A striking contemporary spire now rises from the port of Caen, France, serving as a bold red beacon to celebrate the city's millennium and the transformation of its historic port and peninsula. The multidisciplinary design firm Studio 5•5 has created this dramatic public installation, officially titled the "101st Spire of Caen," which stands as both an artistic monument and a symbolic bridge between the city's storied past and its evolving future.
The permanent sculpture was designed by Vincent Baranger and Caen native Anthony Lebossé, working at the invitation of artistic director Mathias Courtet. The monument pays homage to Caen's rich architectural heritage, particularly the distinctive skyline shaped by the spires of its historic abbeys and churches that have defined the city's silhouette for centuries. By referencing the local fable of the "hundred spires," the installation inserts itself into this centuries-old narrative while extending the city's architectural story into the modern era.
The concept addresses a notable gap in Caen's urban landscape, as Studio 5•5's design team recognized that while the city's historic core was abundant with these vertical landmarks, the newly developed port and peninsula area conspicuously lacked such a defining feature. The expression "city of a hundred spires" has long been more of a poetic observation than a precise count, appearing frequently in local chants and traditional songs that celebrate the city's architectural character.
Positioned strategically at the prow of the peninsula, the red spire functions as a dramatic maritime landmark that transforms the surrounding port area into a central public gathering space. The sculpture's unique and intense red color was specially developed by manufacturing partner Terreal using local clay, creating a finish that evokes both a lighthouse and a starboard navigation marker. This distinctive coloring reinforces the canal's role as a crucial maritime gateway while establishing the spire as an unmistakable focal point for both residents and visitors.
The project represents a remarkable example of local collaboration, bringing together more than forty people from various sectors of the community. Terreal served as both manufacturing partner and key sponsor, combining industrial factory expertise with the traditional artisanal skills of the Poterie de Bavent, which handcrafted the signature finish that gives the spire its distinctive appearance. Additional partners included the Metal Academy training company, the Citeos company, and various city departments, creating a comprehensive local ecosystem dedicated to the project's success.
Beyond its daytime presence as a striking architectural feature, the 101st Spire takes on an entirely different character after dark. The sculpture becomes a glowing red beacon that pulses with a gentle, rhythmic light—described by its creators as a symbolic heartbeat for the city and its people. This illuminated presence serves as both a practical navigation aid for maritime traffic and an emotional anchor for the community.
The micro-architecture functions as both a geographic and symbolic bridge, effectively connecting Caen's historic city center with the emerging urban landscape of the port area. Local residents have embraced the installation as a natural setting for gatherings both large and small, demonstrating how public art can successfully integrate into the daily life of a community while serving as a catalyst for urban transformation and civic pride.
