Lifschutz submits 30 planning applications for 'longest artwork'

Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands has submitted 30 planning applications for what it says is the longest public art work in the world.

The Illuminated River project in central London will see 15 bridges along the Thames lit up in different ways.

The project is a collaboration between the architect and American artist Leo Villareal. The pairing beat off competition from 105 design teams in 20 countries. Finalists included David Adjaye, Amanda Levete, Sam Jacob and Diller Scofidio & Renfro.

The applications, plus a further 18 for listed building consent, have been submitted to seven local authorities covering the 2.5 miles - or 4.5 nautical miles of river.

If approved the work will be installed in phases, with Southwark, Cannon Street, London and the Millennium bridges as the first four to be illuminated in spring 2019. Completion of the project is due in 2022.

A spokesman for the project said: “While each bridge will be lit differently, the artwork is designed to unify the 15 bridges. Illuminated River is rooted in classic artistic practices, using colours and light treatments inspired by the work of Impressionist masters and English Romantics, who were repeatedly drawn to the beauty and urban vitality of the Thames. By interpreting the unique environment of each bridge, collecting moments of discovery and translating them into artwork, the work will subtly change, unfolding through light and colour.”

Sarah Gaventa, director of the Illuminated River Foundation, said: “Illuminated River will refocus our attention on the historic bridges of central London and help reveal their individual architecture and stories.”