Magical Panopticons in Lancashire
Monday, 24 May 2010 21:11
High above the abandoned village of Wycoller in Lancashire, a strange alien structure looks out across the landscape. Looking like a cross between a space craft and a tellytubby house this is the Atom Panopticon.
The structure was designed by Peter Meacock, Katarina Novomestska and Architecture Central Workshop for an arts and regeneration project of the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network managed by Mid Pennine Arts.
It is hollow, bronze coated and contains a mirrored orb that reflects the beauty of the surrounding countryside as you snuggle inside it, safe from the elements, and survey the valley sweeping away below.
There are four panopticons scattered across Lancashire:
- The Singing Ringing tree at Burnley - which comes to life musically as the wind whistles though it
- The Haslingden Halo - Hovering like a giant UFO above the town
- Colourfields in Blackburn - Inspired by the hill palaces of India
- and of course, The Atom
Although busy on a hot day, the Atom affords an interesting space for a little contemplation of the valley below. A recommended visit.
