A Symphony of Light Suspended in Motion
In the heart of Silicon Valley, Digital Ambiance engineered, produced, installed, and commissioned a striking digital placemaking feature defining a leading tech firm’s lobby. Suspended above, an undulating wave of over 345 glass tubes—each embedded with custom addressable LED rods—transforms the space into a dynamic interplay of movement and light.
Designed as both an abstract lighting installation and a subtle, low-resolution video display, the Luminescent Canopy offers a seamless visual experience throughout the day. Our role was to engineer a sophisticated LED system, ensuring each glass element responded with precision to content inspired by the natural rhythms of the California forests and iconic coastline.
Weaving Light into Space
Envisioning Light as a Living, Breathing Element.
The vision for the Luminescent Canopy was clear—a ceiling installation that would embody motion and light in a way that felt both organic and intentional. Working alongside Gensler Architects and Studio Palanquin, our team designed and produced custom RGBW elements capable of mimicking the warmth of natural light, ensuring the installation evoked a chandelier-like glow. The interplay of digital control and handcrafted fabrication was central to shaping an experience that felt both high-tech and human.
Designing a Living Wall
Beyond static illumination, the Luminescent Canopy required a dynamic programming approach. We developed a content system capable of generating evolving, ambient visuals, drawing inspiration from the movement of waves and shifting daylight. By integrating custom software with LED mapping, we ensured the canopy could transition fluidly between moods, from a soft atmospheric glow to an intricate display of animated patterns.
Crafting the Canopy
Engineering the Luminescent Canopy meant ensuring both aesthetic refinement and functional precision. The custom LED rods, carefully tested to meet strict UL standards, were assembled with meticulous attention to uniformity. Our team developed a custom mounting system that kept the visual impact clean while allowing easy maintenance. The result is a lasting architectural feature that seamlessly integrates technology with artistry.
Behind the scenes
Client: Uber
Creative Director & Design Lead: Alexander MacDonald, Studio Palanquin
Architectural Design: Gensler, SF
Producer: Robb Pope, Digital Ambiance
Glass Fabrication: Studio Palanquin, Fablab MXC
LED Production: Digital Ambiance
Programming & Software: Vincent Le Moigne, SMode