Public Art / A11 Underpass, Bow Riverside, London

A11 Underpass, Bow Riverside, London: An LED lighting scheme helping to revitalise the Lea Navigation, a continuous riverside route stretching from the River Thames to Hertford.

Title: A11 Bow Riverside
Date: 2011
Media: Lighting scheme
Dimensions: 50m
Material: Light on water

Esther Rolinson created this lighting concept for Adams and Sutherland Architects scheme at Bow underpass in East London. The multimedia artist envisaged a light project that changed the tunnel from a dark and intimidating footpath to a watery wonderland using the water's natural reflection. Built by Sutton-Vane Lighting consultants, it was part of the scheme awarded the London Regional RIBA Award 2012 and received Highly Commended at the Lighting Design Awards 2012.

This brilliant little urban intervention, specific and local in context but important in strategic significance, demonstrates how to effortlessly integrate the provision of new infrastructure with people movement, new habitat creation and public art, whilst enhancing the existing character of a place with subtlety and imagination.

Without doubt it is one of the best examples in London of how to design local movement infrastructure, it sets a benchmark for projects to follow in the Lea River Park and Design for London is proud to have been involved in making it happen.

Mark Brearley, Head of Design for London, 2011