Incredible new artwork to shed light on road technology

An innovative art installation showcasing a pioneering approach to low carbon road infrastructure is set to be unveiled in Liverpool City Centre.

This glow-in-the-dark artwork, created by the esteemed artist collective Reskate, will demonstrate the potential of cutting-edge sustainable technology in the realm of highway infrastructure.

Part of the ADEPT Live Labs 2: Decarbonising Local Roads in the UK project, the artwork will be installed on the corner of Hanover Street and College Lane in Liverpool ONE.

The ADEPT Live Labs 2 programme, a £30 million, UK-wide program funded by the Department for Transport, aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of local road networks. This installation will serve as a visual representation of the project’s commitment to exploring and implementing environmentally conscious solutions.

A series of experiments are currently underway across the city on roads, pedestrian crossings and cycle paths as part of the ADEPT Live Labs 2 project

A key feature of the artwork will be the utilization of Luminokrom, a photoluminescent paint. This material absorbs ambient light during daylight hours and emits a luminous glow during periods of darkness. The installation will therefore undergo a dynamic transformation from day to night, providing a compelling demonstration of the paint’s capabilities.

It is hoped that not only will the artwork highlight – literally – the work of Live Labs 2, but it can also become a cultural attraction in its own right and an Instagrammable moment for members of the public.

The selection of Liverpool as a site for this installation reflects the city’s active participation in the Live Labs 2 program. The Luminokrom paint is also being trialled on a cycle path in Everton Park, where it is projected to yield significant carbon emission reductions compared to conventional street lighting.

The artwork’s design, developed by Reskate, incorporates themes of sustainability, life, music, and the future. The collective aims to foster awareness, engagement, and proactive involvement in environmental stewardship through this public installation.

Reskate, comprised of artists Minuskula and Javier de Riba from Donostia-San Sebastián and Barcelona respectively, is renowned for its site-specific murals and installations that integrate with their surrounding environments. Their work is characterized by a commitment to conveying meaningful messages through thoughtful aesthetic choices.

They have painted around the world, from Catalonia to China including Basque Country, Portugal, France, Germany, Belgium, Romania, Austria, Açores Islands and the USA.

The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) represents local authority county, unitary and metropolitan directors across England. Live Labs 2 includes seven projects, grouped by four interconnected themes, led by local authorities working alongside commercial and academic partners. Each project is testing new solutions to decarbonise construction and maintenance across the whole life cycle of the local highway network. The programme is overseen by an independent Commissioning Board, which includes the Department for Transport and other experts from across the public and private sectors.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “This exciting piece of public artwork is a really creative way of showcasing to the public some of the incredible inventions being made to decarbonise our roads.

“I’m sure that when people see what this one innovation can achieve, they’ll be excited to see what other developments we can all expect to see in the future.

“I’m delighted that the ADEPT Live Expo will be held in Liverpool this year. It’s a testament to how this city is front and centre of not just new road technology, but also how we are leading the way on net zero initiatives.

“Liverpool is emerging as a leader in decarbonisation, and blazing a trail that other UK cities will look to emulate in the years ahead.”

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “We’re committed to bringing art to Liverpool ONE and providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents for visitors to enjoy.

“This collaboration with Liverpool City Council and the Department for Transport will bring an innovative mural to the heart of the city, shining a spotlight on sustainability and giving visitors yet another reason to create lasting memories in our vibrant city.”