Close

Urban rhythm: ANARCHITECT’s entry

'Circadian Light Synthesis' is a grand public entrance to d3 during Dubai Design Week.

If architecture creates and recreates experiences of time, space and objects, then to highlight our visceral experience with light means rethinking how we inhabit everything from public spaces to Earth.

Designed to illuminate this endlessly changing and powerful relationship, Dubai’s award-winning architecture practice unveiled its Dubai Design Week installation ‘Circadian Light Synthesis’, located at the key pedestrian entrance to the Dubai Design District (d3) between Buildings 4 and 6.

The installation was designed to highlight the different positions, colour temperatures and intensity of sunlight that dictate our human circadian rhythm and natural body-clock, including our relationship with the moon. Based in Dubai and London, ANARCHITECT, founded by Jonathan Ashmore, has developed the installation together with Delta Light, Matteo Brioni, Abanos and Prime Metal Industries (PMI).

Photos: Marc Goodwin

‘The relationship between body and light conditions is important for human well-being and a key aspect of design and architecture’, says Ashmore. ‘Circadian Light Synthesis will harness the intense sunlight as well as moonlight conditions at its location, while providing a recognizable welcoming, recharging, exploratory and contemplative area for the Dubai Design Week visitors’.

The installation is parted into two interconnected elements. The southern ‘Exposed’ Pavilion remains open-sided and houses a seated area for visitors, which doubles up as a shading structure. Its wall and roof apertures are specifically oriented in line with sun path which will harness its intense light particularly at midday (12 pm), afternoon (3 pm) and sunset (6 pm) to cast specific shadows. The northern ‘Enclosed’ Pavilion is predominantly closed and lit with Deltalight’s ‘artificial sun’.

Photos: Marc Goodwin

In the daytime, the rotating light fixture will cast the artificial sunlight in the Enclosed pavilion in accordance with the natural circadian rhythm aligned with human wellbeing. At night, the light fixture will rotate to project the moonlight into the Enclosed pavilion from the rear of the same light source. The other side of the rotating light fixture will project the light onto the Exposed pavilion during the night, providing it with the light source and creating the shadows and light play after the sunset.

Photos: Marc Goodwin

Upon their arrival, visitors will be able to photograph the uniquely framed Burj Khalifa view between the two pavilions. This photogenic installation also provides a different opportunity for capturing light play created by shadows cast during both day and night.

The structures of the installation are clad in clay – specifically Matteo Brioni’s TerraPlus Cammeo – a mixture of raw earth, mineral binders and resinous polymers, which allow to obtain greater resistance to abrasion and water without losing its permeability. This non-fading material allows for the sun to beautifully highlight its unique natural texture.

Circadian Light Synthesis will be open to the public throughout the Dubai Design Week, 12-17 November 2018.

The ANARCHITECT team. Photo: Marc Goodwin

www.anarchitect.com

The Latest

A Sense of Sanctuary

We interview Tanuj Goenka, Director of Kerry Hill Architects (KHA) on the development of the latest Aman Residences in Dubai

Elevated Design

In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Aseer region, DLR Group has redefined hospitality through bold architecture, regional resonance and a contemporary lens on culture at Hilton The Point

Turkish furniture house BYKEPI opens its first flagship in Dubai

Located in the Art of Living, the new BYKEPI store adds to the brand's international expansion.

Yla Audace collection

Yla launches Audace – where metal transforms into sculptural elegance

The UAE-based luxury furniture atelier reimagines the role of metal in interior design through its inaugural collection.

Step inside Al Huzaifa Design Studio’s latest project

The studio has announced the completion of a bespoke holiday villa project in Fujairah.

Soulful Sanctuary

We take you inside a British design duo’s Tulum vacation home

A Sculptural Ode to the Sea

Designed by Killa Design, this bold architectural statement captures the spirit of superyachts and sustainability, and the evolution of Dubai’s coastline

Elevate Your Reading Space

Assouline’s new objects and home fragrances collection are an ideal complement to your reading rituals

All Aboard

What it will be like aboard the world’s largest residential yacht, the ULYSSIA?

Inside The Charleston

A tribute to Galle Fort’s complex heritage, The Charleston blends Art Deco elegance with Sri Lankan artistry and Bawa-infused modernism

buddha bar dubai marina

Design Take: Buddha Bar

We unveil the story behind the iconic design of the much-loved Buddha Bar in Grosvenor House.

A Layered Narrative

An Edwardian home in London becomes a serene gallery of culture, craft and contemporary design