BUDAPEST, OBSERVATION TOWER ON THE BANK OF DANUBE 2012
The plans of the Cédrus (Cedar) observation tower were based on the idea, and prepared on the initiative and with the support of Sándor Scheer, owner of Market Zrt.. The essence of the idea was to create a construction on the Danube bank - without disturbing the downtown’s silhouette -, used as an observation tower during the day and as a special event venue at night. Our 120m tall tower was inspired by The Lonely Cedar, a famous painting of Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka.
The Lonely Cedar
“The painting, with its elusive beauty and abundance of timeless and universal symbols, is a unique miracle of the world’s art history. According to the newest researches, the symbolism of the painting is a composite of the artist's views on the origin and belief of Hungarian people and their relationship with Eastern cultures; the ancient myth of the “Tree of Life” representing the universe; a self-portrait; and several other, hypothetical meanings as well. This system of symbols wasn’t created merely for itself: it conveys the artist’s message meant for the people of his era. In a figurative sense, the vitality of the tree – impersonating the wounded artist – represents the amazing power and eternity of art as well.
Through applying colors dynamically, with a richness of shades and lightings never seen before, the artist tried to achieve the magic of giving life to the painting. To fully express the deep intellectual meaning of the painting, he created a perfect system of colors, shapes, and lines; leading the viewer to the understanding of the highest creative power.”
/dr. Szinyei Merse Anna/
Péter Kis, András Beke, Szilvia Beke-Tóth, Péter Hámori, Orsolya Hőna
Physical model by Limesmodel
Photo by Norbert Juhász
