The giant pendulum of Pleskot swung in Ostrava

Ostrava - In the multifunctional hall Gong in the industrial area of Lower Vítkovice, a giant ten-meter pendulum designed by architect Josef Pleskot was set in motion for the first time today. It has permanently moved from Prague to Ostrava. The object, which was set in motion by the author himself, will serve as a link between the world of technology and artistic abstraction. This was stated to ČTK by the spokesperson of the area, Eva Kijonková.

The pendulum is placed on the first floor of the Gong. "A new educational space will be created here, which will connect the teaching of mathematics with the humanities. Emotions and formulas in one," said Ostrava entrepreneur Jan Světlík today during the pendulum's swaying, who is behind the project of Lower Vítkovice.

Pleskot's ten-meter pendulum, weighing approximately two tons, was originally installed in the Church of the Most Sacred Savior in Prague. According to the author, the object is a tribute to human technical skills. According to Pleskot, it can embody both restless and calm human energy. In Prague, it was installed in the church during last year's Easter above the heads of the faithful. In Ostrava, it hangs on a concrete wall. The object is made of classic materials such as wood and metal.

For its swinging, the pendulum requires human energy. "It can swing for about three and a half minutes, which is roughly the duration of the Catholic prayer of the Creed," Pleskot stated.

Architect Pleskot runs his own architectural firm AP atelier. He has received numerous awards for his realizations and has significantly contributed to the transformation of Ostrava. For example, under his designs, the multifunctional hall Gong was revitalized, the Science Center was built, Bolt Tower, the Heligonka facility, and the Agricultural Museum in the Lower Vítkovice area (DOV). He is currently working on a project for a footbridge over the Ostravice River, which will connect the city center with the Lower Vítkovice area next year. He is also the author of an unrealized extension of the Gallery of Fine Arts called White Shadow in the city center.