Published on: March 13, 2011

Jason Bruges sent us images of a responsive facade lighting installation called Showtime.

The installation records the changing colours of the surrounding buildings and the skyline which is the re-interpreted during the times of darkness.

More info from Jason Bruges Studio below:

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Jason Bruges Studio announces London’s first responsive and illuminated façade artwork, unveiled at the new W Hotel, Leicester Square, London. The integrated public art installation, commissioned by developers McAleer & Rushe, captures the skyline via 8 cameras mounted on the hotel roof. The panoramic view is recreated on the façade of the building using 600 lights diffused through fritted glass.

The dynamic artwork records the changing lights and colour of the surrounding buildings and skyline 24 hours a day. The content is interpreted as short performances on the facade during the hours of darkness. The performances will be unique everytime you visit, automatically responding to seasonal change and special events around the building, such as film festivals, premieres and the Chinese New Year.

The Barco lights, which use 4 times less energy than traditional neon lighting, offer a unique colour rendering, allowing the artwork to portray pastel colours. This subtle but illustrious effect creates a new landmark in the busy Leicester Square vicinity.

Gabby Shawcross, the project designer says “the combination of film and architecture on such a large and prominent site in central London is extremely exciting.” Shawcross adds “The genuinely innovative and ground breaking piece, in London’s historic and premiere filmic location, captures the essence of the changing skyline on a daily basis”.

The piece reflects and celebrates the unique character of the location which changes dramatically from day to night and from season to season according to cultural events taking place. The site has a long history in such cultural diversity dating back to the 19th century when Burford’s Panorama and Wyld’s Globe were open for visitors to experience scenery and imagery never seen before in such scale.

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