A new art installation which uses a dazzling display of lights to reflect the health of the River Thames is to be unveiled on its banks.

Called Thames Pulse, the interactive work of art will be featured on the front of the iconic Sea Containers building on the South Bank.

The innovative hi-tech installation will use data from samples taken daily from the waters to create a display every day to reflect the river’s health -
whether good, average or poor compared to the previous day’s data reading.

The aim is to raise public awareness about the condition of the Thames – as well as adding a beautiful new attraction to the capital.

The piece has been made by acclaimed artist Jason Bruges, who has previously created astonishing light displays at the top of the Shard.

Bruges said: “The data we take from the Thames tells a vital story of the life in the river, and Sea Containers is the perfect site-specific canvas on which to illustrate that story.

“We are delighted to be working with such innovative partners on this project, and to have the opportunity to create an installation so relevant to the river and those who interact with it. “

The installation is being launched by London media agency MEC UK, together with the capital’s leading waterways charity Thames21.

Thames21 aims to engage the public with issues affecting London’s iconic river, including working with volunteers to remove litter.

It also collects data about its health through its Thames River Watch project, supported by Tideway, the company delivering the super sewer in London, to tackle sewage pollution in the river.

The Thames Pulse project also aims to highlight Thames21’s work and to encourage Londoners to explore and reconnect with their iconic river.

Ideal ways for them to do this are through Thames21’s clean-ups, citizen science programmes and foreshore events.

The goal is also to help Londoners understand how they can help improve the Thames’ health in their daily lives.

These range from not pouring detergents and other pollutants into rainwater drains in the road, to buying reusable water bottles, reducing their reliance on plastic packaging and disposing of plastic water bottles and other packaging responsibly.

This has been captured in a ten-point Thames Pulse Manifesto to help Londoners understand what they can do to help the river.

Verra Budimlija, chief strategy officer, MEC UK, said: “The Thames is the lifeblood of our city, but often we don’t celebrate it.

“We want to help Londoners understand more about their wonderful river’s health and take action.

“By taking the complex data that exists in the river and transforming into a beautiful artistic visualisation, we can help Londoners reconnect with The Thames and be excited by it.”

More Information:

The Thames Pulse lights will be switched on at a high profile event at Mondrian London at Sea Containers at 18:30 this evening.

Water quality updates will be posted on a regular Twitter feed @ThamesPulse and the Thames Pulse webpage.