Our kinetic sound and light installation 'Wirbelstrom' at Kraftwerk Birsfelden is now open. It was realised in the iconic machine hall of the hydropower plant on the occasion of its 60th anniversary.

The installation visualises the power of water by means of rotation and light and poetically communicates hidden aspects of the hydropower plant to the outside. In a fascinating play between movement and reflexion ‘Wirbelstrom' shows the diversity of the element water: Rotating panels of fabric above the turbines turn into a shimmering reflective surface. And the dynamic use of light creates moments that visualise the energy and transformation of the water running through the power plant.

In addition, the large window facade of the machine hall is brought into vibration to generate sounds that interpret the movement inside. The sounds bring the building to life and let it become part of the audio-visual installation. In realising the sound installation, iart collaborated with composer Benedikt Schiefer.