© Paz & Cheung
6 light source
BCP wanted to update the look of their headquarters to celebrate a modern and progressive Peruvian society.
Banco del Crédito de Peru (BCP) wanted to redesign its headquarters in Lima to reflect its new strategy of being closer to people. With the help of a multinational team, lighting designer Claudia Paz created BCP Affinity, an interactive façade for the building that changed the face of one part of the city. How did you become involved in the update of the façade for the headquarters of BCP? The original team of designers came up with an idea of a media screen, similar to what you would see in Times Square, but fortunately, local rules do not allow the installation of such large advertisements on buildings. The bank then contacted me, because it knew I was not a designer who specializes in media screens – I like integrating light and architecture, so that light has meaning for a city and its people. What was your vision for the façade and how did you come up with your concept for BCP Affinity? Normally, when I do a lighting design, I integrate it into the architecture but since the BCP building did not have strong aesthetics, I chose instead to use it as the canvas for an art piece for the city. BCP is the largest Peruvian bank, and it was trying to change its strategy and image to bring it closer to people. This is what I wanted the installation to reflect – I did not want it to be yet another media installation, but a source of inspiration for the people of Lima. This is why the client liked my concept and the idea behind it.
How did the location of the building affect your concept and choices? In the corner where the building is located there is no fine architecture, only cars and pollution. The area needed a powerful concept, because it was lacking in character. One day, I was standing by the building and looked up – and that was when I understood that I needed to see something there that would inspire me. That’s what makes the shows so magical – standing on the podium, surrounded by the sound, you don’t hear the noise of the cars, and all you see is the façade. It is now a corner of inspiration. Which lighting effects are possible? We had to do several types of shows for different people. Some like experiences with more participation and creating new things. For them, we have shows with music. In one, you can add notes to a background piano melody, and another uses a violin in a similar way, but you can also open and close the façade with orange and blue ArchiPoints. Other shows are inspired by nature. We have a moving sun with wind sounds and the sound of sand falling. It’s a very calm, immersive show. Inspired by an installation in New York, I also came up with the idea of a rain effect. It doesn’t really rain much here in Lima otherwise! Fireworks are more of a Christmas effect. We also have constellations where you can switch on the stars of your choice. Finally, we have the aurora with violet, purple and pink colours. Nature-inspired effects fit organically with the idea of an interactive installation, because we are naturally compelled to interact, for instance, with the rain.