Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spireworks?
A real-time interactive experience that allows individual access and control of dynamic architectural lighting installations.
Where can I see it?
There are many places to view Spireworks in the New York City area, so long as the participating buildings are visible on the skyline and it's after sunset and before 2:00 AM EST/EDT.
What can I do?
For participating events, members can interact with lighting on a time limited basis.
Users can invite additional users by email if they have invitations available on their account.
Invitations are given to members at Spireworks discretion.
How many colors are available?
The lighting fixtures provide an enormous range of colors, but not all look good or look good together. Every night a palette is assigned which limits the color options to a preselected group. These colors can be applied by pushing up or pushing down colors onto segments of the installations or by simply fade all the fixtures to a color simultaneously.
What happens if there's more than one person?
Each installation will allow for a small number of concurrent users. This is to allow for collaborative and competitive play. If there are more than a few active users, a queue will be formed and users will have to wait until their turn begins. If you end up in a queue, a waiting time will be shown to let you know when your session will begin. As our user base grows we will work to optimize the queue and session times.
How do I get access?
To become a user, you must be invited by someone who is already a member.
Guests can use Spireworks for the duration of an event and are not required to create an account.
You may also request access via the Request Form. Requests are reviewed on a case by case basis at Spireworks discretion. You may also be given an access url that will only work for the duration of the event.
What do I after being invited?
An invitation email will be sent to your email address. You'll need to follow the link in the invite email and create an account by entering a new password. Once that's done, login with the password.
If you are a guest user, just follow the special url in the access notification email.
How do I use it?
Use Spireworks on a smartphone or tablet that's connected to the internet through WiFi or cellular data network. For best results, be sure to have a good view of the installations. This can be either indoors or outdoors, so long as you have a line of sight. If you're a user, you'll need to login and then select an installation to control.
How does giving work?
Some event may ask you or require you to make a one time donation via a valid credit card for access to interact. These donations are received and processed by our giving partner GlobalGiving, which is a non-profit that will distribute your donation and provide a tax deductible receipt. In the event that there is an error processing your donation, GlobalGiving will be able to offer a refund and Spireworks will provide a credit towards your next donation. Lastly, some card holders may experience issues if their card is flagged for suspcious behavior. In that case, GlobalGiving and Spireworks will be unable to accept the donaion and provide access.
What buildings are available?
The architectural spire on top of One Bryant Park has 148 fixtures ~300 feet tall and topping out at ~1200 feet in height.
The broadcast antennae on top of One Five One has 220 fixtures ~416 feet tall and topping out at ~1149 feet in height.
The broadcast antennae on top of One World Trade Center has 73 fixtures ~357 feet tall and topping out at ~1776 feet in height.
What kind of lights are being used?
The lights are LED lights that can be changed dynamically over a network.
When did it start?
Spireworks launched December 10th, 2010, the same day One Bryant Park and One Five One began nightly illumination.
What can Spireworks consider for proposals?
Public Awareness Campaigns
Charitable Fundraising
Commercial Sponsorship
Rooftop/Skyline Venues
Who made Spireworks possible?
The Durst Organization Inc.
Created by Mark Domino
How do I find out more about Spireworks?
Follow @spireworks on Twitter or Instagram
For Inquiries and Issues email support@spireworks.org
