LDC: Amandolier Media Facade
Channel: Lighting Design Collective
Date: 12/04/2020

The project reimagines an iconic media facade in central Geneva, Switzerland. When daylight fades, the facade communicates a new artistic expression with real time data integration resulting in
natural calm movements of light and expressive geometries drawn from the architecture itself.

The minimalist architectural composition results in a glass cube, opening a dialogue with the surroundings, depending on the variations in the light condition inside and outside. During the day
it is transparent but also reflects the vibrant life of the city and the ever-changing sky. The basic repetitive geometry results in an open canvas for lighting & gives a sense of order. The grid modules
can be grouped in segments or floors playing with the perceived scale of the building. 

The first “content family” GEOMETRIES was inspired by the architecture. Second “content family” WEATHER, incorporates real time temperature, wind and humidity data. The data is collected online, analysed and parameterized, triggering changes in Digital content is created continuously by visual algorithms.

The design started its life from a study into what is called a cybernetic loop. When an object within a urban context affect its surrounding and in return the surroundings affect the object.

Third “content family” 8 BIT plays with the façade grid, generating pixel art digital content considering each window like one pixel. The aesthetic for this kind of graphics recalls the 8-bit video game consoles.

A bespoke luminaire was developed to fit the existing niche in the facade. The client requested to minimize the shadows in the corners and to evenly illuminate each window blind. Different combinations of optics cs and holographic diff users were tested through mock-ups. Custom software was developed for lighting control.

Credits:
Client: SPG-RYTZ – Prorenova
Concept & Lighting Design: Lighting Design Collective (ldcol.com)
Custom Software Development: UNSTATIC
Specialist lighting installer: Rhône-Electra
Main Lighting Supplier: Grupo MCI
Lighting Control Hardware: Pharos Architectural Controls, Artistic License