The Resonance collective transformed the historic Portico Library in Manchester into a realm of light and sound for an intimate ambient event featuring John Haycock, DBH, and Maghpai. This unique performance space, aptly named for the Latin "porticus" meaning gateway or passage, served both literally and metaphorically as a portal between worlds—connecting Manchester's literary past with its experimental present.
By layering refractive elements throughout the space, we created a system where the projections interacted with the physical crystals, multiplying and enhancing the light patterns in a manner that echoed the library's role as a threshold between ideas. The technical implementation allowed us to maintain precise control while allowing for the organic, unpredictable beauty that defines the Resonance approach.
This technical and conceptual framework transformed The Portico Library from a mere gateway to literary worlds into a multisensory portal where Manchester's past and present engaged in silent conversation, illuminated by carefully orchestrated light and sound.
We implemented a comprehensive HDMI network linking nine projectors positioned throughout the reading room, allowing us to create cohesive visual narratives that respected and enhanced the architectural character of this 1806 landmark. The classic Resonance crystal refraction technique was employed with careful consideration for the delicate environment, with white light sources positioned to interact with the dark wood paneling and illuminate the collection of 25,000 historic volumes without risk of damage.
The visual composition responded to the ambient soundscapes provided by the artists, creating gentle modulations that complemented rather than overwhelmed the contemplative atmosphere. Light patterns swept across ornate ceilings and between bookshelves that had witnessed Manchester's transformation from industrial pioneer to modern metropolis, emphasizing the library's function as an archway to knowledge and understanding.