Crystal Mesh: Getting High on Illumination
Written by S. Kim Henson
The razzle dazzle of hotel, casino and resort signs on the Strip in Vegas is of no comparison to what’s lighting up Singapore’s metropolitan area. At first glance, you may wonder if the city, Americanized for the holidays, is getting into the decorating-for-Christmas hype with ornamentation that resembles snowflakes. But this stunning light exhibition is actually year-round.
CRYSTAL MESH from autokolor on Vimeo.
Crystal Mesh is a design phenomenon conceptualized in Berlin’s art and architectural studio, realities:united. The mesh enfolds the most modern retail center, Iluma, a building planned by WOHA architects of Singapore. Projected to be in full brilliance by December of this year, the tessellated pattern is the latest in mediatecture, a fusion of media with an architectural landmark. Crystal Mesh’s spectacular sculptural appearance intends to make a powerful visual impact; it is all about calling attention to itself.
How it Works
Each module is made from polycarbonate, a transparent plastic with high light-transmission qualities. The backing is aluminum. In between the plastic and metal are anywhere from one to seven controllable lights for brightening and dimming. And you’d think a new-age design concept would facilitate the latest in lighting (LEDs), but instead, realities:united uses fluorescent lights, the same as with their well-known BIX façade. At night, the templates that look like white crystals in the sunlight are lit impressions of the structure’s outline.
So next time you’re in Singapore, do as the locals do and get high on some illumination.
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