Ready Steady Light 2023
We are delighted to announce that our team of lighting designers were double winners at the 2023 Ready Steady Light Competition. After taking part in a thrilling contest, the team were awarded the Artistic award and the Peer award.
The team were tasked with illuminating a unique site, that was assigned on the day, in 180 minutes and by using only 6 lighting fixtures.
Titled ‘Remember Me - a joy celebration of the cult of memory of the ancestors’ the installation takes inspiration from the Dia de Muertos (the Day of Dead). In many cultures, from ancient times, there is the belief that remembrance keeps the soul of a dearly departed alive. The Día de Muertos (the Day of the Dead) is probably the most joyful celebration the in Mexican culture. The whole celebration is characterised by bright colours and candles and has a joyful atmosphere based on the belief that, on that day, the souls of the ancestors can travel back to their family homes.
Taking inspiration from the white facade, with two black anchor plates in the shape of a cross as the predominant graphic element, and the autumnal season, the team decided to play with the symbology of the cross and to put emphasis on it.
The symbol is highlighted and repeated in many forms: firstly two ultra narrow beam projectors highlight the two black crosses on the façade, secondly another ultra narrow beam projector aimed to the frame of the round window projects a cross shaped shadow onto the attic ceiling, finally a cross made out of rocks found on the site is grazed with red light.
Two colour changing flood lights equipped with a gel filter to soften and diffuse the light complete the lighting scheme.
Special thanks goes to the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL), in association with Rose Bruford College and International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) for hosting us and for organising a wonderful event. It was an incredible experience, full of joy and light, a great opportunity to implement our Xavio motto:
Design like an Artist, Study like an Analyst, Think like an Engineer…