Architect Daniel Libeskind has created a luminaire for Zumtobel as part of the brand’s Masterpieces series.
January 23rd, 2012
Debuting at Art Basel Miami Beach in December 2011 was the latest in lighting company Zumtobel’s Masterpieces, a series of collaborations with architects, designers and artists resulting in unique cutting-edge pieces.
The eL Masterpiece was designed by Polish-born architect Daniel Libeskind along with his astrophysicist son Dr Noam Libeskind, who developed an algorithm for lighting patterns on the luminaire that represent the development of the universe.
“I wanted to design a truly unique object, one that gives off light in a way that is natural, that encapsulates the complexity and interesting quality of the very light that surrounds us,” said Libeskind (Senior) of the project.
Daniel Libeskind
“I wanted my design to not simply be about the mechanism or the formalistic use of light, but instead about creating a truly new experience that will add a dimension to the demonstration of the mystery, wonder and beauty of light.”
The 2.7 metre structure features steel finishes, an interior coated in 23 carat gold, and 1680 specially-made LED modules, each with a built-in microcontroller, allowing it to be controlled individually. The light emitted by the LEDs aims to reproduce the cosmic light that fills the universe.
“We’re essentially trying to tell the history of light,” said Noam Libeskind of the concept. “How light in the universe evolved, how it was created, how it is absorbed and re-emitted and how, over 14 billion years, the light in the entire universe was changing and was in turn affecting the evolution of the universe.
Dr Noam Libeskind with the eL Masterpiece
“We shaped a box representing a section of the universe, millions of light years across, and out of that box we took little portions and used LEDs on the luminaire for each of these portions.
“Each LED stands for a small piece of the universe… The colour of the LEDs reflects the starlight in that particular part of the universe. When the LEDs are very bright it means there is a lot of starlight – a lot of bright lights going off. When the LEDs have a darker shade, it means that there is less starlight emerging from this particular part of the universe.”
“Today we are still at very close range to the beginnings of light, and it’s fascinating to consider how all the subatomic particles were formed, how they are a part of life, part of our own human experience,” added Daniel Libeskind.
Zumtobel
zumtobel.com
Daniel Libeskind
daniel-libeskind.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Suitable for applications ranging from schools and retail outlets to computer rooms and X-ray suites, Palettone comes in two varieties and a choice of more than fifty colours.
The American Hardwood Export Council promotes the works of next-gen designers through Discovered Singapore exhibition happening from 16 to 22 May at Red Dot Design Museum Singapore.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
A commitment to providing diverse commercial fabric furnishing solutions and a drive to innovate with striking prints and patterns.
The small town of Bundanoon in the NSW Southern Highlands has become the first town in Australia to ban bottled water. A town meeting last night saw around 400 residents vote to ban the sale of bottled water, with just two residents voting against the move. Planet Ark founder and Founder and Chair of Do […]
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Alona Klaro, founder of Klaro Industrial Design (KID), has set her sights on shaking up the specification game. As a product designer with expertise in office furniture, Klaro is looking to bring the “slow fashion” approach to fit outs and interiors, paving a way for commercial designers to address the evolving needs of modern workplaces […]
From playgrounds to skyscrapers, these are a few of the projects that have been celebrated at the Greater Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards for defying conventions.