BYGE

Bergen, 2023-

Making Bergen’s Rain Visible

Created through a collaboration between Bergen Vann and the Bergen-based design agency Overhaus, BYGE is an interactive public installation that transforms Bergen’s famously rainy weather into a living visual experience.

Located in Byparken in the heart of Bergen, the installation invites passers-by to experience the city’s relationship with rain in a new way. Using real-time weather data, BYGE visualises rainfall, temperature and wind, while comparing the accumulated precipitation with previous years and the record-breaking year of 2015.

The installation consists of five arches and four illuminated columns that fill with light as the weather changes. Moving between real-time measurements and historical data, the structure becomes a dynamic reflection of Bergen’s ever-changing climate.

The name BYGE, meaning “shower” or “rain shower” in Norwegian, captures the shifting moods of the weather. More than a weather display, the installation turns everyday meteorological data into an engaging encounter between people, technology and the natural environment.

Built by Bergen Vann at the request of the city government, with support from the EU-funded BEGIN project, BYGE was unveiled on 8 June 2023. Its design was inspired by a winning proposal in the A Slightly Better Bergen competition, organised by Bergens Tidende as part of the city’s 950th anniversary.

By bringing weather data into public space, BYGE encourages residents and visitors to look more closely at the environment around them. It celebrates a defining feature of Bergen’s identity while making climate information accessible, tangible and visually compelling.

Responsible for the physical construction?

  • Bergen Vann — project owner and builder.

  • Overhaus AS — design and visual concept.

  • CP Norway AS — technical systems and hardware, including LED panels.

  • BN Visuals — software and system architecture.

  • Størksen AS — structural work, metal fabrication, and installation.

  • Fag Elektrikeren AS — electrical installation.

 

 

During the development of the installation, BN Visuals (BNV) was involved from an early stage. Working from the initial illustrations and functional concept developed by the design agency Overhaus AS, BNV designed and developed the backend solution needed to bring the concept to life.

Weather data from two separate APIs was integrated to generate real-time visualisations of current weather conditions and enable comparisons with historical weather data. The weather data was collected with a custom made MAX-patch, the collection,mapping and distribution of all the pixels was done through Mad Mapper.

The physical structure was engineered and constructed by Størksen AS, in collaboration with CP Norway, which supplied the electronic hardware and display screens. Fag Elektrikeren was responsible for the electrical installation.

BYGE was nominated for Norwegian Lighting Prize in the category for Best Technical Solution/Product