When the construction of the Statue of Unity is completed, India will be the home to the world's tallest statue. At 182 meters, the architecturally artistic marvel is almost twice the height of the Statue of Liberty. The monument depicts the Vallabhbhai “Sardar” Patel — the first deputy Prime Minister of India, and seeks to commemorate the leadership and political significance during the country's struggle for independence.
Designed by Michael Graves Architecture & Design, the project will also include other tourist-friendly sites, including a hotel, a quaint memorial garden, a visitor's center, as well as "miles of roadways and bridges to connect [the world's tallest statue] to the town of Kevadia, India."
The Statue of Unity is currently being constructed and is scheduled to be completed later in 2018.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Architecturally Artistic Monuments
- There is a growing trend towards constructing architecturally artistic monuments that captivate and inspire visitors.
- Tourist-friendly Destination Development
- Developing tourist-friendly sites, such as hotels, visitor's centers, and gardens, alongside iconic statues or monuments, presents opportunities for creating unique and memorable experiences.
- Symbolic Statues as Icons of National Identity
- Many countries are investing in iconic statues that commemorate important influential figures from their history, as a mean to represent national pride and identity.
Where This Applies
- Architecture and Design
- Architects and design firms have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skills by participating in the construction of innovative and architecturally artistic monuments.
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Developing tourist-friendly infrastructure and attractions, such as hotels and visitor's centers, can create new opportunities for growth and diversification in the tourism and hospitality industry.
- Tourist Souvenirs and Memorabilia
- The construction of iconic statues and monuments provides an opportunity for businesses to create and sell unique souvenir items and memorabilia related to these landmarks.
