This groundbreaking installation, featuring glow-in-the-dark flowers, will bring together nature, art, and science to illuminate the botanic identity and wonder of flowers in an exciting new way.
Launching in Canary Wharf this October, on World Mental Health Day, the Bioluminescent Flower Parlour will illuminate messages within flowers that are usually hidden to the human eye, to showcase how we can harmoniously blend with nature. The rare beauty of flowers will be revealed under UV light, illuminating hidden conversations within nature, and immersing guests in a sensory journey that radiates joy and positive energy.
Further exploring the many details of the natural world, visitors will also discover an installation of vibrant photographic artwork from Maggie West’s ‘Ultraviolet’ series. In this acclaimed series the artist uses ultraviolet light and fluorescent ink to illuminate the process in which plants absorb water. West photographed white flowers absorbing fluorescent ink under black lights, with her unique time lapse photography process revealing the hidden pathways that flowers use to sustain life.
A World First
The Bioluminescent Flower Parlour will be the first of its kind anywhere in the world. The innovative floral displays are created using a special serum developed by Aglaé, injecting life and light into a variety of fresh blooms. The bioluminescent effect is further enhanced by UV lighting, turning each flower into a radiant piece of living art. Guests will be able to browse and purchase glowing roses, single stems, and floral arrangements — the perfect, one-of-a-kind gift for loved ones, which will turn the simple act of flower-giving into something magical.
A Celebration of Nature and Mental Well-being
Launching in Canary Wharf as part of the unveiling of Eden Dock, a waterfront oasis created in partnership with the Eden Project, the Bioluminescent Flower Parlour acts to bring the wonder of nature inside. Canary Wharf is creating a place for both nature and people to thrive, where biodiversity is boosted and mental well-being is enhanced through exposure to nature.
The Gaia hypothesis proposes that living organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings on Earth to form a synergistic and self-regulating, complex system that helps to maintain and perpetuate the conditions for life on the planet. Everything on our planet is connected, acting in harmony with one another – we just can’t always see what is going on. What we do know is that plants can send messages to one another by releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air – flowers effectively talk to one another. Concealed communication is happening all around us, between plants and between people.
Thanks to the technology of a nutritive serum developed by Aglaé, at the Bioluminescent Flower Parlour nectar guides, the fine lines within flower petals and venation, the lines found in leaves, are both revealed, giving visitors a glimpse into the hidden world of flowers. The bioluminescent blooms draw parallels with the neural pathways and connections in the human mind, acting like a visual demonstration of the Gaia Theory – we are all as one and can work symbiotically towards a better future.
The Bioluminescent Flower Parlour will be a powerful reminder of our connection to nature, offering an immediate escape from the mundane and instilling a sense of calm and tranquillity. Amongst a fusion of plants and textures, chrysanthemums and carnations will feature and also be available for purchase. Chrysanthemums symbolise well-being and longevity, their abundant petals, bursting with life and the ability to bring joy to others. Carnations prized for their delicate fringed petals and enchanting fragrance, bring purity and good luck.
From the outside, visitors can catch glimpses of this botanical visual feast through Maggie West’s kaleidoscopic artwork. This perspective offers a departure from everyday life, an escape from the chaotic vibrancy of the world outside the shopping centre. Whilst the soft, transformative quality of the natural forms will guide visitors toward peace, inspiring creativity and motivation.
Sam Bompas of Bompas & Parr says, “We’ve always believed in creating experiences that stimulate the mind as well as the senses. The Bioluminescent Flower Parlour takes this to a new level by combining the beauty of nature with cutting-edge science, all while promoting the mental health benefits that flowers can offer.”
Artist, Maggie West says, “As an artist, I’ve always been fascinated by the unseen beauty and interconnectedness within nature. The Bioluminescent Flower Parlour allows people to experience that hidden world in a truly magical way, and I’m thrilled that my work can be part of a project that highlights the mental health benefits of nature. Through the calming glow of the flowers and the immersive experience we’ve created, I hope to remind visitors of the powerful sense of peace and connection that nature can bring to our busy lives.”
A Limited-Time Experience
The Bioluminescent Flower Parlour will be open on select dates this October, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see and purchase glowing flowers unlike anything else in the world. Limited edition floral arrangements and bespoke bouquets will be available, with special orders accepted both in-store and online.
The Flower Parlour will be open from 10am to 2pm on the following dates:
- 10th & 11th October 2024
- 15th – 19th October 2024
- 22nd & 23rd October 2024
Notes to Editors
About Bompas & Parr:
@bompasandparr
London based, operating globally, Bompas & Parr is recognised as the leading expert in multi-sensory experience design. The studio works with commercial brands, artistic institutions, private clients and governments to deliver emotionally compelling experiences to a wide variety of audiences. Sam Bompas and Harry Parr first came to prominence through their expertise in jelly-making, but the business rapidly grew into a fully-fledged creative studio offering food and drink design, brand consultancy and immersive experiences across a diverse number of industries.
The studio is based in London but in the past year has realised projects on practically every continent.
The Bioluminescent Flower Parlour represents the latest innovation in their long-standing mission to bring joy and wonder through creative design.
About Maggie West:
@maggiewest
Maggie West is a Los Angeles-based artist known for her colorful photo and video art installations. Her video work continues to push the boundaries of traditional time-lapse photography.
In 2023, Maggie was commissioned to create Coachella’s first photography exhibit. Premiering at the festival in April, West’s piece was one of the world’s largest three-dimensional photography installations to date, further showcasing her innovative approach to photographic exhibitions.
West has contributed many large-scale architectural installations to the Los Angeles landscape. In 2020, she was commissioned to create the central artwork in the new Netflix campus located in the center of Hollywood. Her other commercial clients include Google, Coca-Cola, Adidas, and Universal.
West has also created a number of artworks and installations for notable institutions such as the California Academy of Sciences, The Smithsonian Magazine, and The City of West Hollywood. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Variety, Paper, The Huffington Post, Playboy, Allure, Cosmopolitan, and Newsweek..
About Canary Wharf Group:
Canary Wharf Group (CWG) is the developer of the largest urban regeneration project in Europe. CWG develops, manages and currently owns interests in approximately 9 million square feet of mixed-use space and over 1,100 Build to Rent apartments.
CWG is committed to turning sustainability ambition into impactful action. Examples include purchasing 100% electricity from renewable sources since 2012, our partnership with the Eden Project creating a place for nature and people and working to deliver our Science-Based Target.
CWG has created a 24/7 city where people can live, work and thrive on the Canary Wharf estate and enjoy all the benefits: great transport links, access to 16.5 acres of green spaces and waterside living; and a wide range of amenities including an award-winning arts and events programme. Canary Wharf’s retail offering comprises over 80 bars, cafes and restaurants and over 310 shops, including 8 grocery stores, pharmacies and health clubs all within 15 minutes’ walk.
Website: www.canarywharf.com www.group.canarywharf.com
LinkedIn: @CanaryWharfGroup
Instagram: @canarywharflondon
X: @CanaryWharfGrp @Level39CW