Icons in the British Cities - Research Paper Example

 Icons in Four British Cities. How they are used and the impact they have on each city. Aims: 1. To identify four major cities in the UK which make use of icons. 2. To explore what icons are present, what meanings they have, and how they are used. 3. To determine what impact the icons have on each city. Method: Library research on icons and British cities. Fieldwork to take pictures of iconic locations and objects. Fieldwork to visit the four chosen cities and gather examples of icons Case study of four cities and their icons Introduction: Icons in the past and in the modern world. [500 words] ICONS IN FOUR BRITISH CITIES Introduction: Icons in the past and in the modern world. Definition The term icon generally refers to a representation of some sort in the form of a picture or object that is easily identifiable by many. It may also mean a symbol that is used by different cultures to for purposes of historical value or having a known significance to such community or groups of communities. Background Information In the medieval times, icons were mostly represented by historical monuments and buildings. It also included paintings and carvings that were done on stones and caves by hunters or artists in the community. Such icons represented a particular history or symbol of power in the community. A good example of icons that represented symbols of power included palaces of the royal family in the kingdom. Buckingham palace in Great Britain is an example of such palace that was and still is home to the royal family. Religious shrines and buildings were also known icons in the past due to their revered status. Rome for example was a society that was deeply engulfed in religious practices and as such had several places of worship within the region. Such places were known icons within and beyond the boundaries of Rome since they were not only revered by many, but also had influence on the political administration at that time. Great emphasis was also placed on the erection and curving of monuments and statues by several communities in the past. This was done to honour individuals for their great contribution to the society and as such, places where these monuments and statues were erected become known icons within the region both in the medieval times and up to date. In the modern times however, icons of places are mostly represented by beautiful architectural buildings. Though past icons such as monuments, statues and historical buildings are still recognized as icons of different places, there is a rapid change in the way icons are perceived and this has been brought about by the construction of amazing pieces of architecture. This paradigm shift has been driven by the demand for popularity and instant fame as well as for business purposes. Different regions are now in competition with one another in the construction of stunning architectural buildings. From the twin towers in Malaysia to the Five Star hotel, Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the emphasis has been placed on tall and aesthetical pleasing building designs. Two dimensional form of art such as paintings are no longer given the recognition as known icons since they have been replaced by three dimensional forms of art. In view of current event, more and more emphasis is being placed on the height of such buildings and there is growing completion among several individuals or regions on who has the tallest and most aesthetically pleasing building design. The emergence of wealthy individuals coupled with the growing economy of selected regions has seen the rise of such iconic building. It is believed that future icons will not only be aesthetically pleasing but also will incorporate environmentally friendly aspects in their construction and operation Literature review: Meaning and use of icons in Tourism. [1000 words] In our many endeavours to enjoy the pleasures of being in this world, one of the most memorable aspects is the thrill of visiting a new place, be it in a foreign land or just within our local reach. These places can be natural marvels .such as the Peninsula Valdes in Argentina or The Great Barrier reef in Australia, animals such as The Big Five in Kenya, old buildings such as Westminster Abbey in London or the La-Grand Place in Belgium , agriculture such as The Hanging gardens of Iraq or the Botanical Gardens (OrtoBotanico) of Italy, cultural and religious aspects such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral in France or the St Paul’s Cathedral in London, or monuments and structures such as The Ancient Kyoto Historic Monuments in Japan or the Great Pyramids of Egypt (UNESCO, 2012). All these wonders are recognized globally as international icons of tourism and many are classified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Some of these icons are well known like the Eiffel tower in France, The Statue of Liberty in USA and the Taj Mahal in India. They are generally labelled as ‘The Places’ to visit while in the country, yet very little is known of places like Bordeaux, Port of the Moon in France, which is a city comprising of exceptional structures in building designs and it played a significant role in shaping the culture and values of the British who came there to trade. Another overlooked icon is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the USA, a natural park playing host to a variety of vegetation species considered in danger of extinction and is believed to harbour the greatest number of threatened salamander species. The flora and fauna of this park is an exhilarating relief from the hustle and bustle of city life. Not forgetting the Red Fort Complex in India, an ensemble of creative design built for the purpose of serving as a palace (UNESCO, 2012). Its intricate design is outstanding to look at. It was built from red sandstone and that is where its name was derived. These and many more renowned icons form the basis of tourist attractions. Tourists always marvel in awe at the grandiose and majesty of these sites and to make the visit more pleasurable, they take pictures and buy souvenirs. In respect to the economic growth of cities and towns within the environs of these sites, tourism brings in business in terms of foreign exchange. It enhances growth of the hospitality industry through hotels and lodges to provide accommodation for the huge number of both local and international tourists. Tourism promotes the livelihood of the inhabitants through sale of souvenirs. The intermingling of these foreign individuals from their different countries brings in an aspect of cultural diversity that cannot be discounted. Good international relations foster good economic growth. This in turn strengthens diplomatic relations between engaging countries when good reports are sent and received to visiting and hosting nations accordingly. The part in history that these icons have played so as to earn their place in the various books of history cannot be undervalued. For instance, The Tower of London, which owes its existence to two different kingdoms; that of the Romans and English. Initially started as a defence wall by the Romans, when they left, and William I seized England, he built a tower using the wall as a base. Over the years, even long after the death of William, the wall has been fortified and several more towers built to produce the present day Tower of London. Its significance increased when monarchs used it as a shelter. In a similar stride, The Arc de Triomphe (Triumphal Arch) is a well-known historic site in Paris. It was built to celebrate the lives of soldiers that died fighting in the French and Napoleonic wars. This architectural marvel is 50 meters above the ground, with a road running beneath it. It carries the names of soldiers that died in the wars. Several nations have marched under it to signify a win or triumph that they achieved such as the Germans and the French. The above mentioned examples ensure that history will always be embedded not only in books and journals but also in these monumental structures. True appreciation for these artistic representations is most, at best, achieved through a visit to their residing locations. Most individuals would say that the cost of travelling, accommodations and commuting to these areas is what deters them from enjoying seeing the sights. However with the correct planning, this can be achieved at a minimal cost like planning to visit the site during the low tourist season. This ensures that the prices are moderately fair then, than during the high season. Look for affordable accommodation prior to the date of travel. This can be easily done through web search of the hotels and lodging facilities within the area one plans on visiting. Book a professional tour guide to take you through the sights. This makes it more lively and interactive than mere sightseeing. If possible, have a schedule with the day and area you plan to visit. Avoid ‘overcrowding’ a single day with a lot of activities. Take ample time for visiting the sites and ample time to rest so as to wake up refreshed the following day to go through the next days’ activities. Case Study A. London [750 words] Being the capital city of Britain, London is dotted with several iconic buildings and sights. These icons are not only popular with the residents, but also with the international community given the huge number of tourists who visit the city on an annual basis. These icons therefore act as geographical reference points as well as tourist attraction sites given their rich history and aesthetically pleasing designs. Examples of such iconic structures include the following; 1. The Tower of London. Also known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, this medieval structure stands at the edge of the world renown River Thames. Built by Conqueror William over nine hundred years ago, the Tower of London was since its establishment expanded by subsequent kings and its main structure being used as the Kings residence and also as a strong military ground. Among its include hosting parliamentary proceedings in the years 1236 and 1261 as well holding court cases that arose at the time. It was also used as a prison during the wars and a storage of the kings many jewellery. Different endangered wild animals such as lions and polar bears brought from different parts of the region were also given refuge at the Tower and the locals allowed viewing them at a fee. Additionally, ceremonial events such as The Beating of the Bounds and Lilies and Roses ceremony were conducted in the Tower. The building has undergone several changes until the year 1285 with more castles being constructed within the palace. However, very little changes has been made to the castle since then and as such it provides historians and visitors alike with accurate records of the historical background of the palace. Branded by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1988, the rich history of the Tower coupled with its medieval structural design is what has continued to attract thousands of visitors annually, making it a renowned icon in the region. Among its attractions include a guided tour of the Tower, where ancient artefacts have been well preserved to date. These include an array of armoury used in the medieval times with most popular attraction being the Royal Armoury, which belonging to King Henry the Eighth. The tower is currently managed by an independent charity, The Historic Royal Palaces which over sees the preservation and running of the Tower. 2. St. Pauls’ cathedral Built on the site of several other churches dating back to 604 A, St. Paul’s Cathedral is London’s most popular and prestigious icons. Home to the Diocese of London, the church is located on one of the highest points in London city. Destroyed during the infamous Great fire of London, the Church was restored to its glorious form by Christopher Weren in the 1669. His masterpiece design, popular referred to as the ‘Great Model’, was designed in the form of a cross and included the construction of the World’s second largest domes ever built. The domes, scales a height of approximately 367 feet above the ground and as such offers spectacular view of the city of London. It structure is boosted by several arches and is crowned by a mega lantern at the centre of the dome making the church an instantly recognizable icon in the City of London (Great Britain, 1943). It is this unique and easily recognizable design that has attracted visitors from all parts of the world. Visitors are therefore treated to a spectacular view of the city after climbing the 560 steps leading to the top of the dome. In addition, the dome has two viewing galleries of the way to the top where visitors can have a sneak preview of the city. Its interior design is also known to appeal many. Its mosaic ceiling designed by William Richmond under the instruction of Queen Victoria, is unmatched by any other. Popular people such as the Duke of Wellington and the church’s designer, Christopher Wren have been entombed in the Cathedrals script. In addition to such rich historical background surrounding the Cathedral, the church has also played host other events such as officiating the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in the year 1981 as well as conducting the funeral of the popular Winston Churchill in 1965 as well as the Admiral Nelson in 1806. In light of these rich accounts of history as well as the architectural awe of the churches construction as well as its marvellous interior that makes St. Pauls’ Cathedral a renowned icon not only in Britain but also globally. Case Study B. Edinburgh [750 words] Edinburgh Castle Visited by over one million people annually, Edinburgh Castle is a dominant landmark in the city of Edinburgh and the leading city icon from medieval ages. The castle is believed to have been built by David I in the 12th century and the location of this castle was royal residence up to 1603 when there was the Union of the Crowns. The principle function of the castle changed to a huge military base from the 17th century after a decline in its residential roles post 1603. The rich history behind this landmark involves several wars from the 14th century battles of Scottish independence to 1745’s Jacobite Rising that has over the centuries saw this icon besieged and attacks refuted on many occasions. The castle is among the very few buildings prior to the Lang Siege of the 16th century that are standing to this day, many were destroyed during medieval wars that saw the rumbling of fortifications by artillery onslaught. What makes this castle an icon besides its rich survival history is the fact that the first settlements in the city began here. The reason for this was because of the strong volcanic rock that forms the castle’s foundation which initial residents’ refuge during attack making it a safe and ideal defensive position for the city. From the castle, the city grew with subsequent houses constructed just in front of the rock that is the present day Lawnmarket. More buildings continued towards Royal Palace of Holyrood House as the city grew and this stretch was later named The Royal Mile coming from the many kings and queens that have made their way between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood House over the centuries. Presently, the castle is a major tourist site with over 1.3 million visitors in 2011 making it Scotland’s most visited tourist attraction. It is partially managed by the British army whose roles are both ceremonial and administrative. Other than tourist visits, ordinary citizens occasionally conduct important ceremonies like weddings here to connect with rich history of this icon in their holly matrimonies. With very few buildings pre-dating 16th century and being the first building block of modern day Edinburg, this castle is in its every sense both an icon and a landmark that takes a special place in the history pages of not only the Scottish and British people but also the world at large which is the justification for the many visits the landmark receives each year. Nelson Monument This monument is a tower in honour of Admiral Lord Nelson for his fearless leadership in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. This monument was erected between 1807 and 1815 on top of Calton Hill in the city of Edinburgh to mark nelson’s victory against French and Spanish army in the epic 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. To add value to this monument, a time ball was added in 1853 to serve a shipping time signal in Leith harbour. At 171 metres above seal level, the monument stood taller than prior masts and was therefore ideal for sending signals to ships Each year, the famous message by nelson; “England expects that every man will do his duty” fly from this monument courtesy of the Royal Navy as a reminder of his contribution. What makes this monument of specific significance to Edinburgh is the public involvement at the time of its construction that saw the monument get funding from public subscription. Alexander Nasmyth brought fourth the first design that was later deemed very expensive and an alternative design of an inverted telescope adopted. This new design was done by Richard Burn who later died and left the construction responsibility to Thomas Bonnar who saw it to completion. In the original design, the tower was to be a signal mast overseen by sailors whose accommodation was provided on the rooms constructed in the tower’s ground floors. These rooms later became by 1820 and for a small fee, the public accessed the tower immediately after completion of the project. At present, this monument is a constant reminder to the residents of Edinburgh of their painful past with regards to the wars that were fought in this land and how leadership of one man changed the fate of an entire nation in the hands of French and Spanish invaders. As local and foreign visitors make their way through the tower, The Battle of Trafalgar is constantly re-lived. As a significant symbol of liberation, this landmark will forever remain an icon to the city of Edinburgh and with the annual reminder of Nelson’s words; the tower gets a new life each year making it constantly relevant. Different views of the Nelson Monument Llandaff Cathedral [750 words] Situated in Llandaff Cardif, the cathedral is the office of Bishop of Llandaff who heads the church in Wales. This icon was built in the 12th century over a site that had earlier accommodated another church, so it was basically constructed over another ancient building and dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. This prior church in pre-Norman times is evidenced by the Celtic cross that presently stands at the cathedral. The cathedral was constructed in 1102 under the leadership of Urban, the first bishop appointed after the Norman Conquest and was later completed in 1220. Its design incorporated several statues that were given by Henry de Abegavenny with towers forming the central part of the design. After destruction of the cathedral in 1400 during rebellion lead by Owain Glyndwr, there was a little change in design during the repair of damages and the northwest tower that presently stand without a spine was added under the leadership of Jasper Tudor. The cathedral was later swamped by Parliamentarian troops during the English civil war and y 1720, the magnificent structure was in a state of collapse after suffering damages during the Great storm in 1703. The icon would later be re-designed by John Wood in 1734 after the storm and nicknamed ‘Italian Temple’. As the temple stands to day, it not only signifies the past struggles that befell Cardiff but also symbolizes an aspect of religious and political history of the British people. Having survived several invasions and a deadly storm, the cathedral is a living symbol of the rich historical heritage of the British people depicting the power of determination that saw its restoration over and over again after the various calamities that were experienced in Cardiff. As the present Bishop sits there, he is reminded of the huge efforts that was put by prior bishops since the day of its founder- Urban to see the landmark hold a special meaning to not only the faithful who flock this cathedral each day, but also ancient architecture. Different views of the Llandaff Cathedral design The view from the inside depicts picture perfect sculptors and Sir Jacob Epsteins "Christ in Majesty" takes centre stage towering above the beautiful stained glass windows. The main towers are equally wonderfully designed giving the cathedral its Italian connection. From the inside, several sculptures stand with amazing paintings in the Bishop’s chambers. The cathedral is simply a site to reckon, which justifies its many tourist visits annually. Cardiff castle Built in the 11th century by Norman invaders, the castle stands on top of Roman fort. Rebuilding by stone began in the 12th century under the possible leadership of Robert of Gloucester which saw the erection of defensive walls. This castle has over the centuries been at the centre of Anglo-Norman conflict with the Welsh laying several attacks here in the 12th century during the rebellion of Owain Glyndwr. Several changes on the design of this castle that include the octagonal tower were made by Richard de Beauchamp who acquired the castle from the de Clare family in 1423 (Mynors, 2006). When The Normans started invasions into south of Wales, they constructed several castles along the way mostly on old Roam sites to install regional leaderships. The originally Roman sites help The Normans in making huge savings on manpower necessary for the construction of huge fortification that was an essential element in buildings at the time. It is during this period of the invasion that Cardiff Castle was built and from the site, evidence of ancient Roman constructions is evident to this day. Rubbles of ancient Roman walls upon which the castle was constructed In my opinion, this icon is of enormous significance not only to the city of Cardiff but also to British history. Its construction reminds ordinary citizens of the bloody Norman times that saw many wars fought with thousands of lives lost in the process. The architecture is spectacular and the use of Ancient Roman sites by The Normans was genius in saving constructions costs by utilizing existing resources, a lesson that can be noted the modern generation in resource management. With the many tourist visits each year, this castle is renewed each day as the beautiful architectural work is appreciated and the creativity involved note each day by visitors. The elegance and ambience of this magnificent icon makes Cardiff a landmark in the city and a place of historical reference to both residents and visitors alike. With not many buildings of Norman times still standing, this castle is a beautiful reminder of the painful past. Different views of the Castle Case Study D. Liverpool. [750 words] Royal liver building Located at the Pier Head, this building in one of Liverpool’s Three Graces lining the city’s waterfront that also includes Cunard and Port of Liverpool buildings. The building was intended to the home of Royal Liver Assurance group that was established in 1850 to assist locals with loosing a relative who earned wages. It was opened in 1911. For years, this building was the tallest in Europe standing at 90m and is today the most recognisable landmarks in Liverpool. Something that spices this iconic structure is the presence two love birds watching over the city and its adjacent sea. There is a myth that if these two birds were to fly, Liverpool would cease to exist as a city (Mobilereference 2010). This is another reason why so many visitors find interest in the building. Designed by Walter Aubrey Thomas, the building was constructed to house over 6000 employees of Royal Liver Group at the time was commenced in 1908 to be completed in 1911. It was the first British structure to be constructed using reinforced concrete and a look at the design that appeared radical at the time, most people saw it as impossible to put up. Two clock towers crown the building and from the sea, mariners over the years have been able to tell the time by simply looking at these towers (Jones, 2010). The clocks are the biggest in the United Kingdom with a diameter spanning 7.6 meters much larger than Big Ben of London and are distinct as the largest electronically driven clocks in Britain. In the night, the clock’s dials are light up making them visible to mariners even by night. The love birds have an alterative local legend that believes that one of the birds is male and stares inland to spot if the pubs are open while the other is female looking out to the sea to see if there are any handsome looking male sailors coming into the port. There is equally another legend that states that each time a virgin takes a walk across the piers head, the loved birds wag their wings. For these mythical reasons, the birds are chained up on the dome where they stand to never fly away lest the city of Liverpool cease to exist. Being the tallest buildings in Europe for years, the structure was a noticeable landmark that symbolized Liverpool. It was of huge significance because of being the first complex design to use reinforced concrete to the amazements of cynics who thought constructing such a building was impossible at the time. Mythical tales surrounding the birds and the significance of housing one of the most important organizations at the time of its construction made the building very relevant to residents of Liverpool. View of the icon at day and in the night Queensway Located in North West of England, this 3.24km long road tunnel between Liverpool and Birkenhead is sometimes called Birkenhead Tunnel. It’s is situated under river Mersey and contains a single four lane carriage way, two in each direction. In 1981, the lighting in the tunnel was updated from the amber fluorescent tubes which caused a flicker effect on vehicle windscreens, inducing epileptic reactions to vulnerable people. The circular tunnel appears semi-circular when driving through .the area below the roadway, knows as Central Avenue was initially intended to house an electric tram route, but instead it was used to house a gas pipe and carry cables and pipes services. Comparison and Discussion of results. [1000 words] Conclusions. [500 words] References MOBILEREFERENCE. (2010). Travel Liverpool, England, UK Illustrated Guide and Maps. Boston, MobileReference.com. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=618577. MYNORS, C. (2006). Listed buildings, conservation areas and monuments. London, Sweet & Maxwell. JONES, P. (2010). The sociology of architecture: constructing identities. Liverpool, Liverpool University Press. UNESCO. (2012). The world's heritage: the bestselling guide to the most extraordinary places. Paris, UNESCO. GREAT BRITAIN. (1943). Ancient monuments and historic buildings. Appendix 1. Evidence of Objects and Locations. Appendix 2. Evidence of icons for sale in shops. 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