Conceived by ambiguous, a Singapore-based lighting design studio, in collaboration with architectural designer Todo Takanao, Kaleidoscape is a light art installation with a difference: it uses no artificial lighting. Instead, the project borrows the ambient light of its urban surroundings, transforming and refracting natural and man-made light sources into a dynamic visual display. By harnessing the existing light in the environment, the installation conveys a powerful message about sustainability and raises awareness of the growing issue of light pollution in cities.

Bangkok was chosen as the inaugural location for our light art installation, coinciding with Bangkok Design Week, serving as the perfect backdrop for our exploration of light and space. However, the essence of the Kaleidoscape project transcends geographical boundaries. This installation is a testament to the adaptability and universality of light art, evolving with each new location and capturing the distinct character of every city it visits.

At the heart of Kaleidoscape is a glass prism wall, meticulously designed to capture and refract the surrounding hues, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscopic effect. In Bangkok, the installation interacted with the historical identity of the Chao Phraya River, while in Singapore, it engages with the energetic cityscape of Orchard Road. As visitors approach, their silhouettes merge and split in a mesmerizing play of light and shadow, inviting contemplation on the interplay between light, space, and perception—all without the use of any additional light sources.

A key feature of Kaleidoscape is its sustainable and adaptable design. The installation is developed to be easily dismantled and reassembled, allowing it to travel and evolve with each new location. By borrowing light from the urban environment, Kaleidoscape minimizes energy consumption, demonstrating that impactful, thought-provoking art can be created without contributing to the light pollution it seeks to address.

Constructed with a sleek stainless-steel frame, the installation stands as a beacon of innovation in regenerative design. By avoiding the use of additional lighting, Kaleidoscape critiques the excessive light pollution prevalent in modern cities while showcasing how existing light can be transformed into a captivating visual experience.

Originally conceived in Bangkok, the Kaleidoscape project now embarks on a global journey, adapting to new urban contexts and capturing the essence of each city it visits. With each destination, the installation highlights the unique interplay of natural and artificial light in that location, sparking conversations about the role of light in urban spaces and the environmental impact of excessive illumination.

With its modular, dismantlable design and focus on using ambient light, Kaleidoscape redefines the boundaries of light art. By offering a fresh perspective on how light can be experienced and interpreted, the project not only celebrates the beauty of light but also serves as a reminder of the need to reduce light pollution in cities around the world.


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