The regeneration of Gloucester city centre has taken its next step forward with the media screen at The Forum now complete.
A first of its kind for the city at 17 metres high and 9 metres wide, the new LED lighting system is integrated into the external curved walls of the multi-million-pound development.
An eye-catching and innovative design, as daylight levels drop, the media screen displays colourful abstract patterns and movements. During sunny days, it acts as a sunshade reducing glare in the south-facing offices.
It will also provide a platform to showcase events, cultural initiatives and city happenings and welcome visitors to the city arriving at the bus or train station.
The screen went live for the first time last month to mark ‘Purple HollieDay’, the annual awareness day by Gloucester charity the Hollie Gazzard Trust, which aims to reduce domestic violence and promote healthy relationships.
Cllr Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: The Forum is one of the very first things that visitors to our city see and features like the media screen and the green wall are details that set the tone for this modern, high quality and award-winning development. It will also mean that we can support worthwhile causes as well as celebrating festivals and the many special events that take place in our vibrant city.”
The Forum is a £107m mixed-use development creating a digital quarter in the heart of Gloucester, brought forward by Gloucester City Council with developers Reef + Partners. It will be home to premium offices, residential apartments, retail space, and a Hotel Indigo (IHG Hotels) complete with restaurant and rooftop bar.
Sam Potter, development director at Reef + Partners, said: “The completion of the media façade is an exciting moment in the development of The Forum – you can really start to see the space come to life.
“It will help the building to become a memorable gateway to the city and plays into The Forum’s ambition to be home to leading technology and cutting-edge creativity.
“There will be opportunity in the future for content created by local contributors to be displayed, in addition to the core content, and we look forward to the collaborative opportunities this will bring.”
The media façade has been designed by award-winning architectural lighting designers Studio Fractal, who were tasked with designing an engaging and vibrant focus to the development.