Heliotrope, artists and scientists create the everlasting sun

How does light affect us? How do we feel the seasons? What is our relationship with the sun? What happens to us during the winter months when we see less of it? But, above all, could we create a large sunny spot in the middle of cloudy, grey Glasgow to help us deal with our cravings for light? By these questions (and related answers) is  born Heliotrope project:  an immersive installation of sound light and movement,  situated at the Glasgow botanic garden  from 24 to 27 November and designed by the creative producers at Trigger which tackles the issues surrounding the effects of seasonal affective disorder, an extreme reaction to a lack of light in the winter months. Visitors also received a booklet of poetry and science writing.
To give shape to Heliotrope, Trigger has brought together up-and-coming artist Hanna Tuulikki and DO Architecture, fresh from representing Scotland at the 2012 Venice Architecture Biennale. Tuulikki has created a 'sonic bath' composed of samples of singing bowls, and DO Architecture have designed a rotating cocoon complete with rising sun.
Joining the team are psychiatrist and author John Eagles, a veteran of SAD studies; acclaimed poet and playwright Molly Naylor; Stefanie Posavec, known for her work as a book designer and data visualiser; and developer Justin Quillanin.

Suzy Glass, Trigger producer, said: "We began developing the idea of an enclosure, a safe space that people could escape to during the winter months, a warm environment where the sun would definitely shine. We wanted to create something uplifting, a place that could make people feel good."

Sources: heliotrope-project.com ; ionmagazine.co.uk; wellcome.ac.uk