Blueprint by Studio Vertigo

About Blueprint

The DNA double helix is one of nature’s most extraordinary sculptural forms - a geometry that unites art, science, and motion in a single gesture. Two spiralling strands twist around a shared axis, perfectly balanced yet perpetually in motion, their rhythm suggesting continuity, harmony, and life itself. Both molecule and metaphor, the helix embodies duality: two intertwined strands, complimentary and interdependent, holding together the coded blueprint of life.

Blueprint takes this natural architecture as both inspiration and framework. The large-scale light sculpture translates elements of real genetic data from the research of Professor Christian Hedrich and his team at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, who study how mutations in individual genes influence childhood autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

Working with scientists at the University of Liverpool’s Centre for Genomic Research, the team employed DNA sequencing to identify key genetic variants that alter how the TLR7 gene behaves, paving the way for better diagnosis and more effective treatment. Within the sculpture, elements of the TLR7 gene’s DNA sequence are mapped onto a responsive lighting composition. Variations in the dataset drive shifts in colour, brightness, and rhythm, referencing the four-colour sequencing chemistry used in Hedrich’s research.

These illuminated strands echo the modular rhythm of the double helix itself - a visual melody that speaks of structure, variation, and connection. The sound component, by Ivor Novello nominated composer and sound artist Ed Carter, sonifies the same data into musical form. Taking an evolving aleatoric approach, the composition translates genetic patterns into pitch, tone, and duration, allowing the molecular information to be heard as an ever-changing sequence of sound.

By uniting responsive light and sound, Blueprint transforms complex molecular science into a tangible sensory experience. The sculpture becomes a living architecture - both mathematical and organic – revealing, on a monumental scale, the microscopic patterns of life where data, motion and form converge. In this intertwined choreography of light and sound, the blueprint of life is made visible and audible, revealing beauty within the structures that connect all living things.

We are grateful to Dr. Chris Owen (Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool) for his input and support, and to Prof. Christian Hedrich and his team (University of Liverpool and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital) for allowing their research to be represented in this piece.

Easy read description

Blueprint is a big light artwork shaped like DNA. It is 20 metres long. The lights change colours to show parts of the DNA. It also makes sounds that change, showing how DNA is always moving.

Sustainability

The artwork uses sustainable materials – it is made from steel that is recyclable, uses low energy light sources – 24V LEDs and the artwork can run on mains power. The artwork has a reduced carbon footprint by using local suppliers for ballast and foundations, using sustainable production processes by evaluating operations and ensuring they are as efficient as possible throughout the production such as laser processing of the steelwork and using low VOC paints etc.

Location

Strand, in front of Salthouse Dock - Opposite Canning Place. L3 4AN 

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