15.06.2010 | Dynamic water level display in Bregenz

The completely renovated harbour of Bregenz (AT) has reopened after 15 months of construction. As part of the renewal, ART+COM created LED-columns presenting the water, wind and temperature data of Lake Constance.

At the centre of the harbour, covering 70,000 square metres, stands the undulate footprint of the new information centre, called “the wave” by locals. Four floor-to-ceiling LED-steles display up-to-the-minute measurements of water level and temperature, air temperature, wind speed and direction. Every five minutes, measuring stations in Lake Constance transmit updates that are processed and reflected in real-time. In addition, the installation occasionally presents historical information to provide context for the current readings. Short animations show the record flood marks, the evolution of water quality and annual averages for each measured attribute. The LED-technology provides excellent legibility and simultaneously transforms the installation into a long-distance signal beacon, visible throughout the harbour.

“For the design of the new information system, we were looking for an attractive display that seamlessly integrates to the architecture of the harbour building”, emphasised Thomas Blank, member of the regional government. The associated water management authority initiated the development of and now operates the information centre.