AXA Headquarter Brussels
Design and supply of custom video controlled LED linear lighting fixtures with bespoke diffuser / Supply of video content management and playback system / Install supervision / System configuration.
The Challenge:
AXA BELGIUM's iconic new headquarters in Brussels includes the transformation of three office buildings. The center block has been entirely demolished and reconstructed whereas the two other buildings have been renovated and modernized.
The historic elements of the oldest building have been restored and the strong architectural language of this new urban entity creates a dialogue between heritage and modernity.
The Exo-Structure of anodized aluminum envelops the three buildings and is deployed according to a variable geometric network creating effects of density with rhythmic variations.
The lighting concept for AXA BELGIUM's new headquarters was developed by leading monumental communication agency Magic Monkey and is based on transparency and depth highlighting the Exo-Structure with lines of moving video controlled colors. Soft-lighting the structural elements adds three-dimensionality to the recessed curtain wall with high power color changing floodlights that are also video controlled.
The Solution:
eFour developed and supplied a custom made video controlled LED profile in three different fixture lengths allowing continuous and seamless lines of color in varying lengths. These lines precisely follow the asymmetrical layout of the Exo-Structure. The linear LED outdoor fixtures are recessed in the aluminum beam structure. A custom extruded diffuser that is placed in front of the LED fixture results in a homogenous flow of colors. A slight convex curvature of the diffusers allows for a wide viewing angle of the LED. At the same time the diffuser conceals the technology during the daytime as it blends perfectly into the aluminum beam structure.
A centralised MADRIX media playback system and a video processing backbone connects via optical fibre network within the facade's lighting system. The media playback system allows for scheduling of seasonable content and offers an interface to control the LED color changing floodlights that are fully integrated into the dynamic video controlled lighting scheme.
The Result:
This project showcases integration of lighting technology into an architectural context at it's best! The creative teams around A2R2 and Magic Monkey have created a lighting design that is fully embedded into the architecture, enhancing the structural language but never dominating.
eFour provided the video and lighting technology required to ensure that the design concept was brought to life as conceived by our partners.
Key Project Facts:
TECHNOLOGY USED: 1.600 linear meter of recessed video-controlled outdoor LED profiles with custom diffuser material, media playback system with scheduler function
CLIENT: AXA Belgium
LIGHTING DESIGN: Magic Monkey - experts in monumental communication
ARCHITECT: A2R2 Architects
SYSTEM INTEGRATION: VMA BV