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. 

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