CARDIFF DESIGN ICONS
Time to take a short break from the web design and pay homage to some inspiring popular Cardiff design icons. The Welsh capital is packed with some gems. If you’re visiting us here in Cardiff, here’s a few designs you really must check out!
Millenium Centre
This giant bronze looking beetle form (or hull) is sure to catch your eye from most view-points of the city. Up close it’s a site to behold. Planted in the heart of Cardiff Bay, the intriguing art centre-piece is home to some great shows from Welsh ballet and opera to musical shows. The shadow plays host to many exciting outdoor Cardiff events and festivals throughout the year.
From it's opening in January 2009, the Cardiff building was the design vision of Jonathan Adams (Percey Thamos Architects). Describing the building, the designer referred to it as an expression of "Welshness”. The choice of materials, originate from all over Wales and pay homage to Welsh heritage and history.
2000 tonnes of welsh slate were used to help clad the building and give a rocky impression. The striking bronze cladding is made from copper oxide treated steel (4500 tonnes of it). Both materials help to protect from the harsh coastal weather and will continue to improve with age.
The copper steel is wrapped in a large striking text inscription, conveyed both in Welsh and English text:
IN THESE STONES
HORIZONS
SING
CREU GWIR
FEL GWYDR
O FFWRNAIS AWEN
(Transcribed: Creating truth like glass from the furnace of inspiration)
The words are the work of Welsh poet Gwyneth Lewis and Menna Elfyn, Grahame Davies.
“I wrote the words to reflect the cultural ambition of the Centre. They draw both on Wales's industrial past and the institution's location in Cardiff Bay, once the greatest coal port in the world."
Gwyneth Lewis
Taff Trail
We web designers spend most of our time coding behind a screen and a keyboard. It’s important to take a break every now and then regardless of how much we enjoy designing! During down time, you’ll be hard pushed to find a better alternative in Cardiff than a walk down the fantastic Taff trail. The 55 mile long trail runs from Cardiff to Brecon where you can take in an array of rivers, Forrests, railways, mountains and castles.
Sources, Further Reading and Interest
Designing For Accessibility And Inclusion (Source: www.gwynethlewis.com)
www.wmc.org.uk