City of London

A large format projected 3D animation demonstrates how Tower Bridge operates as three bridges in one; a sound and light show brings to life one of the newly restored steam pumping engines.
Tower Bridge is one London’s most enduring icons. This grade I listed structure combines a bascule and suspension bridge, built between 1886 and 1894, crossing the River Thames close to the Tower of London.
Tower Bridge
As part of the redevelopment of the original Victorian Engine Rooms located just below the bridge on Tower Bridge Road we produced a range of audiovisual exhibits, including a large format projected 3D animation demonstrating how Tower Bridge operates as three bridges in one, and a twenty-minute sound and light show bringing to life one of the steam pumping engines, newly restored.

The audiovisual featured full 3D modelling and animation of the bridge and its local environment –demonstrating how the bridge works, changing from day to night time to demonstrate traffic flows under and over the bridge, and ending with the arrival of a cruise ship entering the Pool of London against the majestic backdrop of the sun setting over the London skyline.
Tower Bridge 3
A twenty-minute audio soundscape and light show brings to life the newly restored steam pumping engine. The audio sequence recreates the sounds of the engine rooms at work, moving through the various stages of a working day, from the arrival and unloading of coal from the river Thames, through building up steam in the engine, to the engine working at full load during a bridge lift. The sequence was carefully researched and scripted to ensure technical and historical accuracy.

A linked lighting sequence built on the theatre of the soundscape, casting shadows through the moving part of the engine, throwing movement from the giant rotating fly wheel onto the walls of the exhibition, building the sense of heat and energy in the space.
Engine rooms
Tower Bridge engine room
All systems were designed to withstand the rigours of working life in one of the UK’s top tourist destinations. All installations were completed within the strict guidelines necessary for any works completed within a Grade I listed building, ensuring that any elements of the exhibition could be removed without leaving any traces on the fabric of the building.