Charles Holland Architects’ multicoloured lighthouse illuminates Dover’s historic seafront.
When Charles Holland sends you an email with the subject line, “I’m Looking Out For You” – you open that email. Sadly, however, Charles was not looking out for me quite as sincerely as his email subject indicated. In fact, the email, as I quickly realised, was not about me at all. Rather, it was about a delightful temporary intervention in Dover harbour.
Set against the white cliffs of Dover and perched atop a planter, I’m Looking Out For You is a colourful lighthouse that rises telescopically with the aid of scaffolding, being shrouded in perforated fabric. Printed onto it are motifs and that draw on the architectural language of pier structures, towers and beacons, with the orange, pink, green and yellow tower also being a nod to a nearby Victorian clocktower designed by George Devey.
At its peak is a bright light, enabling I’m Looking Out For You to stand out and act as a local beacon during both day and night, as well as acknowledge the history of lighthouses, most notably Roman Pharos (a Roman lighthouse) only one of which remains today – in Dover. But while Pharos were fortified structures, I’m Looking Out For You conveys a sense of playful friendliness, a fitting gesture for the place that is the first port of call for migrants making a treacherous journey across the English Channel.
“This commission has offered an incredible opportunity to make an intervention in Dover’s historic seafront, an extraordinary landscape of ferry boats, cruise ships, lighthouses and port infrastructure,” said Charles Holland in a statement. “I’m Looking Out For You takes its place amongst these structures and provides a meeting point for the festival’s rich program of activities.”
I’m Looking Out For You is part of the ‘You can reach the world from Dover 2023’ arts festival that runs throughout the summer. The lighthouse will be the festival’s fulcrum, being where many events associated with it will begin. You can reach the world from Dover 2023 has been orchestrated by Dover Arts Development (DAD) which seeks to highlight local artists and creative events within Dover. The festival was organised by with DAD director Joanna Jones and Charles Holland.
Source: Architecture Today
