London Eye

LTP installs British Airways London Eye
LED scheme

The British Airways London Eye - the most iconic contemporary structure gracing London’s famous skyline – has just unveiled the first phase of a fabulous three part permanent LED lighting installation that juxtaposes its stunning aesthetics in a new context.

The installation has been completed by Lighting Technology Projects and features 640 Color Kinetics ColorCast 14 fixtures. These were supplied via their UK distributor, Architainment Lighting Ltd.

A permanent lighting scheme was always part of the architects’ Marks Barfield plans for the London Eye’s graceful 135 meter diameter, which until now has been lit by a “stop-gap” installation of fluorescents. While functional, this did the structure’s majesty and its fabulous architectural complexity no justice.

The ultimate goal was always to have a nice even, smooth, seamless coverage of the London Eye’s unique steel framework – and a flexible lighting scheme that fulfilled several fundamental and practical roles.

Firstly, it had to be illuminated to meet Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) requirements, and as lighting from below would make it invisible from above, any lighting of the Eye had to come from within its structure.

This immediately suggested taking advantage of being able to diffuse lightsources over the steelwork.

The original creative brief from Marks Barfield was for the London Eye’s standard lighting state to be a ‘breathing white’ effect.

They also wanted to be able to change the colour easily and safely – maximising its potential for special occasions, anniversaries and promotional opportunities.