A detailed description of LAPS for those who are visually impaired
LAPS consists in 6 giant red hourglass. From the top of their 7.8 feet (2.33 meters) they invite the public to turn the big silver steering wheel at their desired pace, in one direction or the other, to turn the hourglass and activate a sound and light experience.
The sand usually found in hourglasses is replaced by little white pingpong balls, which can be heard hapilly bouncing and falling as the hourglass rotates.
When the hourglass complete a full tour, a sound and light climax is activated to reward the user.
A detailed description of LAPS for those who are hearing impaired
The sand usually found in hourglasses is replaced by little white ping-pong balls, which can be heard hapilly bouncing and falling as the hourglass rotates. As the user turns the wheel, they hear a unique minimalist soundscape for each unit, each consisting of musical notes and the ticking of clocks. These sounds vary in their patterns and creating a sens of rythm.
When the hourglass complete a full rotation, a sound and light climax is activated to reward the user.
While not in use, a meditative ambient soundtracks plays, featuring clicking sounds and a gentle melody reminding the time passage of time.
Visual and Light considerations
Six LED lights are located on the base of the hourglass. In sleep mode, the lights are pulsing slowly, waiting to be activated. When activated, the faster the user turns the wheel, the faster the hourglass turns and the faster the lights are pulsing. The colour will gradually change, going through the entire colour wheel. To experience all the colours, 2 full tours of the hourglass are needed. During the climax mode, the lights turn to white.
Noise considerations
For each unit, the music consists of seven audio tracks. By turning slowly, the volume level of the first track increases. The faster the user turns the wheel, the louder tracks 1 to 7 will increase, one after the other. So, if you turn quickly, you’ll hear all seven tracks together, creating a more complex beat. In GAME mode, after a rotation of at least 180 degrees, if the hourglass is stopped in an upright position, there’s a CLIMAX mode, with a similar but different piece of music that plays for the duration of the ball drop (around 30 seconds).
General considerations
- The approach and circulation areas are level
-
Whilst the installation itself does not contain any seating areas, benches are situated in the vicinity of the installation in the area
-
Easy Read Descriptions can be found here.
Quiet hour measures
River of Light will be organising four 'Quiet Hour' sessions for 2024. They will take place on the following days/times: -
- Sunday 27 October, Monday 28 October, Sunday 3 November and Monday 4 November.
- 4pm - 5pm
Measures that will be in place during the 'Quiet Hour' staging will be different for each installation and further details for LAPS can be found below.
During the Quiet Hour, the light pulse will be slowed during quiet hour with no sound playing. Additionally, there will be a lower light change during quiet hour.
NEED ADDITIONAL HELP?
- All installations will have a member of staff present who is there for your safety and will be able to answer any specific queries you may have.
Accessibility information for River of Light
Impulse accessibility information
Accessibility guide for Impulse by Lateral Design
Piano Walk accessibility information
Accessibility guide for Piano Walk by Amigo & Amigo
Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos accessibility information
Accessibility guide for Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos by MURUGIAH
Bubblesque accessibility information
Accessibility guide for Bubblesque by Atelier Sisu
Illusion Hole accessibility information
Accessibility guide for Illusion Hole UxU Studio
Positive Spin accessibility information
Accessibility guide for Positive Spin by Liz Harry
Lightbattle III accessibility information
Accessibility guide for Lightbattle III by VENIVIDIMULTIPLEX
LAPS accessibility information
Accessibility guide for LAPS by Olivier Landreville
Bunch of Tulips accessibility information
Accessibility guide for Bunch of Tulips by Koros
No Place Like Gnome accessibility information
Accessibility guide for No Place Like Gnome
Checkmate accessibility information
Accessibility guide for Checkmate by Amigo & Amigo
Firefly Field accessibility information
Accessibility guide for Firefly Field by Studio Toer
More River of Light information links
Download a route map
Follow River of Light 2024 route map
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about River of Light? Visit our FAQs
River of Light easy read
Download easy read descriptions for all artworks
Travelling around Liverpool
Travel around Liverpool City Region
Food and drink
Find the perfect place for a bite to eat
River of Light 2024 programme: Play
The 7th edition of River of Light is here from October 25 - November 5.