The Sharp Gallery redefines the role of architecture and light in the urban landscape, serving as a multifunctional space where technology, sustainability, and artistic expression converge. Designed for POSCO E&C, the gallery is an open cultural venue that reflects the company’s commitment to ecological consciousness and innovation. Its unique lighting design transforms the steel façade into a luminous canvas, showcasing a harmonious blend of art and technology.
The façade design draws inspiration from the client’s expertise in steel production and their vision of sustainability through an eco-circular system. Constructed primarily with sleek steel panels, the building embodies modern materiality while serving as a metaphor for durability and adaptability. The lighting design amplifies this narrative by incorporating linear LED lights into the façade, programmed via a DMX system to project dynamic media content. This approach transforms the façade into an ever-evolving visual medium, engaging the public with themes of sustainability and artistic abstraction.
One of the key challenges faced by the design team was the wide spacing of the steel apertures, which limited the resolution of projected media. To address this, the team adopted the principles of modernist painting, focusing on abstraction, brushwork, and bold compositions. Rather than attempting to display intricate details, the content emphasised the essential elements of form and colour, creating a striking visual experience that resonates with both the urban environment and the building’s cultural purpose.
The displayed media content was carefully curated to align with the client’s commitment to sustainability and art. Abstract visuals inspired by natural patterns and modernist aesthetics reflect themes of ecological harmony and innovation. The inclusion of artists’ works further enhances the gallery’s role as a cultural landmark, providing an immersive experience that transcends traditional promotional displays.
The luminous façade integrates seamlessly with the building’s interior lighting, creating a cohesive visual identity. At night, the façade comes alive, contrasting with its sleek, metallic appearance during the day. This dynamic transformation underscores the multifunctional character of the gallery, balancing its roles as an art exhibition space and a symbol of innovation.
The design process required extensive experimentation to adapt media content for the unique properties of the façade. The transition from viewing content on a monitor to projecting it onto the steel structure revealed significant visual differences, necessitating adjustments to ensure the final display maintained its intended impact. Despite these challenges, the result is a façade that captures the essence of light as both a functional and artistic medium.
The Sharp Gallery’s lighting design exemplifies the potential of architectural lighting to transform buildings into cultural icons. By combining advanced technology, sustainable practices, and artistic vision, the project invites the public to experience light as a medium for storytelling and inspiration. The façade serves not only as a testament to innovation but also as a bridge between the built environment, art, and the natural world.
