Lightplay
Artist(s): Michael Grubb Studio and Anouk Mercier
Client: Torbay Council
Lightplay is a contemporary public artwork for Torquay’s Royal Terrace Gardens, a popular tourist attraction frequented by locals and visitors. Lightplay is a permanent, lit and interactive route along the seafront that encourages visitors to enjoy the gardens and take inspiration from the historical and natural influences woven into the artwork. Lightplay extends the notion of sunset and conveys a sense of health, happiness and enjoyment that comes with the warmth of evening light.
Lightplay columns along lower path
Ginkgo was commissioned by Torbay Council and conceived and curated Lightplay, leading a multidisciplinary team consisting of award-winning lighting design practice Michael Grubb Studio, visual artist Anouk Mercier and lighting installer Drew & Co. to bring Lightplay to life.
The main elements are composed of step lighting, cliff floodlighting and bespoke artist-designed columns that create a holistic experience that encourages people to pause and enjoy their surroundings as well as providing a safer, well-lit environment for anyone walking in the Gardens after dark. Together, the light works create a warm and welcoming environment to walk, meet and play.
Michael Grubb Studio collaborated with visual artist Anouk Mercier in partnership Torquay Museum to develop a series of interactive lighting columns that form beacons and create pools of light with integrated projections along the lower pathway, inspired by the museum’s collections.
Back-lit, laser-cut forms within the columns, ranging from corals and seaweed to birds, form a fine tracery articulating the lower pathway. Gobo projections onto the walkway of selected designs form playful dynamic punctation points.
The staircase, illuminated in an array of colours, leads to a new viewing platform with expansive sea views. The use of warm colours through the scheme creates pools of light in which to bask and play.
