Aside from its practicality, LED has also provided artists a new approach to present their creativity. A German artist, Karin Sander has created a “transcendental elevator” as an exhibition space for students at the University of Art in Linz which is simultaneously an artistic object, an appliance and an icon. Zumtobel has helped to make the elevator shine in different colors on the rooftops of the university.

The “transcendental elevator” art project serves as a functional lift and a shining symbol of the university. Meanwhile, it is also a spectacular exhibition space where students can also turn the actual structure into a piece of modern art.

(Image: Zumtobel)

The University of Art in Linz has recently gone through refurbishing. Architects carrying out the renovation have found a way of adding impressive lecture theatres under a glass roof structure on top of its historic building. They have used a new lighting design concept to emphasize the imposing stairwells and worked closely with Zumtobel to realize the transcendental elevator project.

(Image: Zumtobel)

The Zumtobel team set about developing a vibrant lighting installation. In stark contrast to the small amount of space available, this solution makes a big impression by immersing the elevator in all the colors of the spectrum. As an artistic object, this project required a lighting system that could offer students the greatest possible creative freedom. Yet as a practical goods lift, the specified components also had to be fit for purpose. A frameless illuminated ceiling from Zumtobel managed to hit both of these targets. The intensity and the color of the light can be easily modified using a controls solution that contrasts maximum flexibility with minimal complexity: LITECOM from Zumtobel. As a result, all the necessary parameters can be perfected and programmed according to the specific needs of the students or staff.

(Image: Zumtobel)