Cube Lights Installation Lighting Design Project

Cube Lights

AN ARTISTIC LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR ENTERTAINMENT USAGE

Abstract:

This paper aims to understand better the possibilities of using light in an artistic context to provide mobile commercial entertainment possibilities for venues including but not limited to: the Superbowl, Formula One, and the World Cup. A reinvented installation inspired by precedents from: Hyperbody (Faculty of Architecture, Delft University of Technology), Cinimod, SpY, Carlos Brillembourg Architects, drdi, Ball-Nogues Studio, and a selection of lighting designers is provided. The objective of this lighting project is to use shadow and color to create an artistic installation catering to various venue sizes—for example, smaller venues like art galleries and larger ones like sports stadiums. My project methodology is to create a structure that can be experienced from multiple angles–similar to an abstract art kinetic mobile. For example, one such installation could take the form of a large volume. This might require an external scaffoldinglike structural system with lights encased in frosted material to soften the light. These forms would then be suspended from within the structure, allowing for unobstructed views by the public from multiple angles. The possible outcome is a digital visualization of the space/form of the object in its finalized state and supporting lighting data documentation.

Background:

Large, artistic lighting installations are used for entertainment worldwide to breathe life into public spaces. Many of these installations use colored lighting to create a room’s mood.

Figure 1. A shot of the rendered installation with the lighting effect fully visible.

Figure 2. A shot of the rendered installation with a light-colored base installed.

Designer: Kraig Sims

Figure 3. Initial sketching of the lighting installation.

Objectives:

The objectives for this project were:

• To gain a better understanding of how public artistic lighting installations are used.

• To evaluate contemporary public artistic lighting installations.

• To create an easily implementable lighting installation that could be used in various venues, viewed from multiple angles, and easily transported/constructed.

Methodology:

In my research, a model of my proposed lighting design was created using Rhino 7 software. I focused on using primary geometric forms and the simple frame construction in my scenario. This model was then brought into Lightscape 3.2 to gain parametric data based on the usage of varying light types and luminance levels.

Conclusion:

A better sense of the complexity of artistic lighting installation design and a working concept for a lighting installation has been realized. Future usages of this delicate piece might take the form of a structure for an indoor mall or may even become a permanent fixture in a community center. The end-life usage of the form is helped by its simple shapes and materiality. The installation could be broken down and repurposed into its base elements—allowing it to be reintegrated within the construction industry. The installation could also be use its deconstructed parts to be reused to create public park attractions, abstract interior chandeliers, and landscaping elements.

Figure 4. Parametric Data Chart

Figure 5. Initial Lighting Design Model.

Figure 6. Screenshot of Lightscape data generation process.

Figure 7. A rendered view of the installation installed in a public fountain.

Figure 8. A rendered view of the installation installed within an art gallery.

Figure 9. A rendered view of the space is installed in a brightly lit pavilion.

Figure 10. Alternate rendering of the installation surrounded with TV screens behind it to provide varied views and situational contexts.

Figure 11. Plan Drawing of the Cube Lights.

Figure 12. Annotated elevation Drawing of the Cube Lights.

Figure 13. Section Drawing of the Cube Lights.

References:

1. Uffelen, Chris van. Light in Architecture. 1st ed., Braun, 2012.

2. Lighting Design : Principles, Implementation, Case Studies. Birkhäuser, 2012.

3. Major, Mark, et al. Made of Light : The Art of Light and Architecture. Birkhäuser, 2005.

4. Davoudian, Navaz, editor. Urban Lighting for People : Evidence-Based Lighting Design for the Built Environment. RIBA Publishing, 2019.