Data revealing the water quality of the Thames is used in a giant illuminated artwork on Sea Containers to reflect the health of the River Thames in real time.
Artist, Jason Bruges' installation on the building, in collaboration with Thames21, the water charity and ad agency (and fellow tenant of the building) MEC UK.
The multi coloured strip light LEDs on the facade have been programmed to change tone dependent on the oxygen levels in the river Thames. The readings, taken from the Environment Agency sensors in the river, are reflected in the animated patterns of the lights dependent on the quality of the water.
The goal is also to help people understand how they can help improve the Thames’ health in their daily lives, everything from not pouring detergents and other pollutants into rainwater drains in the road, to disposing of plastic water bottles and other packaging responsibly.
Verra Budimlija, chief strategy officer, MEC UK, said: “The Thames is the lifeblood of our city, but often we don’t celebrate it.
“We want to help Londoners understand more about their wonderful river’s health and take action."
Bruges said: “The data we take from the Thames tells a vital story of the life in the river, and Sea Containers is the perfect site-specific canvas on which to illustrate that story.
“We are delighted to be working with such innovative partners on this project, and to have the opportunity to create an installation so relevant to the river and those who interact with it. "
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