The Singing Ringing Tree

Designed by Tonkin Liu

 

The Singing Ringing Tree is a musical sculpture standing in the wind on a hill (Crown Point) overlooking Burnley, UK. From far and wide, the tree’s profile is visible on the horizon, appearing and disappearing in the mist. The tree is constructed of stacked pipes of varying lengths, orientated to lean into the directions of the prevailing wind. As the wind passes through the different lengths of pipe, it plays different chords. Each time you sit under the tree, looking out through the wind, you will hear a different song (check out the embedded video below).

Designed by architecture firm Tonkin Liu, it was completed in December of 2006. It is one of a series of four ‘Panopticons’ (meaning a structure, space or device providing a comprehensive or panoramic view) artworks located across Pennine Lancashire. The Panopticons are a unique series of 21st century landmarks, designed to attract visitors into the countryside to enjoy the stunning landscapes and wealth of attractions on offer in Pennine Lancashire. Each Panopticon is situated on a high point site commanding spectacular views, and are all within easy reach of the M65 motorway.

You can learn more about the ‘Panopticons’ here. You can find directions to the Singing Ringing Tree here.

 

Described as a Panopticon, this sculpture commands spectacular views above Burnley from Crown Point. It creates an eerie, unearthly music as the wind whistles through the steel tubes. This strange sound increases at sunrise when the wind becomes more intense. It is one of the few sculptures to have won a Royal Institute of British Architects award. The Singing Ringing Tree was designed by Tonkin Liu Architects http://www.tonkinliu.co.uk. This video was created by Jonathan Brind http://www.baa.me.uk/ For location see see http://www.burnley.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=1053&…

 

Tonkin Liu via iklegemma