Light Festival: Store Torv

Store Torv has long been designed as a very open space, where flexibility towards the use of the location has been paramount. From the last time it was laid out, there has been a desire to create an impression reminiscent of a kind of outdoor cathedral, with the open surfaces flanked by buildings on either side and with Aarhus Cathedral at the centre.

In 2020, it was decided that the Torvenes Brøndsloøjfe, or the Water Dragon as it was popularly known, would be removed from Store Torv. Instead, a new design for Store Torv was proposed in a larger development plan, which is still some time in the future. In the meantime, a proposal for a temporary experiment on the square has been created in collaboration with Schønherr, who also helped create the experimental space next door at Bispetorv.

The light installation, consisting of 175m of high-performance LED light sources, is integrated into the sides of each level of the largest of Schønherr's three urban space installations at Store Torv.
Here, flexible iGuzzini Underscore Tunable White luminaires are inserted in cut-outs along the urban space installation, so that they form a natural part of the structure.
The light sources are connected to a control system developed by Moto Muto, with the aim of varying the colour temperature of the light. This aims to investigate which colour temperature is best suited to the square and whether there is a benefit in changing it throughout the seasons for more natural lighting.

The learning from the project will influence the permanent solution that will eventually be established in this central and important square.
With experiments like these, it is possible to measure the success of the initiatives and better ensure a good solution for the future.

The project is supported by Købmand Herman Sallings Fond.