Winner Current

Leo Villareal, the artist who created The Bay Lights (a monumental public art installation on San Francisco’s Bay Bridge), architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands and curators Future\Pace present a transformational artwork, in three stages, designed to enliven the Thames using dynamic light.

First, Villareal’s ambitious composition integrates light and colour on the 17 bridges, from Tower Bridge to Albert Bridge, creating a sensitive, interactive and site-specific interplay with the river.

Second, a strategic scheme along both banks will control commercial lighting and introduce the setting for future cultural projects.

Third, additional proposals include a ground-breaking partnership between the MBNA Thames Clippers and artists Random International, immersive installations by Japanese technologists teamLab and other opportunities that foster community and diversity.

This project applies contemporary artist-created software to provide a kinetic programme harnessing the universal power of light and inviting meaningful and accessible public engagement at the heart of London.