Achi news desk-
It was designed and built on the site of an old open pit by renowned landscape architect Charles Jencks between 2011 and 2017.
Now Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has added the site, which covers an area of ​​22.5 hectares of land – over 36 football pitches – to the list of Gardens and Designed Landscapes.
The site was nominated for consideration for designation by a member of the public as part of the HES ‘Planned Landscapes of the Recent Past’ project, an initiative to identify and promote Scotland’s remarkable modern gardens and planned landscapes.
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The aim of the program is to improve the representation of the sites in the HES records available to the public, through survey and photographic recording, updating information and images, and considering a selected number of sites to be designated on the List of Gardens and Designed Landscapes.
Crawick Multiverse is now run by the Crawick Multiverse Trust, which operates the site as a visitor attraction, unique destination and outdoor venue.
Charles Jencks was an internationally renowned landscape designer, cultural theorist (especially Postmodernism), and architectural historian. Crawick Multiverse was his last land art project and his largest completed work in the UK, although his work can be seen across the world from India to South Korea.
Jencks Crawick designed Multiverse to explore cosmology, prehistory, and connections to the past through the theory of the ‘multiverse’.
Features in the landscape convey a sense of the universe and its rhythms, from the long stone avenue through the North-South Line, which brings to mind prehistoric stone monuments such as the Neolithic Calanais Long Stones on Ynys Lewis, to the Omphalos, which signifies both. the geological and mythical interior of the Earth.
Philip Robertson, Deputy Head of Designations at HES, said: “Crawick Multiverse is an excellent addition to the inventory. Many of the ideas explored by Charles Jencks throughout his illustrious career culminate here on a massive scale, and the site has artistic, cultural and historical significance.
“Planned gardens and landscapes of the recent past such as Crawick Multiverse are an important element of Scotland’s historic environment and landscape. However, they are not always valued as much as older sites. It is important to record, recognize and promote awareness of these sites through our work.”
Patrick Lorimer, Trustee at The Crawick Multiverse Trust, said: “As trustees we are delighted that Historic Environment Scotland have recognized the importance and uniqueness of Crawick Multiverse and deemed it worthy of being listed in their ‘List of Gardens and Designed Landscapes . ‘ as part of their recent initiative to identify and celebrate Scotland’s modern gardens and planned landscapes.
“It is a rare and special accolade to be recognized in this way and a fitting tribute to Charles Jencks and his significant contribution to land art in the UK and across the world.”
The news comes weeks after HES designated the Livingston ‘Livi’ Skatepark as a category B listed structure.
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The skate park, which opened in 1981 and was later extended, managed to gain an international reputation within the skating world from its early days due to its scale, ambition and quality. Known for its ultra-deep Double Bowl and intricate transitions, the skate park is an enduring icon of the Scottish skate and cycle scene.
‘Livi’ skatepark is the earliest surviving purpose-built skatepark in Scotland. Concrete skateparks from this period are increasingly rare across the UK as many have been filled in or demolished. It is also an important example of public enterprise architecture by Livingston Development Corporation built to serve Livingston New Town.
Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We are delighted to confirm that ‘Livi’ Skate Park is a listed building after West Lothian Council asked us to consider designation.
“Iain Urquhart’s original design is based on early skate culture, and the park is known worldwide for its innovative design, the quality of the skating experience, and as a prototype for later concrete skate parks.
“Through designation, we hope to recognize and protect the best examples of our cultural heritage. The listing of Scotland’s oldest skatepark helps to demonstrate the diversity of our historic environment and particularly the important role played by the built environment of the late 20th century structure in telling the story of Scotland.” ”
