Expo 2020 Dubai’s Surreal Gateway

Spot Light

In the hands of architect Asif Khan, the entry portals of the Dubai Expo 2020 become metaphors, gateways and transitional points that are equal parts design genius and a philosophical back story.

Asif Khan presents three stark, stunning, perception-shifting entryways to the expansive event site that will create different experiences depending on the time of day, inventively playing with light and myriad shadows. Each of these are entry portals - one positioned at the entrance to each of the three Thematic Districts of Expo 2020 Dubai (Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability).

Asif Khan, the British architectural mastermind is behind Dubai Expo 2020’s Public Realm

Drawing inspiration from the latticework present in the traditional “mashrabiya” among Arabic dwellings, the three portals are crafted entirely from intertwined lightweight carbon fiber composite and sit defiantly upon the open landscape. Measuring 21 meters high by 30 meters long, the portals were developed over the

Expo 2020 Dubai’s Surreal Gateway Asif Khan, the British architectural mastermind behind Expo 2020’s Public Realm - has conceptualised and created what will be the first sight to greet millions of visitors from around the world.

Photo credits: Helene Binet

The three portals are made ussing a unique process, high-grade carbon fibre and resin was spun into strands so fine they could circumnavigate the world 5,000 times over if laid end to end

Photo credits: Helene Binet

course of a three-year iterative design process. The portals are as remarkable from an engineering standpoint as they are visually. Using a unique process, high-grade carbon fibre and resin was spun into strands so fine they could circumnavigate the world 5,000 times over if laid end to end. Yet those strands retain the structural strength to support a four-wheeldrive vehicle.

Each portal has a set of two 21- metre-tall doors - and when opened each morning, they will represent a symbolic act of Expo 2020’s doors being literally thrown open to the world. When visitors leave, those same doors will lead back to the ‘regular’ world, enticing visitors to return to Expo 2020 another day.

These portals are a fitting point of first contact for visitors to Expo 2020 - a unique celebration of art, culture, music, architecture, technology and a once-in-a-lifetime showcase of human brilliance and achievement.

Khan was previously known for works that include the darkest building in the world, and MegaFaces, a pavilion with a kinetic façade at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics that used 11,000 full colour LEDs to recreate the faces of visitors to the building.

The three portals - whose installation was completed in December 2019 - will be complemented by a different entry plaza with themed flora and features to further welcome visitors. Contact web: www.expo2020dubai.com

Photo credits: Helene Binet

Spot Light

LED Lights and lighting solutions brand, Jaquar Lighting held its first dialogue panel titled ‘Play Light’ at its Orientation Centre in Delhi. The first edition of Play Light was a live symposium model on eclectic design with discussions on the role of aesthetic appeal of lighting in modern interiors.

Three detailed panel discussions formed the crux of the day’s proceedings touching upon Lighting Psychology, Lighting Trends and Outdoor Lighting. The expert panel comprised of renowned designers, consultants and architects from prestigious design studios.

The first panel discussion on Lighting Psychology focused on the cognitive and emotional role that lighting plays in our daily lives, and how light creates more than just visual effects such as shape, image, perception, intensity and contrast. The panel highlighted that lighting helps an individual navigate new spaces, enhancing one’s experience in varied settings.

The second panel discussion was on decorative lighting trends that are currently transforming all kinds of spaces through the use of technology such as censors and façade lighting. Additionally, it was stressed that façade lighting plays a key role in architectural expression and aids in enlivening a building while also extending a sense of security to the space.

The final panel discussion touched upon the significance of outdoor lighting in landscaping. It helps in adding drama and aesthetic appeal to the home exteriors

Jaquar Hosts ‘Play Light’ Dialogue A confluence of industry experts and designers discussed the unique trends and the science behind lighting up spaces.

The first edition of Play Light was a live symposium model on eclectic design with discussions on the role of aesthetic appeal of lighting in modern interiors

contributing a beautiful effect to the surroundings. The panel concluded that geography plays a crucial role in the choice of lighting owing to varying requirements and ideas of beauty.

“Jaquar Lighting as a business caters to consumers across segments - from value offerings to premium and luxury clientele. Being awarded international design awards for our smart street lights, we are encouraged to continue our consistent efforts in coming up with innovative lighting solutions that work harder than a normal light - serving more functions than one. Case in point, our smart street light performs various functions - it acts as a Wi-Fi router, a grid charger and an HD security camera among others,” opined Ranbir Mehra, Director, Jaquar Lighting.

J a q u a r L i g h t i n g h a s a consistent focus on introducing smart, innovative solutions for its customers. While designing products they do not just consider aesthetics, but stress equally on functionality and the emotional appeal of the product. The company has maintained a CAGR of 90% in the last four years, while expanding our operations to over 50,000 retail outlets across the country. Going forward it aims to drive sales up to 1,000 crores. In the next few months, its 9 lakh sq ft lighting factory will also be ready for production - the only facility in the country to produce LED in-house, and one of the biggest in Asia. Contact web: www.jaquarlighting.com