Esprit Digital and Foster + Partners signal the way to Games

This summer, the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will bring together thousands of elite athletes, friendly volunteers and excited spectators to join a festival of sport and culture.  

Central to the enjoyment of participants is the welcome and guidance they receive at the venues; an experience that will be greatly assisted by four striking digital totems designed by Esprit Digital in association with Foster + Partners.

Each totem will deliver general information, games schedules and venue directions to visitors by means of high-brightness 60” LCD screens, viewable in all weather conditions, including direct sunlight - should the Scottish summer oblige. Information presented on screen can be instantly updated from a central control office; allowing urgent and emergency messages to be displayed on screen if necessary.  In addition to the digital display, the totems house powerful loudspeakers and carry site maps and games logos illuminated by LED backlights.

Standing four metres high to ensure good visibility, each sleek unit is housed in a seamless aluminium case, designed by Foster + Partners to match the futuristic design of the SSE Hydro performance arena; venue of the gymnastics, netball and boxing events for the forthcoming games and Scotland’s newest, award-winning, permanent leisure and cultural building within the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre complex.

“Working with Foster + Partners provided great insight into the design process of world-class architects to create truly attractive and highly functional outdoor display totems,” said James Brenner, technical director of Esprit Digital.  

“We have extensive experience in the design of outdoor displays that operate in all climates and are designed to look good in the local environment.  This is the first time that we have collaborated with designers of this calibre to create a truly great design.”

"With the arrival of both the Commonwealth Games next month and a full calendar of events throughout the year there will seldom be a quiet day. It’s going to be a massive year for us,” said Malcolm Close, Director, Operations, SECC.  

“The information totems are an essential element in providing a fantastic visitor experience. They extend the arena’s radial symmetry out into the public realm and with their slim and narrow format, a perfect example of form and function."