COMBINING the aesthetic with the practical, Durban Harbour's new shipping control tower - known as The Millennium - will not only co-ordinate search and rescue operations and navigate ships to and from the port, but the coloured light and movement will make it a distinctive landmark of the city.
According to Tourism KwaZulu Natal (KZN) market research and information officer, James Seymour, the lights on the tower - which will not interfere with navigation - will provide the KZN capital with an ever-changing show of movement and colour, attracting visitors to the unusual landmark.
"During the day, movements of the sun will cause constant changes in the appearance of the tower, indicating the time of day from the sun's position.
At night, coloured lights will change randomly according to tide, wind-direction and humidity."
He says the tower's design enables it to act as a link between the natural seaside environment and the residents of the city. Its mesh-clad cowl acts as a wind vane, the top of the tower contains a fixed spire with a moving tidal indicator and four strobe lights at the very top indicate whether the tides are moving in or out.
The Millennium is expected to be competed by June 2001.
(Adéle Mackenzie)
