The launch of W Edinburgh called for something that could make an impact well beyond the walls of the hotel.
Working alongside Twentyone Productions, Funktioncreep created a large-scale rooftop laser installation designed to turn the new W Edinburgh into a visible part of the city skyline.
THE BRIEF
The brief was to create a 360-degree laser installation from the hotel rooftop, giving the launch a visual presence across Edinburgh.
Its location presented a significant technical challenge. With W Edinburgh sitting within a complex aviation environment and large areas of the projection zone intersecting with the final descent into Edinburgh Airport, the installation needed careful planning and coordination.
WHAT WE DID
We installed 12 IP65 32W Nova RGB lasers, positioned evenly around the rooftop to create uninterrupted 360-degree coverage. Working closely with Edinburgh Air Traffic Control, we mapped individual projection zones, elevations, NOHD and SZED distances to ensure the installation could operate safely within the surrounding airspace.
Almost 270 degrees of the potential projection area crossed the final descent path into Edinburgh Airport, making precision and communication essential throughout planning, testing and live operation. The system was designed to maintain the full 360-degree effect across both the test and event nights.
THE RESULT
The finished installation turned the W Edinburgh rooftop into a city-wide visual landmark. The furthest confirmed sighting came from Thornton in Fife, approximately 24 kilometres away, demonstrating the scale and reach of the installation and giving the hotel launch an impact that extended far beyond St James Quarter.
