How does this artwork elucidate its Design and symbolism?
The clock tower is an independent structure, and designed to stand out from its surroundings, which it towers over. This is said to be in contrast with the clock towers or faces common to most universities; though many universities will have one, they are typically on the facade of an otherwise individually important building or structure and are sidelined. By giving the clock tower the focus of the space within Rectory Plaza, it is said (by one of the university's preservation groups) to further emphasize the purpose of clocks at educational institutions in marking real and symbolic passages of time. The clock tower has three bases, each a twisted column. These symbolize art, architecture and academics, with the twisted columns creating the appearance of three A's. It is 25 metres (82 ft) tall, and so defies the low-rise design of the rest of the Rectory Plaza. Villanueva and Otaola also chose to keep the design of the clock tower "pure", with nothing extra needed or added.Professor Silvia Hernández of the university noted that the design elements of the base of the clock tower both work functionally to support three clock faces, but also represent a passage to a modern university, leaving the associations of the old clock tower, which was part of the Convent of San Francisco, in the past.The structure retains its original clockwork, electricity and sound systems dating from the 1950s. The electrical system was faulty by the 2010s, but is still used, making the clock run slow; the sound system was damaged in 2002 but also continues to be used.
Convent of San Francisco Rectory Plaza