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Tiger & Turtle – A Roller Coaster for Pedestrians

Submitted by Michael Frankfort @mfrank_76

Click HERE for the original article

https://www.duisburg.de/microsites/visit_duisburg/discover_the_city/industrial_heritage/tiger-turtle.php

“Tiger & Turtle – A Roller Coaster for Pedestrians”

What is it? Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain is a walkable outdoor sculpture located in Duisburg, Germany. Despite resembling a traditional roller coaster, it is not a functioning ride but rather a pedestrian installation. Visitors can explore it by walking along the structure, which includes stairs and walkways but no moving parts. The sculpture, made of galvanized steel, stands 21 meters tall, with a total length of 220 meters and 246 steps.

The Idea Behind It The sculpture is designed to mimic the appearance of a roller coaster while providing a slower, more contemplative experience. It serves as a commentary on modern society’s fast pace, offering a space to slow down and reflect. It was intended to be ready for the 2010 European Capital of Culture festivals but was completed later.

How It Was Made Constructed at a cost of two million Euros, Tiger & Turtle is built from galvanized steel. The design and construction involved bending and welding thick-walled tubes, creating a complex three-dimensional contour. The installation includes 800 LED lights that illuminate the sculpture at night.

Visitor Experience Visitors can walk, run, or race each other along the sculpture’s path, experiencing a unique perspective of the surrounding industrial landscape. The experience is characterized by physical exertion and relief as one ascends and descends the structure, offering views and a moment to reflect on speed and life.

Location Ehinger Str. 117, 47249 Duisburg, Germany. The sculpture is accessible 24/7.

Analysis Tiger & Turtle contrasts with traditional roller coasters by offering a slow, physically engaging experience rather than speed and excitement. It challenges visitors to reflect on their own pace of life and the concept of speed versus slowness.

Final Words The sculpture’s name, Tiger & Turtle, symbolizes the contrast between the expected excitement of a roller coaster and the actual slow, deliberate experience. It reflects the industrial history of the site and stands as a landmark that encourages a slower appreciation of contemporary art and architecture.

SpaceWalk in South Korea Designed by the same artists, Ulrich Genth and Heike Mutter, SpaceWalk in Pohang is a large-scale, walkable art installation. It resembles a roller coaster and offers panoramic views from a height. The installation features LED lighting and is designed to withstand significant weather conditions and seismic activity. It is a modern interpretation of the roller coaster concept, providing a unique experience similar to Tiger & Turtle but with its own local cultural references and technical considerations.

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