Header: Mara Hein
Oslo-based lighting design firm Zenisk has created a captivating light art installation called “The Sun.” This large-scale project recently earned recognition, winning a LIT Lighting Design Award in the Light Art Project category. Designed by a team led by Kristin Bredal, including Stian Lindquist and Ola Beskow, “The Sun” was made for the Lørenskog Municipality in Norway with the goal of giving people a moment to slow down and think.
Crafting light effects
“The Sun” is a substantial piece, measuring 5 meters across. Its main feature is a collection of over 800 filament LED light bulbs. Each bulb acts like a single dot or pixel on a giant, low-detail screen. This setup allows the designers to program the lights to create moving patterns that look like solar flares or the dynamic effects of sunlight. When the bulbs are fully lit, they give off a bright, white light, but as they dim, the light changes to a warm amber color, creating a calming atmosphere for viewers. The aim is to spark curiosity, encourage awareness, and provide a peaceful experience.
Built to travel
A key practical feature of “The Sun” is its construction. It’s designed in sections, making it modular. This means it can be taken apart, packed relatively small for size, shipped easily, and then assembled in a new location. This adaptability makes it very suitable for events like light festivals. The installation has been shown at the Oslo Light Festival and the Kongsberg Light Festival. It’s also versatile enough to be set up either indoors or outdoors, fitting into different festival environments.
Thinking about sustainability
Zenisk incorporated several environmentally conscious ideas into the project. Behind the bulbs, old CDs are used as reflective surfaces, finding a new purpose for discarded items while helping make the light brighter. Because the structure can be packed flat when taken down, transporting it has a smaller environmental impact. The modular build is also durable and can be reused for many years. The choice of filament LED bulbs is important too; they use less energy, last a long time, and are simple to replace if needed. Furthermore, the entire installation is designed to be easily separated into different materials for recycling when it’s no longer in use.
“The Sun” provides a simple yet impressive representation of our nearest star, intended to inspire joy and encourage people to pause momentarily. It reflects the approach of Zenisk, a firm known for creating inventive lighting solutions that consider their environmental footprint and aim to improve spaces through the thoughtful use of light.
Project info
Lighting Design/Product Company: Zenisk
Lead Designers: Kristin Bredal
Other Designers: Stian Lindquist, Ola Beskow
Client: Lorenskog Municipality
Photo Credits: Mara Hein
Completion Year: 2024
Project Location: Norway
