Spotlight

Zifergauz Russia

The Gazprom Neft Digital Transformation Centre, Zifergauz, is a technological space for teams of industrial digital transformation developers. At this location, robots are assembled, drones programmed, equipment 3D printed, neural networks trained, industrial gadgets and telemetry sensors created and blockchain services for wireless networks developed. All these technologies are used at Gazprom Neft for digital geological exploration, plants automation, remote drilling management, logistic robotics and even for the company’s own icebreakers’ equipment. The architecture, design engineering, planning and interior design of Zifergauz, created by Vox Architects, is based on the idea of continuity from the past to the future, which lighting designers from QPRO tried to support. Built in mid-19th century, the building was originally designed to vertically store timber delivered for the Admiralty shipyards. Now, the site organically combines its historical architectural legacy with the cuttingedge functionality of a futuristic technical centre. The key idea of the project is to generate more free space, and to make the interior visually lighter. This new concept is conceived as an attempt to go outside the brick margins of the building, which are too tangible, frozen in time, and to fill the monotonous dark enfilades with fresh air and creative energy. It became possible to compensate the lack of natural light in the room with dynamic lighting and tunable white technology. An intelligent artificial lighting system managing human biorhythms helps to activate human resources, setting them up for productive work during the day, and in the

evening helps to relax and tune in to rest. The scenario of changing the colour temperature is the same for the entire space of the office, which makes the movement of people between work areas and public spaces comfortable while minimising the differences in colour and light contrasts. A new, comfortable working environment is also formed with balanced horizontal and vertical illumination. Massive luminous panels, as well as continuous light lines and light portals, contribute to breaking up the plentiful brickwork and the cramped and dark spaces, increasing their volume. A special decorative effect is created by a new multimedia system. Media panels that also absorb noise easily integrate into the interior and contribute to the creation of dynamic colour and light scenarios, images and impressions, which helps to shape emotions and invites building users to explore the surrounding space and pass in a workflow. The interior biophillic design concept developed by Vox Architects is also supported by a special lighting effect that simulates natural light passing through the tree crowns. www.qpro.info www.vox-architects.com

Pics: Daniel Annenkov

Pic: Gavriil Papadiotis

Athens International Airport Greece

Pic: Gavriil Papadiotis Pic: Yiorgis Yerolymbos

The Athens International Airport (AIA) is an important landmark for the city, being one of the first experiences for visitors, and also the last as they leave. A new extension to the south wing of the airport’s main terminal building, designed by architects Tombazis and Associates and AVW Architecture, helps to boost this landmark status. The extension is a newly-completed end piece, revealed gradually while approaching the airport from the main road. This end piece is defined by a series of rotating louvers that reveal views from and to the building. The vision for the lighting here, designed by Eleftheria Deko and Associates, was to promote this architectural viewpoint to increase its attractiveness. This was done by illuminating the structure elegantly, without revealing the position of the light sources, and without the fixtures obstructing views into and out of the building. As such, Linea Light Group worked with the lighting designers to produce a custom version of its Paseo linear profile, the modules of which are RGBW and managed individually by a DMC control unit. The extra-large variant, dubbed Paseo Giga was designed by combining 253 modules, starting from the creation of an aluminium recessed casing to be installed inside the sunshades – this also enclosed the electrical wiring, allowing for it to be recessed. Made of polycarbonate, and with an IP67rating, the modules create a unique show by combining elegant white lines with coloured scenes, with static or dynamic effects. With multiple scenarios able to be programmed, the lighting design team created 12 dynamic scenarios, ranging from three to seven minutes in length. These are looped during the night, with the different scenarios suitable for various occasions, from casual days to festive celebrations. During weekdays the scenes are based on black and white light transitions while during the weekends, colour is introduced. Deko and her lighting team also provided the airport’s management team static lighting combinations with the colours of all the countries’ flags for special occasions. “By creating countless visual scenarios, either discreet or eye-catching, we communicate through light different visual messages to the airport’s guests, highlighting not only the architectural creation but also the power of light as a universal means of communication between people,” said Deko. “Our intention wasn’t to create ‘flashy’ lighting for the façade, but a human-centric approach, where the visitor is welcomed to Athens or saying ‘au revoir’ through the lighting transitions, like a warm and colourful smile.” The less visible sides of the building have also been enhanced, with the installation of Linea Light’s 4000K, monochromatic Archiline Pro profiles, managed with DALI protocol, alongside a custom version of its linear profile, Thin66, with diffused light emission. This accentuates the details of the architectural features of the building, elegantly emphasising the façades. www.edeko.gr

Pic: @fabolus_vienna © Bildrecht Wien Pic: Jenni Koller © Bildrecht Wien

Himmelsleiter Austria

Conceived by Viennese artist Billi Thanner for this year’s Easter celebration, Himmelsleiter is a stretching, neon gold ladder that climbs the south tower of Vienna’s St. Stephan’s Cathedral. The installation consists of two parts – the first an 18-metre piece inside the cathedral at the baptistery consisting 21 rungs, and the second running up the south tower, 36-metres in length with 33 rungs, reaching a height of 136-metres above the ground. Both ladders were custom-made by Thanner, together with a local neon company, constructed of aluminium and neon, and then painted golden yellow. With the piece exposed to the elements at the top of the south tower, Thanner designed the ladder in such a way that both spars taper off progressively towards the top, creating a narrowing effect. Inspired by Jacob’s Ladder – the celestial ladder that symbolises the ascent (or descent) between heaven and earth, the installation was intended to be a symbol of hope for residents in Vienna. Thanner explained the piece’s meaning in more detail: “The view from the bottom up is the first rung, itself only preparation for the preparation, and if you look more closely, it actually begins with the last rung. Humans often go beyond themselves in many ways, and each time they do so, they fill their very lives with meaning. “Jacob’s Ladder is a ladder of meaning, as many times as it takes for us to realise that the lowest rung is the same as the highest. To me, it means that we live life on different levels and ranks, but it teaches us also that it doesn’t matter which life we live, but on which level. No one needs to worry, but that may only become clear to us when we are standing on the upper rungs. “Looking up also means to give free rein to one’s longings, desires and hopes, to grant oneself courage, strength and perseverance, to recharge one’s batteries and confidence, to long for the best for oneself and for all, regardless of gender, age, religion and culture.” The Himmelsleiter will remain in place until 30 September 2021. www.billithanner.at

Marshal Józef Piłsudski Bridge Poland

Kraków is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Central Europe. Since the early Middle Ages, then the capital of Poland, it was one of the most important economic, scientific, and political centres in the region, alongside Prague, Vienna and Wrocław. Its heyday though, came at the dawn of the industrial age, at the beginning of the 20th century. It was then that the Marshal Józef Piłsudski Bridge was built. The oldest existing, still functioning road bridge in Kraków, it bears witness to the craftsmanship of its engineers and builders and featured in the movie Schindler’s List. The landmark bridge has recently been given a new lighting scheme by Polish lighting designers QLab Laboratory of Light. The primary task of illumination for the bridge was to highlight its historic value, sophisticated proportions, and original riveted steel structure. Instead of high-powered projectors, the designers opted for more small and medium-sized luminaires from Platek, optimally positioned to not be visible from average height level and precisely directed at the elements to be illuminated. The main superstructure is the most important and recognisable element of the bridge. Proper illumination of this element was crucial for the perception of the entire project. Impressive structural arches connected by a series of transverse trusses and ties are the most interesting elements of the bridge, making it stand out from other bridges in the city. Subdued and precisely directed lighting allowed the natural beauty of the structure to be emphasised with light, while the cool colour of the light complements the blue colour of the structure. The lower part of the bridge – the flooring and the edge of the pavement – saw QLab connect the two banks with a single line of light using fixtures from Doellken. This can function as an independent light scene where the road line is visible, while the unlit arches fade into darkness. The masonry pillars made of massive stone blocks have also been illuminated. However, due to their slightly different nature, a warmer colour of light was used to illuminate them, RGB spotlights from Schreder have been designed to enable the illumination of the pillars with different colours and create attractive light scenes that can occasionally be activated. In line with the original design, the bridge will be lit on a day-to-day basis with white light. With the new illumination, an interesting visual effect has been achieved. The bridge’s unique silhouette as a vital element of Kraków has been attractively exposed, placing the bridge as a permanent fixture in the city’s nocturnal panorama. www.qlab.com.pl