Client:
Havercroft
Designer:
SpaceInvader
Project Team:
SpaceInvader | Legal & General Investment Management | Artin | Lazerian | Havercroft
Transforming Piccadilly Gardens
Studiotech worked closely with the client and design team to revitalise the Pavilion at Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, as part of a broader scheme that included ‘Weave’ light art installation, in-ground feature lighting and kiosk lighting.
A key feature of the project was ‘Weave’, a light art installation which was inspired by the city’s cotton industry heritage, designed by SpaceInvader in collaboration with Artin and Lazerian.
Engineering Design
Supply
Fabrication
Installation
Control
Programming
Engineering design
Studiotech led the engineering design and implementation of the RGBW light art sculpture.
Working with the existing concrete structure presented unique challenges, requiring each star’s knuckle and point to be aligned with the original indentations cast into the surface.
Additionally, the gentle curvature of the wall meant that every star had to be carefully faceted at the knuckle to match its precise angle.
Solution
The sculpture is crafted from acrylic with a Secret Sign face that remains black when unlit, encased in a sleek, black-coated aluminium frame. This design choice creates a modern, minimalist look with a bold visual impact, ensuring the installation stands out both in daylight and when illuminated at night.
The lighting system is programmed to respond to natural light cycles using an astronomical clock. The default warm white setting is fully dimmable, allowing precise control over brightness and smooth transitions.
To enhance the installation’s versatility, Studiotech developed custom lighting scenes with dynamic colour combinations tailored for events such as Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Pride.
This adaptable design ensures the installation remains visually engaging and responsive to the changing atmosphere of the space.
Experience
The light art installation offers passers by a striking visual experience both day and night. During the day, its sleek, modern design stands out, while at night, the lighting comes to life, shifting in colour and intensity.
The design pays homage to Manchester’s industrial heritage, with its dynamic form and lighting echoing the city’s history in textiles.
This experiential artwork encourages people to pause and engage with the changing light, creating an interactive and vibrant atmosphere that connects the space to the city’s past.
