Neville Street underpass

NEVILLE STREET UNDERPASS IN LEEDS, UK

The Neville Street Underpass in Leeds, UK was permanently transformed into an engaging and safe environment through the installation of LED lights, acoustic panels, and a sound art installation by renowned artist Hans-Peter Kuhn. The intervention was implemented in 2009 by Leeds City Council, Northern Way, and Yorkshire Forward and has been well-received by the community, encouraging more pedestrian traffic between the train station and the city center. The project was funded by Northern Way and Arts Council England.

© the artist. Photo credit: 2021 Peter Farmer and Art UK / 2009 Hans Peter Kuhn

More images can be found at https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/a-sound-and-light-transit-317032

2009

CONTEXT

The Neville Street underpass soundscape intervention aimed to transform the underpass from a dark, unwelcoming space into a more pleasant and engaging environment. The intervention involved the installation of a series of LED lights and loudspeakers along the length of the underpass. The lights change color and intensity depending on the level of ambient noise in the space, creating an interactive and dynamic visual experience. The loudspeakers play a mix of ambient sounds and music, which are also affected by the level of noise in the space. The aim of the intervention was to create a more welcoming and safe space for pedestrians and to encourage more foot traffic between the railway station and the city center.

INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

The appointment of the well-known artist Hans Peter Kuhn to develop a continually evolving light and sound installation for Neville Street was intended to act as a catalyst for artists, young people, and the general public to participate in urban design, city redevelopment, and their artistic relationship with spatial awareness through sound [1]. Acoustic panel absorbers were installed on the walls of the underpass to reduce the overall sound level and were also decorated to make the underpass more visually appealing. A sonic art installation by Hans Peter Kuhn was also put in place, producing compositional soundscapes in between the sound of passing traffic. The result was a more appealing and enjoyable sonic environment within the underpass [2].

Present Day

OBSERVATIONS

Since the implementation of the soundscape intervention, the Neville Street underpass has become a more welcoming and engaging environment for pedestrians. The intervention has been well received by the local community and has helped to improve the perception of the underpass as a safe and enjoyable space.

References

[1] Light Neville Street. Retrieved 7th March 2023, from https://www.maap.org.uk/project/light-neville-street/

[2] Payne, S. R., Davies, W. J., & Adams, M. D. (2009). Research into the practical and policy applications of soundscape concepts and techniques in urban areas.

Entry submitted by: Xiaochao Chen