RMJM Art Commissioning

Site Specific Commissions

Stephen Hurrel: Rings

Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow

June 04

Buchanan Galleries is a major retail development situated in the heart of Glasgow's prestigious shopping area, known as 'The Golden Z': Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street.

At the Sauchiehall Street entrance to the building there is a glass atrium space which, since the...

“The work is a series of four stainless steel rings, with inset blue LED lighting, suspended within the main entrance atrium of Buchanan Galleries. Each ring is illuminated in sequence and therefore the light appears to flow across and between the four rings. The effect is of a calming ambient flow; a gentle ripple. A small microphone installed on the exterior of the building monitors sound levels from the city streets. Any sudden high-level sounds, such as a car horn or a shout, trigger a faster rhythm of light to flow between the rings. Environmental sound is visualised as blue ripples of light above the city crowds.”

Stephen Hurrel
Artist

Site Specific Commissions

Stephen Hurrel: Rings

Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow

June 04

Buchanan Galleries is a major retail development situated in the heart of Glasgow's prestigious shopping area, known as 'The Golden Z': Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street.

At the Sauchiehall Street entrance to the building there is a glass atrium space which, since the building's opening in 1999, had been envisaged as having the potential to be an animated focal point. Buchanan Galleries and Glasgow City Council worked together to fund and enable an artist's commission to fulfil the original intention.

Stephen Hurrel was selected on the strength of his past works, including interactive light installations at Leeds University and Blackpool seafront. In a space that is awkward architecturally and busy socially, the artist responded with a sensitive, visually elegant work.