|
Project factfile
Project Summary
This project aims to commemorate churches lost on the East of England coast as a result of coastal erosion with sculptures at their original site in the sea – a poignant symbol of history and the ongoing threat from coastal erosion. The project is an arts-led initiative, aimed at creating an innovative landmark that raises the profile of our region and forges a strong contemporary artistic link with local heritage and the issue of coastal erosion. The team originally proposed to site the churches off the coast of Dunwich (Suffolk) but this was found to be undeliverable (see feasibility study below). The project is now proposed for Walton-on-the-Naze, which shares a history of losses to coastal erosion; here the sculpture would represent the lost Church of All Saints. The team has secured strong support during initial stakeholder consultation.
To visit the project website, go to www.losttown.net
Location
Walton-on-the-Naze
Team
Niemann Ingrisch. Architects Anne Niemann and Johannes Ingrisch are leading the project. The pair met as students at the Technical University of Munich. The young partnership has already won awards for its creative thinking and designs and were invited to stage an exhibition of the lost town project at a leading gallery in Munich early in 2006. See images of the exhibition here.
Niemann Ingrisch worked with the following consultants for the feasibility study:
Project Update - September 2006
Lost Town Architect Wins Accolade
Anne Niemann - one half of the Niemann Ingrisch Architects partnership working on the hugely evocative LOST TOWN project - has been awarded an internationally renowned scholarship to attend the Deutsche Akademie Rom, Casa Baldi. The scholarship is awarded to architects and artists who are deemed to have shown exceptional talent; a talent Anne has demonstrated in the LOST TOWN project. The Deutsche Akademie Rom is a German art institute in Rome established in 1913 and located in the Villa Massimo. Built by the patron Eduard Arnhold in 1913 and dedicated to the State of Prussia it is an art institute comparable with the French Villa Medici and the American Academy in Rome. There is a close cooperation between Villa Massimo and the Akademie der Künste in Berlin.
Feasibility Study
First stage: October 2004 - March 2005
Second stage: June 2005 - October 2005
The first stage feasibility study focused exclusively on proposals for Dunwich. It concluded that, although the churches are technically feasible, the project was not deliverable in Dunwich. However, feedback from members of the public over the last year indicated widespread admiration for the sculptures and their evocative depiction of the impact of coastal erosion. This led the team to pursue the potential of alternative locations in stage two. The team are now proposing the project for Walton-on-the-Naze.
To view the executive summary, click here
Current Status
The team continues to explore the suitability of Walton-on-the-Naze for the sculpture. They aim to extend consultation with stakeholders and members of the public.
Estimated Delivery Timescale
To be advised
Quotes
Councilor Terry Allen, Leader, Tendring District Council said:
"All of us that attended the meeting of community leaders were very impressed with the sculpture and the idea behind it. It looks to celebrate Walton's past by commemorating the lost church and also looks to boost the future of the town by providing a tourist attraction and highlighting the coastal erosion that threatens the Naze. I would urge the people of Walton to support the project."
Councilor Mick Page, Regeneration and Community Services Portfolio Holder Tendring District Council, said:
"This exciting project will help put Walton on the map and help with the protection of the Naze. The first step is to hold a public presentation in the near future so that people can see what it is about and have their say on the idea. The Town Council have kindly agreed to set this up and details will be published soon. There will be a lot of work ahead to make the vision a reality but I'm sure that the people of the town will rally round to continue the regeneration of Walton."
Back to top
|