Light Arrival: A Luminous Ceiling Sculpture

Transforming Spaces with Fluid Presence and Illumination

The inspiration for Light Arrival came from the clients' desire to have a sunroom that was uplifting, full of light, and enjoyable year-round. The architect, Matt Flynn, aimed to soften the rectangular space and create a fluid presence. Initially, the plan was to use flexible gypsum board for the ceiling, but after rejecting conventional lighting options, the idea to fabricate the ceiling in translucent acrylic emerged.

By extending beyond the sunroom walls, the ceiling becomes an environment rather than an object. The curved surfaces intersect and blend, creating an asymmetrical yet balanced composition. This lack of a singular focal point allows the clients to relax below without distraction from the fluid presence overhead. At night, the physical character of the sculpture dissolves as the ceiling dematerializes into a mesmerizing display of light.

The realization of Light Arrival involved a collaborative effort between the architect and the client. Pre-drilled plywood panels were painted white and filled with eye bolts, which were then fastened to the roof rafters. Suspension wires were attached, and clear acrylic panels were hung below to support over 29,000 LEDs connected by electrical wires. Custom bending tables were used to thermoform 397 uniquely shaped, CNC-cut, translucent pieces to complete the ceiling.

The technical specifications of Light Arrival are as follows: Width x Depth x Height: 7.7m x 7.6m x 1.9m, with an area of 48.4 m2.

The interaction with Light Arrival is designed to be seamless and customizable. Low-voltage LED tape strips were chosen for their long life and diode spacing, covering vast areas inexpensively. The color temperatures alternate between 3100K and 4000K to blend a fuller light spectrum and create cleaner, whiter light. The electrical wiring divides the fixtures by color and ties into four dimmers, allowing the clients to adjust the lighting according to their preferences.

The Light Arrival project was designed in 2015 and constructed in 2016 at Crystal Lake, Illinois, USA. Extensive research was conducted to overcome challenges such as creating balanced illumination and avoiding hotspots. The design underwent several iterations to determine the maximum separation distance between lighting fixtures and to eliminate shadows. The result is a harmonious blend of light and form.

Light Arrival has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures category in 2018. This prestigious award celebrates designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills while contributing to quality of life improvements.

Light Arrival is a testament to the power of design to transform spaces and create immersive experiences. With its fluid presence, luminous ceiling, and captivating illumination, it brings a touch of magic to any environment.