Old rather dull or even eyesore buildings are a problem in most city centres, but Swindon have come up with a rather quirky way to brighten up one of their most boring buildings.
The changes to Alexander House, a rather bland white angular office-block style building in the centre of town, involve painting roundabout symbols on the building and even bolting two replica Mini cars to the outside. Officials from the council have recommended the idea be given planning permission later this month, as the design incorporates connections with Swindon.
Symbols: The BMW Mini’s represent the BMW body pressings plant which resides in Swindon and the roundabout symbol is presumably paying homage to the Magic Roundabout – the famous intersection in the city combining five mini-roundabouts around a larger outer roundabout.
Flying pigs: Plans for solar powered rotating pigs were dropped after they proved to be too expensive, which we can only guess was a less than obvious connection to the Saxon meaning of Swindon “pig hill” or “pigs on a hill”. Perhaps someone can enlighten us?
As long as planning permission is forthcoming, the project will hopefully brighten up the building next year and will be paid for by the building’s owners.
More links in Swindon:
Tourist attractions in Swindon
Hotel accommodation in Swindon
One Comment
What a great idea – I know Swindon fairly well – and the legendary magic roundabout!
Old Swindon is lucky to have retained its charm and I am delighted to see that the newer ‘downtown Swindon’ is proposing to add character to its faceless buildings.