September 28, 2020
Use the power of data to understand how the Illuminated River Project is attracting and engaging visitors
Lighting landmarks in public spaces has an emotional impact on people. Whether the intention is to create public art or to use it as a means of visual identity, lit landmarks look fantastic and help build a sense of community and pride, enhancing the well-being of the people living and visiting the area. However, it’s not easy to quantify this social impact.
The Illuminated River Foundation (IRF) set out with these very goals by lighting up to 14 of London’s iconic bridges. Once complete, it will be the longest public art project in the world and will be seen by over one billion people over its 10-year lifespan.
Renowned artist Leo Villareal designed the subtly moving sequences of LED light to reveal the beauty of the existing architecture of the bridges, their relationship to the River Thames beneath and the surrounding neighbourhoods.