Lights in Alingsås

Lights in Alingsås is an international lighting workshop in Sweden that brings together students and professionals to experiment with light in public spaces. Over the course of an intense week, participants design and build site-specific installations, which are then displayed for a month for the public to experience. As workshop co-head, the opportunity arose to guide an international student team through the concept development. The site—a long, tree-lined stretch of the Lillån River with two bridges—created a natural tunnel effect. Inspired by the surroundings and this year’s theme, “The Enchanted World of Movies,” the team chose Star Wars as their source of inspiration.

The installation became a journey between light and darkness. A reflective portal in the center served as both a boundary and a connection, illuminated in blue from one side and red from the other. Visitors walking along the river experienced a cinematic transition—from harsh red tones and stroboscopic effects to calm blue and green gradients, reflecting the struggle between good and evil. During the week, students tested fixtures, experimented with color, programmed the installation, and adapted the lighting to the natural surroundings. The project offered a hands-on, immersive learning experience, transforming the riverside into a dynamic stage where light, space, and narrative merged into a memorable public experience.