September Samhlú Salthill – shifting art installation reimagines urban spaces

UrbanLab Galway, an initiative of University of Galway, has unveiled a perspective-shifting art installation in Salthill Park, Galway, as part of the Architecture on the Edge festival.

Samhlú Salthill is a canvas which reimagines the urban space and presents a glimpse of the potential future, allowing the viewer to look out to Galway Bay and to the well-known Leisureland complex and how they might look in decades to come.

The installation combines with the UrbanLab App to take the experience further, allowing visitors to unlock additional layers of change through augmented reality.

Dr Patrick Collins, Director of UrbanLab Galway and lecturer in Geography at University of Galway, said: "The Samhlú Salthill installation is a combination of perspective and imagination. It uses anamorphic techniques to create stunning visual effects that change as viewers move around it.

“From one angle, you might see one potential future for Salthill. But as you shift your position, the image changes to reveal alternative future visions for the area. It's a powerful metaphor for the transformative power of community-driven urban planning.

“This anamorphic artwork isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's a catalyst for conversation. Thanks to the Urban Lab and our app, each image contains elements drawn from our ongoing public consultation, where we are asking people in Galway to identify locations and how they could be reimagined, redeveloped, enhanced, reopened.

“As people interact with the art, they're literally seeing their community's ideas take shape before their eyes."

Samhlú Salthill was strategically placed in Salthill Park, across from the well-known Leisureland complex, a space ripe for revitalisation.

The project is backed by Galway City Council, Science Foundation Ireland, and University of Galway and serves as both an artistic landmark and a focal point for community discussion.

Dr Collins explains: "Anyone who downloads the UrbanLab app can then use it and point their phone at the artwork, and watch as digital elements spring to life. We want people to share their reactions and ideas directly through the app. This fusion of physical art and digital interaction creates a truly unique public forum."

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