topping out ceremony at the swiss re tower

Numbers:	unknown
Location:	London
Budget:	£210,000

the challenge

“The Gherkin”, London's first ecological tall building and an instantly recognisable landmark on the city's skyline, was commissioned by Swiss Re and structurally completed in 2002. Rising 40 storeys high and providing 76,400 square metres of space, our challenge was to design and implement a unique launch event to complement the imagination behind the building's design for the construction company, Skanska UK. As the launch was taking place during the Christmas period, the solution had to incorporate the building being lit for the entire month of December and therefore needed to be both effective and economic.

our thinking

A uniquely creative and intricately choreographed moving light, laser and sound show that encapsulated the new building, creating a beacon of light dancing across the City's skyline.

our solution

Using 60 intelligent lights, 396 HRI floodlights, 15 miles of cabling and a laser placed 1Km away, the Swiss re building was launched to guests watching the show from a prime viewing point on the 24th floor of Tower 42 opposite.

To ensure the seamless delivery of the ceremony and that the sound and lights were in perfect harmony, constant radio communication between the two buildings was maintained throughout. Following the initial ceremony the building remained lit in bands of blue and green over the Christmas period.

This was considered a highly successful event that ensured that the new addition to the city's skyline received wide press coverage and media attention.