Color Kinetics ColorCast 14: Illuminating the Iconic London Eye

The London Eye, a behemoth of engineering and architecture, has been an iconic landmark since its official opening in 2000. Located at the end of Jubilee Gardens on the South Bank, this cantilevered observation wheel is not only a masterpiece of design but also a technical marvel that requires meticulous attention to detail, including its lighting scheme.

The original brief from Marks Barfield for the London Eye's standard lighting state was to create a 'breathing white' effect. Initially, fluorescents were considered, but after testing, it became clear that this would produce an undesirable 'gappy' effect. The Head of Technical Operations at the London Eye, Kevin Dyer, revealed that they had been searching for an architectural lighting solution since the attraction's inception.

The installation of Color Kinetics' ColorCast 14 LED lights finally provided the perfect solution. This state-of-the-art technology allowed for a seamless and efficient illumination of the structure, meeting the Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) requirements while also showcasing its stunning architectural complexity.

Prior to the LED installation, a 'stop-gap' setup of fluorescents had been in operation. Although functional, it did not do justice to the London Eye's breathtaking design. The ColorCast 14 system has since become an integral part of the attraction's permanent lighting scheme, which was always part of Marks Barfield Architects' original plans.

Today, the London Eye is owned and operated by Merlin Entertainments and has attracted tens of millions of visitors worldwide. Its impressive diameter of 135 meters makes it the largest cantilevered observation wheel in the world. The London Eye has won over 75 awards for its outstanding architectural quality, engineering achievements, and national and international tourism.

The Color Kinetics ColorCast 14 system has not only illuminated the London Eye but also become an integral part of its identity, making it an even more unforgettable experience for visitors from around the globe.

Color kinetics colorcast 14