The tower at Telefonplan in Stockholm, Sweden, is home to a unique permanent light installation called Colour by Numbers. What sets it apart from other light installations is that anyone with a smartphone can control it. Created in 2006, the installation uses the windows of the 20-story spire to project colors chosen by people via a smartphone app or a free number. Users can choose which floor they want to color and create a custom hue using a mixable RGB interface. The creators of the installation hope that it will be seen as a statement on the power of democracy and the public. The tower’s lights can be witnessed from all around southern Stockholm and provide a unique way for citizens and visitors to connect with the city.
Colour by Numbers, created by interaction designer Loove Broms, architect Milo Lavén, and artist Erik Krikortz, the installation allows anyone to change the tower’s colors using their mobile phone. There are two ways to participate: calling a free number or using the app. By selecting the desired floors, callers can then use the digits on their phone to mix red, green, and blue and create their own custom color. The live view of the tower on the app allows for real-time color changes. This innovative project is not only a statement on the power of democracy and public involvement but also an engaging way for citizens and visitors to interact with the cityscape.
