A building resembling a giant lantern was constructed in Zhangbei, China. The architects at Puri Lighting Design designed the geometric edifice, the elements of which were given spectacular illumination. The massive reinforced concrete heart of the building, surrounded by a steel skeleton scaffolding, becomes a luminous monument thanks to a masterful play of light and shadow, which exudes lightness, transparency and, like a lantern, attracts the eye.
The structure of the Zhangbei Mirage building is based on a solid concrete skeleton, while its external form is defined by a steel frame of geometric proportions. This combination of massiveness and openwork became the starting point for a lighting experiment: the PURI designers opted to emphasise the contrast between the monolithic structure and the softness of the light. The clever arrangement of the luminaires allows the industrial character of the steel to be emphasised on the one hand, and the impression of airiness on the other, as if the structure were floating above the ground.
Luminaires and lighting effects
Luminaires with different wattages and lighting angles were chosen for the building: 36W models with a narrow angle of 10 degrees and 48W with a wide angle of 30 degrees. Behind these technical phrases lies the possibility of playing with light to better illuminate individual elements. The light sources are mounted directly in the steel scaffolding elements, invisible to the observer, and emit a light beam directed mainly upwards. This method of uplighting intensifies the accent on the depth and sculpture of the construction. Compared to the gentle internal lighting, this external lighting is more decisive, creating a dynamic visual hierarchy and subtly outlining the contours of the steel profiles.
By delicately balancing the intensity and projection directions, the steel skeleton is not just a carrier of the structure, but becomes an artistic element of the light installation. The play of shadows and rays of light introduces a richer perceptual context into the space, inviting the viewer to discover further details that, at different intensities, cast new impressions.
Shade and atmosphere
The key colour concept was pure white with a temperature of 4000K. This colour value was chosen not by chance – it is intended to emphasise the purity of the form and introduce an atmosphere of tranquillity. In a wilderness setting, where the landscape context is minimalist, the building acts as a transmitter of tranquillity and reverie. The light penetrates into the interior, only to take on a softer appearance there, creating a dialogue between inside and outside, between monumentality and intimacy.
Puri Lighting, based in Beijing, is a consultancy specialising in the study of the light environment. Its portfolio includes the design of architectural lighting, interiors, landscapes and the planning of urban lighting systems. PURI’s philosophy is based on the rejection of a single, schematic style – each commission is an individual process in which designers first explore the character and spirit of the architecture before shaping a lighting design that captures its ‘shine’.
design: Puri Lighting Design
photos: Archi-translator
source: v2com
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