A swirling dance of light greets visitors to Urban Splash Manchester's latest commercial endeavor. At its heart, an innovative light sculpture draws inspiration from an architectural gem hidden within—a beautifully crafted spiral staircase nestled in a disused chimney stack.

Breathing New Life into Historic Spaces

When tasked with transforming the entrance of this historic commercial building, we faced a unique challenge: how to honor the structure's rich past while propelling it into the modern era. The answer lay in the building's own DNA—its stunning spiral staircase.

"When designing installations for buildings with a rich history and character, it's crucial to draw inspiration from the architecture itself," explains Ben Rousseau, the visionary behind this project. "This ensures that the artistic vision not only harmonizes with the client's needs but also respects the building's legacy."

Channeling Architectural Energy into Light

The spiral staircase became our muse, its sweeping curves and upward momentum informing every aspect of our design. We sought to capture not just the physical form, but the essence of movement and flow it represents.

The result? A dynamic light sculpture that mirrors the staircase's unique structure. Digitally controlled lighting pulses in colorful waves, creating a visual representation of the building's daily rhythm. It's more than just illumination—it's a living, breathing artwork that responds to and enhances the space around it.

The Devil in the Details

Even the most perfectly planned projects can throw curveballs. With just three days to complete this intricate installation, perfectionism led to a restless night after the first day of work. The culprit? A small but significant detail—exposed wires that disrupted the visual harmony so carefully crafted.

For many, these wires might have gone unnoticed. But in the world of professional design, it's often these seemingly minor elements that make or break a project. Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, the team spent the night brainstorming solutions, determined to find a way to discreetly conceal the offending wires.

Where Art Meets Technology

This installation stands as a testament to the possibilities that arise when art and technology intersect. It's not just about creating something visually striking—though it certainly achieves that goal. The true magic lies in how it transforms the entire entrance experience.

Visitors are no longer simply passing through a doorway; they're engaging with a responsive environment that reflects the building's character and purpose. The light sculpture invites interaction, sparking curiosity and fostering a sense of connection to the space.

As Urban Splash Manchester continues to push boundaries in commercial real estate, this light sculpture serves as a shining example of their commitment to innovation and design excellence. It's more than just an artistic statement—it's a beacon, signaling the bright future ahead for this reimagined space.

Let the rhythmic pulse of light guide you up the spiral staircase of imagination, where the past and future dance in perfect harmony.