Southampton researchers have designed an interactive lighthouse sculpture with a local school.
The eight-foot lighthouse is part of a free, family-friendly trail that is running for the next seven weeks across Southampton and Cowes.
It will help Southampton Hospitals Charity raise funds for Southampton Children’s Hospital.
Researchers and students from Southampton’s Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering group developed the idea, led by Professor Adriane (Age) Chapman.
Prof Chapman co-leads the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre’s data, health and society theme.
The Wellbeing Beacon
Known as the Wellbeing Beacon, the lighthouse is an interactive sculpture, highlighting how research into technology can support people to improve their health and wellbeing.
The researchers developed the sculpture in partnership with Mount Pleasant Primary School. They collaborated with artist and teacher Emily Harper to bring it to life.
“The Lighthouse project has exemplified the collaborations and partnerships that lead to better health research and translation,” said Professor Chapman.
“The project was co-designed by Mt Pleasant Primary School pupils, implemented by undergraduate students in Biomedical Engineering, PhD students and academics in Electronics and Computer Science (ECS), and brought to life by a local artist.”
Interactive sculpture
The Wellbeing Beacon is equipped with a working lighthouse light, made from panels of LEDs, and nine touch screens. It is located on Level 3 of Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre.
The lower five screens focus on the choices people can make to improve their health and wellbeing, based on “The Healthy High Five”.
The upper four screens describe how technology can help when this isn’t enough. They cover mechatronics for health, electronic systems, digital health, and artificial intelligence (AI) for health. This is based on the University of Southampton’s new Biomedical Engineering programme.
The team has also added some extra functionality to the light, based on lighthouse viewer’s choices. You can make the light change if you find all of these.
“Health and health technology research requires interdisciplinary researchers from all areas, at all levels of experience,” explains Prof Chapman.
“It cannot be done without co-design from groups such as patients and carers, health professionals and IT staff, as well as implementation by technologists.
“ECS and the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre’s data, health and society theme are working together to find novel ways of improving how we approach health.”
Light the South
The Light the South art trail is running from 13 July to 1 September.
It features 40 Lighthouse sculptures designed by local and national artists. There are also 40 Little Lights created by schools and community groups.
Southampton Hospitals Charity are presenting the walking trail, in partnership with Red Funnel and Wild in Art. It will guide visitors through some of Southampton and Cowes’ most well-loved and historic landmarks and streets.
The trail will shine a light on art and culture in the heart of the city. As well as encouraging local residents to rediscover the city they love, the spectacle is expected to attract thousands of visitors from outside the area.
Each sculpture is sponsored by local businesses from across the region. They will be auctioned on the 20th September at the Southampton International Boat Show.
Ellis Banfield, Southampton Hospitals Charity Chief Executive, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching Light the South.
“As well as creating a brilliant adventure for families, this spectacular trail will help Southampton Hospitals Charity raise vital funds for our Children’s Hospital, one of the top three paediatric centres across the country.”
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