A JOURNEY OF LIGHT AND COLOUR

The 23-metre-high pavilion, named Spectra, consists of seven spiralling storeys covered in a rainbow band of colour, with an observation deck at its peak.The dazzling colour scheme is produced by the separation of light waves by their varying degrees of refraction, embodying the lively spirit of the Coachella festival. Through this manipulation of the physical properties of light, Spectra is capable of producing over 16 million colours.

Spectra seeks to explore the relationship between light and landscape, and how it influences visitors who transition through it. Set against the colour-enriched sunrises and sunsets that spread across the festival, from burning red in the morning to rich blues and purples in the evening, Spectra engulfs visitors in contrasting or complimentary artificial colour as they move through the pavilion. This journey through colour encourages visitors to really “see” the colours as feel the vivid range of emotions they create, rather than simple observing them at a glance.

“When creating Spectra, we wanted it to be less about the structure itself and more about the journey within it,” explained Patrick O’Mahony the creative director of NEWSUBSTANCE. “Once inside you will be encapsulated within a Coachella Sunrise. Colour is often something only observed, but with this piece we wanted the audience to be washed with rich reds, sky blues and hot pinks as they journey to new heights and experience a truly unique view of the festival.”

Spectra’s colour scheme responds to the natural Coachella lightscape in varying ways throughout the day, sometimes perfectly blended into the California sky, sometimes sitting in stark contrast. A journey through the pavilion rewards visitors with unique views of the festival landscape, withdrawn from the lively buzz of the Coachella festival, to create a peaceful, serene atmosphere that encapsulates the true meaning of the event.