Forget the Statue of Liberty.
The most imposing “Welcome to Our Country” statue of all time is about to be revived.
According to ArchDaily, plans are underway to construct an updated, inhabitable Colossus of Rhodes that will stand over 400 feet tall and feature modern updates that meet 21st century building standards.
The Colossus of Rhodes Project, a consortium of architects, engineers and tourism agents led by Greek architect Ari A. Palla, hopes to revive one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Located on the isle of Rhodes, the original Colossus statue (110 feet tall and made of bronze) depicted the Greek god Helios standing guard at the city’s harbor. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 B.C.
Palla has high hopes for the new Colossus. His goal: “To make the visitor shiver and feel the same identical emotions that his ancestors felt looking at it for the first time, more than 2,200 years ago.”
And, of course, bring in some tourism money. The new statue will stand tripod-like just outside the city. Completely sustainable, it will be covered in solar panels. Inside: a purposeful open space featuring a cultural center, library, exhibition hall and lighthouse (and restaurants with fantastic views, of course).
According to The Week, economic turmoil in Greece could hurt the project, estimated at €250 million to construct. However, the team behind Colossus estimates the statue could bring in €35 million per year.
Either way, it’s good to think big.
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