Moors’ Clock Tower Optical Illusion

Below is the Moors'’ Clock Tower, one of the most famous architectural landmarks in Venice, Italy. Italy Traveller says the following about this landmark:

In short, the Tower and its large Astronomical Clock, a masterpiece of technology and engineering, form an essential part of the very image of Venice. For more than five hundred years, they have measured out the flow of life and history within the city.

The clock in this tower is an amazing piece of art and science. Below you can see this beautiful 24 hour clock up close.

Given the history of this clock tower and the fact that it is the focal point of St. Mark's Square and the Piazzetta, which leads from the square to the sea. A daily gathering place for town folk and tourists.

What would be the effect if you had to put up a massive scaffold to provide a much needed facelift to this building?

How could you minimize the intrusion into the aestheticss of the Square?

© Richard Rutter 2003
used w/permission

Well in Venice they created their own optical illusion to minimize the impact of the construction.

This photo was taken by Richard Rutter who runs a site called Clagnut. He said the following about this illusion.

Scaffold illusion taken Jun 2003

The clock and its tower are actually hidden by the scaffold. What you can see is actually a cloth on the outside of the building work. Very effective.

My Thanks go out to Richard for allowing me to show his photo here.