Jaume PLENSA, Refuge and Observatory (1991). Auch (France)

© herve-armand bechy

Photo : 1 2

The work is composed of two elements( "The False Refuge" and the "Observatory": on one side a sort of miniature temple, 3,5 m high made of cast iron situated next to the small bridge across the river Gers in the lower town. This element is in form of four columns with roof.
To get the second part of the work one must cross the river and go up the gigantic staircase on the hill side leading to the medieval town.
On one of the upper landings Plensa has engraved a plate (9,5 x 9,5 x 0,04 m) of cast iron with an extract from the Old Testament dealing with Flood. In the middle is a glass plate (1 x 1 m) under which he has put a spot light, allowing a ray of light pointed to the sky be seen at night.
The work was conceived as a symbolic element, recalling the flood which severely damaged the lower part of the town in 1977. This dramatic event is still very present in the collective memory of the inhabitants.