The design selected for Burnley’s Panopticon was ‘Singing, Ringing Tree’ by architects Tonkin Liu Ltd. It was selected in early 2005 through a public consultation exercise. Designs by three different architects were exhibited in six venues around Burnley and 'Singing Ringing Tree' was unanimously selected by the public and steering group to go forward for development.
Perhaps the most playful and innovative of all the Panopticons designs, this unique musical sculpture
overlooks Burnley from its position high above the
Click on the image above to see
town on Crown Point. Making the most of the
a film of the launch event.
prevailing westerly winds, ‘Singing, Ringing Tree’
This links through to a YouTube page.
makes an intriguing, tuneful sound, audible only
at relatively close range.
Before building had even started, this design was already an award-winner in a prestigious design competition sponsored by RIBA, and it has since gone on to win more awards. In May 2007 it won a further award from RIBA.
Building work is now complete. (More...)
Download a copy of the Wayside Arts Trail here
Image: Singing Ringing Tree
Take a virtual tour of the site courtesy of Boxroom V-Tours. You will need QuickTime to view this.
Directions
From the M65 J10, take the turning off the roundabout signposted to Burnley. At the next roundabout take the first exit and stay in the right-hand lane. At the traffic lights turn right (NB: it looks more like a fork in the road than a right turn). At the next roundabout go all the way round and take the A682 signposted to Rawtenstall. The turning for Crown Point is directly opposite The Bull pub, which is the very last building on your right as you leave Burnley. Follow the road until you come to the car-park for 'Singing Ringing Tree'. You can now see the Tree a little way off. A gravel path leads you from the car-park
to the Tree.
