmental regulations. It is constructed from eight hollow tubes of stainless steel and features a tuned mass damper to counteract sway. The steel underwent shot peening in order to subtly reflect the light falling on it. The metal changes colours due to its reflective properties. During the day it maintains its steel look, but at dusk when the sky colours, particularly pinks and reds, the monument appears to merge into the sky. The base of the monument is gently lit and the top 12 m (39 ft) are illuminated to the tip providing a beacon in the night sky over the city.


Size: 3420px × 5130px
Location: O'Connell Street Dublin Ireland
Photo credit: © Andy Guest / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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