Tatia Skhirtladze
Department of Mechanical Engineering
MONUMENT for ISAAC NEWTON
Idea
I perceive the whole Department of Mechanical Engineering - students and staff, all kinds of intellectual and physical activities as well as the architecture and entire area - as living monument for Isaac Newton.
This idea is redefining the notion of a monument, no longer considering or treating it in the usual way. The monument is renewed and transformed by rethinking already existing potentials and extending it by determining essential contents.
I have been inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication of students and staff over the theme Isaac Newton. Observing the department I was taken by the strong spirit and the activities capturing Isaac Newton's identity. I believe that the Department of Engineering Technology is in itself the best monument created for the commemoration of Isaac Newton.
Visualization
Entrance area
To enter the main building of the Department of Mechanical Engineering one has to go up two stairs.
1. The first stairs give access to the court of the department.
2. The second stairs lead to the main entrance of the Horst building. Both stairs together represent the hierarchic structure similar to classical monuments.
I propose to add markers to these two stairs that are significant for a monument: The middle part of each stair will be replaced by colored marble inscribed with written Latin text.
1. Extract from Isaac Newtons grave inscription: Sibi gratulentur Mortales, /Tale tantumque exstitisse / HUMANI GENERIS DECUS. (Mortals rejoice that there has existed such and so great an ornament of mankind!)
2. Monument of Isaac Newton, 1642 - 1727 (date of birth and death) Putting the Name of Isaac Newton and written emotion related to him on the “ground” - where anyone can and have to walk on it - I demystify him in a way emphasizing his importance at the same time.
Guideposts
3. Adapted guideposts installed on the area of the campus of the UT Twente pointing the direction to the Horst Complex, Department of Engineering Technology, Monument for Isaac Newton - reshape the space towards the monument. They should be illuminated during the night.
CI (Corporate Identity)
4. An additional part of realization intervenes in the Corporate Identity of the Department of Engineering Technology. “Monument for Isaac Newton” is added to the name on the website, the official correspondence paper, stamp, etc.
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