eden wave hub

LOCATION: eden project, cornwall, UK
client: cornwall design season

The Wave Hub installation is inspired by the eponymous Wave Hub, a revolutionary offshore infrastructure that allows companies to test new ways of generating renewable energy using marine and wind sources. The aim of the installation was to create an aural and visual experience that celebrates this exciting new aspect of Cornwall's industry.

“I created The Wave Hub sound and light installation in collaboration with Leap as part of the Cornwall Design Season, a twelve week showcase event in early 2011 that saw sixteen shipping containers transformed into installations by Cornish designers. Sited at The Eden Project, the Wave Hub installation was inspired by the eponymous Wave Hub, a revolutionary offshore infrastructure that allows companies to test new ways of generating renewable energy using marine and wind sources. The aim of the installation was to create an aural and visual experience that celebrated this exciting new aspect of Cornwall's industry.

Originating from a sketch of waves, the wave pattern was repeated on a series of LED-lit acrylic panels lining the inner walls of the shipping container, emulating not only sea waves but light and sound waves. Gentle blue light travelled down the length of the panels, fading in and out as the parallel lines of light flowed down to meet each other at the back wall of the container. This light was accompanied by the sound of waves breaking on the shore, creating a sensory connection between renewable electricity and the energy of the sea.”

- Eleanor Bell

Photos: Eleanor Bell