The inspiration of the Eye_Beacon Pavilion, designed by UnStudio in collaboration with MDT-tex takes inspiration from biomimicry, theme of the Amsterdam Light Festival and, similar to deep sea creatures, uses bioluminescence to signal, attract and inform.
The design by Ben van Berkel with William de Boer, Rob Henderson and Piotr Kluszczynski in collaboration with MDT-tex is specifically inspired by the deep sea world, where living organisms counteract the darkness of their environment by employing bioluminescence – often hypnotic pulsating light – as an attraction and communication mechanism. This magical vivid world formed the starting point for the sculptural, yet functional pavilion. It serves as both an attraction point and a ticketing/information booth.
“Similar to deep sea creatures that use bioluminescence to signal, attract and inform, the Eye_Beacon uses choreographed light sequences to alert visitors to its dual function as both a sculpture and an information point for the festival.
Along with the effect of the pavilion partially overhanging the Amstel River, the twist that connects the two halves of the structure emphasises the crossing point between the land and water routes of the festival.” explains Ben van Berkel.
For the structure, two cube forms are connected to one another by twisting surfaces. This results in 250 panels with uneven dimensions and therefore required the parametric optimisation of these surfaces to ensure efficient fabrication and installation.
Focused LED projections present gradient color changes on the inside of the tensile structure, resulting in a dynamic composition of light and colour.
All surfaces of the pavilion are constructed from tensile textile modules that together create a pattern of openings and reveal glimpses of the interior.
Lighting Supply and Installation: Zumtobel; Lighting Content Consultant: Florian Licht, Licht & Soehne.
Photo by Janus van den Eijnden.
