UNESCO mourns passing of Danish artist Erik Reitzel

The head of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Tuesday paid tribute to the Danish artist and civil engineer Erik Reitzel, who has died at the age of 71, saying his art reinforced the Organization's "commitment to serve the common good."

Irina Bokova, UNESCO's Director-General, issued a statement in which she voiced "great sadness" at Reitzel's passing and offered her condolences to Reitzel's wife, Inge Reitzel, and family.

Born in 1941 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Reitzel was a civil engineer and specialized in the study of minimizing structures, intersecting scientific and industrial research. His Symbolic Globe, which was lent by Denmark to the Organization as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, has stood in the Piazza of UNESCO's Headquarters since 1995.

"Erik Reitzel has created his globe to symbolize the ideals of the United Nations and embody the spirit of UNESCO. His piece of art accompanies us every day and makes us stronger in our commitment to serve the common good," Bokova said.

The 12.8 metre-high Globe consists of 10,000 ultra-resistant aluminium rods and joints and was intended to symbolize the commitment of UNESCO delegates to development through diversity and dialogue.

Reitzel's body of work includes the Grande Arche de la De'fense in 1983 and the Plateau du Louvre in 1987 - two of the most identifiable landmarks on the Parisian cityscape.