Zurich’s new Christmas illuminations, The World’s Largest Timepiece, have replaced the hundreds of light bulbs that were installed along the Bahnhofstrasse 33 years ago. As Christmas draws nearer, the lighting moods cast by the illuminations will gradually alter. At the beginning of the Advent season, a gentle, calm light – resembling clouds drifting by – prevails. Finally, on New Year’s Eve, the band of light will emit effervescing sparks of light, almost like a fireworks display.

The installation uses a 7 metre long and 30 kilo structure of fiber optic. Each one of the 275 lamps features 28 small light sources, totalling 240 000 lights.

Responsible for the new illumination concept are Zurich-based architects Matthias Kohler and Fabio Gramazio.

Dates November 23, 2005 – January, 2, 2006.
Images.

Via swiss info, travel video and riesenmaschine.