W5 Climbit Belfast
Climbit is a unique, three-dimensional sculpture specially designed for exploration and climbing. The vertical maze is the first of its kind in the UK and Ireland and is enjoyed by young and old alike. Its home is W5, a science and discovery centre in Belfast. Sutton Vane Associates were commissioned to bring Climbit to life with light, the aim being to create an interactive piece of art.
The climber; an abstract Celtic Dragon made from steel, creates intrigue and excitement by being the complete opposite of the rectangular atrium it occupies; a true symbiosis symphony. The first glimpses of it can be seen by visitors as they ascend the stairs into the atrium, so the lighting had to be carefully considered so that it would be revealed in its full glory. To accentuate the form, the sculpture is uplit to create drama. The underside of each pad has a unique reflective surface which is picked out using purple and white light, giving the sculpture a distinctive shimmer.
“When we carry out evaluations, a lot of families say that it’s their favourite exhibit in W5.”
The uplighting was also designed to pick up the shadows of children as they explore inside, casting shadows onto the walls of the atrium, and creating dynamic ever-changing shapes. Lighting is also provided from the balconies that earmark the space. Spotlights are discreetly installed underneath the walkways and skim light across the undersides of the pads, bringing light to the higher levels of the sculpture. All of the luminaires are fully adjustable and were aimed on site by the SVA team, to create the best possible shadows.
Climbit’s home is in the heart of Belfast’s historic dockyard; just across the water from the Titanic Museum which was also lit by SVA. To link with the river outside and continue the nautical theme of Belfast, several water-based elements were designed. Ripples of water are created using projectors which shine across the space. The ripples, paired with the shadows from the climbing children, create a captivating multisensory underwater experience. The netting used to keep children safe is lit to look reminiscent of fishing nets. The housing for the uplighting luminaires is also water themed. They are deliberately visible in large transparent bubbles, allowing inquisitive children to see the lights and what they do, whilst safely keeping them apart. The projectors used are highly adaptable and can be changed to reflect different seasons like Halloween and Christmas and cater for corporate events. This ensures that Climbit remains a fresh destination during key dates and events.
Images courtesy of W5.
