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DESIGN INSTALLATION
SETTING UP
It was agreed that the installation should not attempt to
uphold the same lighting standards as a floodlit sports pitch.
The lighting system sets out to render a public facility usable
and enjoyable after dark. Although the goal posts are of
regulation five-a-side dimensions (3.66m x 1.22 m), it is clear
that no proper league football games will be played here.
Our intention was simply to create enough light for informal
football matches to take place after dark and for these
matches to be fun.
The response from gangs of older youths watching us work
with an electrician to assemble the goals and power the set-up
was initially critical and confrontational. What were we doing
with their space But once they were invited to participate in
the project by attaching the nets, the mood changed.
And when the power was turned on for the first time, the boys
became increasingly upbeat. One ran home to get a football
and within minutes of the installation being completed a
football match was underway. These boys were later put in
charge of minding the goals and maintaining the nets.
The only light sources come from the two goals made from
light tubes – all the tubes face in to give the illusion of two
boxes of light. These are designed to provide enough light
in and around them in order to use the pitch after dark,
yet the light is directed in such a way so as to not disturb
the neighbours. The goals are also on a timer that cuts out
at 11pm so that games do not go on deep into the night.
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