Architectural Fireworks Competition
Reimagining the traditional firework and pushing the boundaries of pyrotechnic artistry
London, 2024: The Architectural Firework Design Competition was an opportunity to reimagine fireworks as part of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA). The competition culminated in an Architectural Blasting Chamber experience and exhibition featuring the most groundbreaking submissions and winners. These two experiences aimed to explore how fireworks can be used in architecture today and in the future.
There were four categories to enter in the competition: 'Impossible Pyrotechnics', 'Real World Spectacle', 'Sustainable Design', 'Student Design' and 'Cadet Design'.
The competition was judged by:
Toby Alloway, Director, Titanium
Douglas Gilmore, MD, Museum of London Docklands
Harry Parr, Director, Bompas & Parr
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture, London City Hall
Kate Taylor Tett, Director of the Great Campaign
Laura Citron, CEO, London & Partners
Patricia Brown, Centre for London
Peter Murray OBE, Founder, LFA
Simon Costin, Director, Museum of British Folklore
Simon Werrett, Professor of the History of Science, Department of Science & Technology Studies UCL
Tom Ravencroft, Editor, Dezeen
The open call was for UK, European and International architects, technologists, dreamers, inventors, and professional pyrotechnicians to ignite creativity and innovation in the world of fireworks and reimagine the traditional firework.
EXPLORE THE WINNING ENTRIES
IMPOSSIBLE PYROTECHNICS:
WINNER - Angelia Knyazeva, Snowy Fireworks
HIGHLY COMMENDED - HUMAN Architecture Studio, Caerulus Nubes
REAL WORLD SPECTACLE:
WINNER - The Pyro Studio, The Fifth Level
HIGHLY COMMENDED - Clémence Rebourg, The Phosphere
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN:
WINNER - Follow Friday, FireDAY Works
HIGHLY COMMENDED - Christian War, PlankTNT
STUDENT DESIGN:
WINNER - Winyi Zhou, O.Henry’s Surprise Ending of a Firework
CADET DESIGN:
WINNER - Clementine Ross, Alien Disco
HIGHLY COMMENDED - Beryl Loo, Odd One Out
Why Now?
In the realm of creative expression, fireworks have long been perceived as a traditional art form, known for their vivid displays across the night sky. However, compared to other artistic mediums, innovation in fireworks has been relatively stagnant, relying on familiar techniques and compositions. Recent advancements such as computer-aided design (CAD) technology, digital firing systems, and the integration of drones into performances are reshaping the landscape of pyrotechnics. CAD design allows for more intricate choreographies, while digital firing systems offer greater control and synchronisation, enabling displays of unprecedented complexity. The use of drones introduces dynamic movement and narrative dimension to the sky canvas, blending technology and pyrotechnics in innovative ways. These developments signify a departure from traditional patterns and suggest a promising future for the evolution of fireworks as an art form.
The Architectural Blasting Chamber
Alongside the competition, Bompas & Parr will be created the Architectural Blasting Chamber - an immersive experience that put participants at the centre of an explosion! Whilst weaing speciality PPE, participants selected from an array of powerful fireworks and entered a custom built exploding chamber. The chamber is entirely fireproof and features military grade extraction systems. Light your firework and stand at the centre of the cataclysm as the world erupts around you!
Bompas & Parr has previous experience in delivering spectacular and safe fireworks displays including the world's first flavour fireworks – a display for London's 2013/14 New Year's celebrations that could be tasted and smelled as well as seen and heard. Though all fireworks are, strictly speaking, ‘multi-sensory’, this was the first time in the history of mankind that specific flavours have been choreographed to match pyrotechnics.
