The architecture studio BIG for luminaire brand Artemide presented "Big Alphabet of Light" from 12 to 17 April, within the framework of the Salone del Mobile Milano 2016.
The lighting system designed by BIG for Artemide consists in only two pieces, a line and a quarter circumference, linked by electromagnetic connections, make each alphabet letters and graphic signs.
 
““How do we create a fl exible light that can be installed and used by everyone? How do we create a light that fits any space – small or large?” Big
 

It is a language made of light, not the design of an object, but rather the development of a strong idea – using light to communicate simply and freely.

BIG starts from an abacus of essential geometries to design a new font that translates into light, an alphabet used to write and express thoughts, a tool to give shape to spaces.

Base modules, either straight or curved, with precise geometric proportions, allow to combine elements to build countless light structures, both essential and complex. It is an elementary principle generating an open system.

Few base modules linked with joints make up the individual letters of a new graphic alphabet, allow to define simple and linear or more intricate elements, including curved ones, to design light in space with words, as well as with graphic signs.

This idea is combined with the optoelectronic skills of Artemide to define an innovative manufacturing principle and produce a continuous, comfortable light.

Technological complexity is transposed into elementary gestures, the individual parts are linked with electromagnetic joints that are concealed, without shadows or discontinuities. Connections are easy and ensure maximum composition and configuration freedom. Power is conveyed between modules up to a maximum of almost 5 metres.

The section reveals a patented optical system that works with innovative materials, whose optical properties are exploited within an elementary geometric element. A thin central aluminium core supports two LED strips emitting on the opposite sides.

The calibration of the materials’ transmittance and reflectance values, combined with the geometry of the inner and outer surfaces, ensures even distribution and diffusion of light without perception of the element’s technological heart.

The emitted light is comfortable and diffused, no shadows are visible and no glaring occurs. At the same time, the yield is high, light is repeatedly processed inside the body, but none is wasted, absorption by the materials is minimized.

“With the Alphabet lamp we have designed a modular system of straight and bended components of light that enables you to write with letters, be a straight line or a curve.” BIG

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Bjarke Ingels (born in Copenhagen, 1974) studied architecture at the Royal Academy in Copenhagen and at the School of Architecture of Barcelona, ​​obtaining his degree as an architect in 1998. He is the founder of the BIG architecture studio - (Bjarke Ingels Group), studio founded in 2005, after co-founding PLOT Architects in 2001 with his former partner Julien de Smedt, whom he met while working at the prestigious OMA studio in Rotterdam.

Bjarke has designed and completed award-winning buildings worldwide, and currently his studio is based with venues in Copenhagen and New York. His projects include The Mountain, a residential complex in Copenhagen, and the innovative Danish Maritime Museum in Elsinore.

With the PLOT study, he won the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 2004, and with BIG he has received numerous awards such as the ULI Award for Excellence in 2009. Other prizes are the Culture Prize of the Crown Prince of Denmark in 2011; and Along with his architectural practice, Bjarke has taught at Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University and Rice University and is an honorary professor at the Royal Academy of Arts, School of Architecture in Copenhagen.

In 2018, Bjarke received the Knight's Cross of the Order of Dannebrog granted by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II. He is a frequent public speaker and continues to give lectures at places such as TED, WIRED, AMCHAM, 10 Downing Street or the World Economic Forum. In 2018, Bjarke was appointed Chief Architectural Advisor by WeWork to advise and develop the design vision and language of the company for buildings, campuses and neighborhoods around the world.

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