The campus sculpture relocation - Essay Example

The Campus Sculpture Relocation Relocating art is sometimes a challenging task given the repercussions thataccrue to the fragility of such materials. Relocation may lead to the damage of sculptures as they may become loose and detached (Frankfort 14). With these and more, relocation of sculptures is to be done through a precise process to facilitate maximum care and handling. A critical analysis should be done before the relocation process is initiated. This should include reasons that lead to the relocation as well as identification of the most suitable site for relocation.

In the site identification factors such as environmental factors, land topography, earthquakes, weight and size of the sculpture among others are worth considering. In this article I am going to consider the relocation of the Class of 1913 Fountain in the University of Oregon. It was unveiled in 1913 as a gift dedicated to the class of the mentioned year. Its location has remained the same all through the years and currently it has found itself between the Fenton Hall and Deady hall. There are myriad of reasons why I would propose the relocation of the sculpture (Frankfort 119).

To begin with is its function and symbolism. The fountain serves the purpose of commemoration and honor of the 1913 class. With this in mind, seconded by the fact that the architectural designs have changed remarkably over the years, the need for relocation of the fountain is prompted. The initial buildings have been relocated and rebuilt, so why not the fountain? The fountain should be relocated to a place where it is visible to most people and suitable for the purpose it serves. In addition the other structures that have been constructed around the fountain are very irrelevant to the structure; or is it the structure that is irrelevant in its position?

Any way, the sculpture is of less importance in comparison with its surroundings. There also arises the issue of space. Its present location is between two halls and this may be interpreted as inadequacy of space for viewing it. This is not to mention the walk paths and pavements that surround it. It is therefore a busy spot and therefore the distraction to its viewing is a significant challenge. In addition to this is its security considering the many people who are always busy around the area.

It should be relocated to a calm place supposedly where people rest. The other factor to consider is the environmental suitability (Frankfort 49). In its current position, the fountain provides a place for birds to perch. This is because it is surrounded by trees that harbor the birds. The water in the fountain is therefore dirty and contaminated. It even may pose health complications to the people who visit the place. This then poses a lot of maintenance tasks in its cleaning. Again, it may wear out faster than the due time it is intended to last for.

This again may lead to pollution by the materials of which it is made of. The other factor to consider is arising need for the use of space occupied by the fountain for more profitable activities. The fountain is located in such a position that if it were not there could have been built a building that could have been of much use. Its relocation will therefore provide for such a purpose. The fountain should be relocated to a place with no further intentions of use or one that has limited uses.

A building such as classrooms would be more beneficial given the rising number of student admission into the learning institution. Its relocation may therefore mean the absorption of more students into the learning institution. A recreational facility for the good of the students could also be set up in its place. Its relocation will also facilitate its renovation and also improve on the scenic beauty it provides. These among other factors have led to the need to relocate the fountain. However, this is to be done with much caution.

Its location should be one that does not dwarf the structure as it is now and also an environment that will not be overridden by the art. The environment should be both airy and spacious. This is to facilitate its watching without damage. It should also be placed in a strategic place where it is going to serve its purpose and full representation of what it symbolizes. The position of the structure should also be environmentally conscious and easy to access for cleaning. Pollution from the facility should be minimized or done away with completely to eradicate the health hazards that may arise due to such pollution.

The security for the fountain should be put on the forefront. The overriding importance of the space occupied by these structure when put on the weighing balance with the advantages owing to the fountain leave no question to the proposal of relocation of the fountain. Work Cited Frankfort, Henri. The art and architecture of the ancient orient. London: Penguin. 1997. Print.