A luminous fusion of architecture, art and technology
The lighting design of Bansí Tower reinvents an architectural icon of Guadalajara, transforming it into a beacon of cultural identity, innovation and storytelling.
Based on the vision of architect Alberto Kalach, the design preserves the transparency and architectural elegance of the tower while introducing a multidimensional lighting system that seamlessly integrates into its structure.
In essence, the project embraces Guadalajara’s cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from local art, from traditional architect Luis Barragán to vibrant contemporary artist Ismael Vargas. Through the interplay of color, movement and light, the façade becomes a living canvas, celebrating the rhythm and energy of the city while engaging its community in a dialogue of modernity and tradition (Mexican Silicon Valley and home of tequila and mariachi).
The lighting system’s capabilities extend beyond traditional boundaries. By day, it achieves near invisibility, preserving the tower’s minimalist aesthetic. As night falls, the system switches to architectural lighting mode, accentuating the structure’s elegance with precision and subtlety. Its most compelling evolution, however, lies in its ability to transform into a large macro digital canvas. This narrative medium can display content crafted by human artists or generated by AI, offering endless possibilities for artistic expression, lighting effects, community engagement, and cultural storytelling.
Technically, the design employs over 40,000 LED dots, meticulously mounted on custom aluminum tracks that seamlessly integrate into existing window frames.
Governed by a state-of-the-art lighting controller coupled with a cloud-based monitoring system and supported by a robust fiber optic backbone, the system ensures precision, reliability, and dynamic versatility. This integration preserves the original design while enhancing its functionality, demonstrating how advanced technology can harmoniously coexist with architectural intent.
Sustainability is at the core of every decision. High-efficiency LEDs minimize energy consumption, while advanced controls adapt output to ambient conditions, reducing waste and light pollution. The use of a fiber optic backbone optimizes material efficiency, and careful light distribution aligns with international dark sky principles, minimizing environmental impact.
At night, Torre Bansí becomes a luminous storyteller, its exhibits evolving to reflect the pulse of the city. From curated works by local artists to cutting-edge generative AI imagery, the tower acts as a cultural beacon and innovative platform for expression. This dynamic interplay of art, technology, and sustainability invites wonder, fosters connection, and redefines the relationship between architecture and community.
Torre Bansí is more than illumination; it is reinvented: a radiant fusion of art, light, and technology that elevates the Guadalajara skyline and sets a new benchmark for architectural lighting on the world stage. Torre Bansí becomes a symbol of modern Guadalajara, a city that honors its heritage while embracing the future, one radiant pixel at a time.
