Shining a Light on Nantong Window: A Masterpiece of Architectural Lighting

Tongji Architectural Design Co., Ltd's Award-Winning Creation Marries Function and Visual Spectacle

Unveiling the Nantong Window, a cultural center that stands as a testament to the innovative prowess of Tongji Architectural Design Co., Ltd. This architectural marvel, inspired by the concept of "Birds and Sea", showcases a unique blend of design and technology, earning it the prestigious Silver A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2021.

The Nantong Window, located on the north side of a landscape park, houses a library, cultural center, and archives. Drawing inspiration from the theme of "Birds and Sea", the building employs a special folding panel curtain wall and a three-dimensional folding "feather" shaped perforated aluminum curtain wall system. This design element not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the structure but also serves functional purposes.

What sets the Nantong Window apart is its unique lighting design. The installation position and angle of the luminaire have been meticulously calculated to ensure optimal visual comfort, both indoors and outdoors. The building facade employs the DMX512 control system, enabling dynamic changes that cater to daily energy-saving needs and special occasions.

The realization of this design involved embedding underground lamps with CRI90 and 3000K illumination color temperature in the underside of the building. This illuminates the orange inner wall and ceiling, reinforcing the "bird" intention of the building. The project, covering a total of 30200 square meters, is a testament to the seamless integration of architectural design and lighting technology.

One of the significant challenges faced during the design process was the installation and maintenance of lamps. However, through numerous experiments and discussions with the curtain wall consultant, the team managed to synchronize the installation of lamps and curtain wall. An openable design was also incorporated on the top of the aluminum curtain wall for easy maintenance.

The Nantong Window is a shining example of how architectural lighting can transform a building into a visual spectacle while maintaining functionality. The lighting design principle continues the architectural concept, with facade lighting on the waterside of the building complementing the architectural function and form. The result is a lantern-like effect that shines through the entire body of the building, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.

In conclusion, the Nantong Window is a testament to the innovative prowess of Tongji Architectural Design Co., Ltd. The project, which started in April 2019 in Torino and finished in August 2020 in Rimini, is a shining example of how architectural design and lighting technology can come together to create a masterpiece. With its unique design and innovative use of lighting, the Nantong Window is truly a sight to behold.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Ma Yuan, Nantong Window, 2020. Image #2: Photographer Ma Yuan, Nantong Window, 2020. Image #3: Photographer Ma Yuan, Nantong Window, 2020. Image #4: Photographer Ma Yuan, Nantong Window, 2020. Image #5: Photographer Ma Yuan, Nantong Window, 2020.
Project Team Members: Xiu Yang Limin Jiang Yu Zhang Yue Ma Xingru Chen Chen Bian Wenjing Ge Jiani Lu Xi Luo Ying Zhang
Project Name: Nantong Window
Project Client: Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd


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