Metamorphic Light The Rock - Bury

2010

Welcome to your interactive light sculpture and new plaza, a labour of love and innovation.

From early 2009, over a 12-month period, artist Jo Fairfax and lighting designer/ project manager Adam Spinos from Look4ideas Design collaborated to bring this captivating artwork and main plaza to life.

The installation comprises 23 hollow light sculptures of varying heights, crafted from 20mm thick opaque acrylic. Each sculpture houses rows of Look4ideas branded pixel LEDs, capable of displaying thousands of colours individually controlled for dynamic light sequences.

Equipped with ultrasonic sensors, these sculptures respond to their environment, triggering a variety of pre-programmed light patterns and creating a unique, organic interaction with the surroundings.

This dynamic light sculpture is not static; it evolves over time. It features a sophisticated architectural light controller that can be programmed to align with various events and themes in the town, such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and other commercial or cultural happenings.

The potential for this sculpture is vast. It offers endless possibilities for organic growth and adaptation to meet Bury's changing needs. For instance, it can serve as an educational tool for science and art, allowing local and visiting schools to interact with the sculpture, experiment with light forms and animations, and explore the conversion of mathematical equations into light displays.

This installation is more than just a beautiful addition to Bury town centre; it is an interactive and evolving artwork that aims to create a lasting legacy, serving as a landmark and a catalyst for economic growth and local regeneration.

Inspiration and Design: A Journey of Collaboration and Innovation:

Our journey began with a fusion of science, design, art, hands-on fabrication, and engineering. We drew inspiration from the core values of British craftsmanship, architecture, positive thinking, and business development. These guiding principles shaped every aspect of this light sculpture.

In designing this piece, we embraced placemaking principles, taking the time to research and understand Bury's local culture, economy, and community needs. Our approach was deeply collaborative, involving discussions with stakeholders and local residents to ensure the artwork would resonate with the community and contribute meaningfully to the area’s identity and vitality.

Throughout the project, we worked closely with architects and the developer to ensure that the light sculpture and plaza design not only complemented the architectural vision of the surrounding area but also integrated seamlessly with the broader urban regeneration goals. This collaboration was crucial in aligning the artistic elements with functional design, creating a cohesive and dynamic public space that enhances the community's cultural and economic landscape.

Despite the challenges posed by the economic downturn, we are incredibly proud to have delivered this project to the highest standards. This achievement stands as a testament to our belief that through hard work, healthy collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, we can create beautiful and impactful art that resonates with the community and fosters business growth.

The design process was a collaborative effort, bringing together diverse talents and perspectives to create a piece that is not only visually stunning but also deeply interactive. Each element of the sculpture was meticulously crafted, reflecting our dedication to quality and innovation. The result is a dynamic artwork that evolves over time, adapting to the changing needs and events of Bury.

We hope that this light sculpture and Plaza desinn  inspires you as much as it has inspired us in its creation. May it serve as a beacon of hope and a symbol of what can be achieved when creativity, placemaking, and collaboration come together to illuminate our shared spaces.  

Jo and Adam

 Explore our photo and video Gallery to see the project in action!

Artists:

Jo Fairfax, NESTA Fellow. Multi disciplinary public artist very experienced in collaborative projects. Works on designing new spaces and sculptural lighting, seating and interactive pieces. Creative Experimenter.

Look4ideas Design – Adam Spinos. Adam Spinos is a versatile urban designer and project manager with experience in urban regeneration. Specialising in LED lighting technology, he creates bespoke artistic lighting for art and architecture, including interactive sculptural lights. His portfolio extends to product design and various forms of creative engineering, underscoring his comprehensive expertise in design and project management.

Technical Specifications and Other info:

• Over 2200 DMX channels
• 732 Power Pixel LEDs
• Max wattage 1250 Watts
• Average wattage 670 Watts
• 1000m of Data and Power cables
• Endless hours of design and hands on work!

Enjoy!!

Click HERE to go back to Look4ideas Design