Prize(s) Winners in Exterior Architectural Illumination
Company DANILOF studio light + perception
Lead Designers Athanassios / Thanos Danilof
Architecture Company Pila studio, Betaplan, Aspa Kst
Client Dimand, Prodea, EBRD
Photo Credits N.Daniilidis, Y.Yerolympos, P.Karatzas
Other Credits D.Kapetanellis Programing, DCarbon, EOC, Insta, Denco, Agropolis, Terna,Traxon
Completion Date 2024
Project Location Piraeus, Greece
Entry DescriptionThe regenerated tower stands as a prominent landmark in Piraeus. The passenger port that connects Athens to the Aegean islands and also a crucial container hub in the Mediterranean. Our studio was appointed from the early design stages: "We drew inspiration from the interplay of moonlight on the nocturnal sea and the colours of the Mediterranean Sky. It was essential for us to achieve comparable light intensities, textures and subtle movements and at the same time reveal and enhance the new architecture. A sustainable lighting concept interwoven with darkness." This new nocturnal landmark had to reflect the vibrancy of the colorful and bustling life of the area. Alternate color borders, juxtapositions, and varying light intensities invite viewers into subtle perceptual investigations of shape, volume, form, and color. Our design features bespoke 3m linear luminaires programmed at very low intensity values, housed in each one of the 1560 facade fins. Each nocturnal image seamlessly transitions into the next in a thoughtfully arranged succession, reinterpreting the new architecture. Every evening, a low-luminance, subtly moving white lighting scheme is on till midnight (dark sky switch off). On special days and occasions, this is complemented by a carefully designed colourful light art installation called Rebirth.Lighting that that works with darkness - not against it!
Sustainability ApproachThe permanent scheme features a very subtle low-luminance lighting interwoven with darkness.Low intensity values result in an impressive total operating power of less than 4.5kW - occasionally even less than 2kW – remarkable for this scale! Similar power results have the subtle colour schemes of the temporary installations. Even a small amount of light and colour could travel subtly a long way. Other key specs a) very short pixel pitch and flicker free dmx controls c) replaceable UV-stable opal diffusers below the clear safety glas for maintenance and luminaire appearance colour matching in case of electronics replacement.d)Significant aluminum profiles to extend LED life e) Durability anti- corrosion treatement.In case of a failure, only a specific part of a fixture needs to be replaced.
Consistent binning to ensure the aesthetics of the final scheme.Dark sky midnight switch off.
