Urban Electric

To commemorate the twentieth anniversary of Zaha Hadid’s famous Vitra Fire Station in Weil am Rhein, Germany. Urban Electric was appointed by events production company 6up, to create a bespoke environment for a Basel Biennale reception dinner. The intimate event was in honor of a new installation by the architect called Prima commissioned by crystal manufacturer Swarovski.

An initial meeting was held with the designer from Zaha Hadid, to determine detailed information regarding the structural qualities of the project. Urban Electric recognised that the unusual structure of the Vitra Fire Station was comparable to ancient neolithic stone formations, featuring beautiful geomantic avenues and solar alignments. From this finding came the inspiration to expand the environment using high lux film lighting from Germany to create the effect of artificial sunlight, enhancing the building’s obliquely intersecting concrete planes. The natural internal avenues were intentionally overlit, representative of a blinding sunset. The immediate open public space of the fire station was left clean and pristine.

The movements of the at-table service and gourmet kitchen were enhanced leaving guests in a comfortable twilight drawing prominance towards the underlit prima sculpture on the building’s open face. The two banqueting tables were precision lit by integrating ‘Dedo-heads’ into the original lighting tracks suspended from the ceiling. To honour the design process of the building, Primas transulcant reflective surfaces were illuminated with LED technology, creating a suitable prestigious scene.

To mark the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ phones, Advertising Agency BBDO approached Urban Electric with a brief to design a large-scale installation to wow London with light.

Urban Electric conceived the idea to transform the London skyline, by projecting a rainbow of soft laser light over the River Thames, using large state-of-the-art reflective panels called Lightstream ®. To maximise the viewing angle and alter its multi-coloured perspective, the light would diagonally change trajectory and twist in the night sky. Designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the Samsung S9 camera to a considerable audience, this never-seen-before amalgamation of technologies and creative art on an unprecedented scale would become a world first.

Working from a Tower Bridge location, the immediate challenge was to establish a suitable stop point for the laser light; The Civil Aviation Authority were consulted at length to gain approvals for safety standards, due to low flying aircraft landing at Heathrow and City airports. A short-list of potential landmarks was drawn up and after much consideration with the support of management, Broadgate Estates, the iconic Leadenhall building was decided upon - By reason of its distinctive height, the epic potential for casting laser light and pivotal position in the heart of the city.

With health and safety of paramount importance, a detailed analysis had to be conducted by Urban Electric to form the most comprehensive risk assessment, ensuring conditions and restrictions were adhered to. From the initial brief, the design process included concept development, collaboration with the client, on-site viability assessments, and a studio client workshop. A full-scale mock-up on site defined the solution and finally, full in-house production of all location logistics was conducted.

Throughout the live production, Urban Electric worked together with the Leadenhall engineers, the upper mechanical floors of the building were locked down and laser light directed at them, illuminating the city for three nights with spectacular colour enhanced by the complex combinations of movement and intensity, creating magnificent iridescent effects and an ethereal spectacle.

Urban Electric was assigned by leading Swiss watchmaker Jaeger LeCoultre to collaborate on an opulent reveal of their new collection of luxury timepieces.

In keeping with the brands prized authenticity and heritage, an intimate mirrored lounge in the heart of London’s Mayfair was optioned as the venue, guests were invited to discover the collection and pay tribute to the expertise and craftsmanship of the watchmaker.

A client workshop hosted by Urban Electric was scheduled with the creative team at Jaeger LeCoultre to explore a unanimous design concept for the event. The outcome was to present the exhibition in four large hero display cabinets using soft laser optical targeting to spotlight the wristwatches.

Real-time analysis of viewing angles and reflections were simulated, the creative programming followed. The composition of the internal cabinets LED sources and remote laser lighting were key to sign off on the creative direction of the project.

Unusually, yet essentially, rigging attachments to the venue required exclusive use of vacuum suction for the equipment in order to conform to the highly restrictive parameters that were insisted by the venue. Refinement of the angles of illumination ensured the true depth of colour would be visible under scrutiny. Balancing the internal broad CRI with the external laser FX source.

Choreographed to the clients satisfaction and pre-programmed ahead of launch, brand graphics were integrated and laser projected on the evening, offering a unique experience for guests to reflect on some moments of illusion and timeless luxury.