Prize(s) Winners in Fashion Design Lighting / Visitor Experience & Museum Exhibition
Lighting Design/Product Company Tillotson Design Associates
Lead Designers Suzan Tillotson
Other Designer's names Amanda Arikol, Marta Seoane Buiza
Architecture Company Diller, Scofidio + Renfro
Client Chanel
Photo Credits Iwan Baan Studio
Other Credits Miren Arzalluz (Curator), Veronique Bellois (Curator), He Jumping (Graphic Designer)
Completion Date 07/11/2024
Project Location “Power Station of Art”, Shanghai, China
Entry DescriptionFor this showcasing exhibition, the lighting design emphasized precision, elegance, and minimal visual intrusion. The aim was to honor the craftsmanship of each piece while maintaining spatial clarity. Adjustable track heads provided flexible, focused illumination, enabling curators to reposition lighting as needed without disrupting the aesthetic. Framing projectors sculpted light around garments, highlighting textures and silhouettes while avoiding spill and shadows onto surrounding surfaces. For protection, each garment was lit to just 5 footcandles. Controlled ambient light and strategic contrast created the perception of brightness through contrast, not intensity. Distinct backdrops with varying color temperatures emphasized seasonal differences, while uniform 3000K, high-CRI front light provided cohesion. The Suits gallery, discreet case lights augmented dynamic projections while meeting strict light level limits. In the “little black dress” case, concealed coves provided ambient light that revealed dark fabrics, aided by carefully aimed framing projectors avoiding reflections on curved glass. In the day-to-night gallery, brightness balance between light and dark spaces was finely tuned. Films applied to museum track fixtures simulated warm daylight, while footcandle limits were maintained. Spotlights were precisely framed to eliminate shadows onto elevated pedestals.
Sustainability ApproachSustainability was a key consideration in the lighting design. High-efficiency LED fixtures were used throughout to minimize energy consumption while ensuring excellent color rendering and longevity. Wherever possible, the museum’s existing track infrastructure and fixtures were reused, reducing material waste. A portion of the fixtures was rented locally rather than purchased, lowering the project's carbon footprint and avoiding single-use equipment. Framing projectors and adjustable heads were chosen for their precision and flexibility, allowing for future reuse. By leveraging existing systems, rental resources, and low-energy sources, the design aligned with both curatorial and environmental goals.
Company DescriptionTillotson Design Associates, founded in 2004, is a WBE lighting design consultancy based in New York City. A diverse staff with backgrounds in architecture, interior design, and theater, including several LEED accredited professionals, combine talents to create exemplary work. Together, our principals provide over 80 years of lighting expertise. The launch of Tillotson Design Associates came just after Ms. Tillotson completed lighting designs for the Seattle Central Public Library and Prada Beverly Hills with the Office for Metropolitan Architecture.
