source:architectsofaircom
“I design luminaria because I want to share my sense of wonder at the phenomenon of light. A luminarium provides the frame for an encounter with a light whose surprising and simple intensity cuts through conditioned perception.”

Founder, designer and artistic director Alan first started experimenting with pneumatic sculptures in the I980s and has since developed his own language of form in this plastic medium. In 1992 he established the company to build and tour his luminarium designs. Since, Architects of Air, a Nottingham based company has made over 500 exhibitions in 3more then 40 countries.
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source:architectsofaircom
The company has 5 permanent staff in charge of the management of the design and build, of the maintenance, and for the production and the logistics involved in the worldwide touring of the luminaria.

For each event AoA employs Exhibition Managers who work to create the best experience for the visitors, for the stewards, and for the host presenter. Their main responsibility is the safe management of the physical structure of the luminarium and, of equal importance, assuring the presentation of the luminarium in a professional manner appropriate to its merits. It is also the AoA Exhibition Manager’s duty to train and advise the stewards in the running of the luminarium.

Architects of Air aim to build a new luminarium every year. A luminarium will take 4 to 6 months to build entirely by hand by a workforce of about 6 people.

The luminaria are made in AoA’s Nottingham workshop using a PVC custom-made uniquely for AoA. A luminarium will last for about 300 days of exhibition spread over about 4 years before it is cut into pieces to be recycled.

The functionality of the structure as a temporary building is a prime consideration in the design process. Aspects of functionality include portability, drainage, stability in windy conditions, accessibility to permit passage of wheelchairs, and a modularity to enable the structures to be reconfigured for different sites. A single skin inflatable structure does not permit a separation of function from form; the same piece of material must work visually and structurally. So functional initiatives are taken whilst ensuring the aesthetic implications of the functionality are consistent with the visual unity of the structure.

One of the exciting things about inflatable making is not knowing exactly what one has got until it is finally blown up outdoors and it is able to stretch out to its full extent.
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source:architectsofaircom
Since 1992 more than 3 million visitors in over 40 countries across 5 continents have been welcomed into Architects of Air’s monumental luminaria, immersed in radiant colour that comes simply from daylight shining through the luminarium’s fabric.

The luminaria have been seen in a great variety of contexts: at festivals of music, theatre, science & dance, at arts centres & museums, at community, corporate & school events, architecture & design related events, etc. The luminaria are also presented as a stand-alone event e.g. as part of a civic summer programme.

All luminaria are of a similar large scale (1000m2 /10,000ft2) and are modular to adapt to different sites. Seven luminaria are currently touring: Albesila, Katena, Arboria, Pentalum, Miracoco, Mirazozo and Amococo. In addition two small luminaria, called ‘Lumini’, that we dedicate to special projects are also available.
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source:publicdeliveryorg
Het is een wonderlijke wereld: Het opblaasbare bouwwerk van Architects of Air is een kleurrijk doolhof waar je uren zou willen vertoeven. Dit Luminarium ‘Katena’ is geïnspireerd op natuurlijke vormen, geometrie en islamitische en gotische architectuur. Volg de kronkelende paden langs koepels van licht en laat je onderdompelen in dit magische geheel.
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source:archdailycombr
“Luminarium” é uma escultura de pessoas que entram para ser transferidas a um sentimento de admiração coma beleza da luz e cor. Do Museu Guggenheim, da Espanha, para Sydney Opera House, na Austrália, a monumental e interativa escultura é feita para caminhar sobre ela, realizada por Architects of Air, tem impressionado o público por todo o mundo. Desde 1992, mais de dois milhões de visitantes em 38 países dos cinco continentes, estão imersos no mundo espetacular e luminoso do Architects of Air.

Até hoje, Architects of Air já criaram 19 estruturas. Para Alan Parkinson, fundada e projetada, cada estrutura é um “experimento”, empurrando os limites do que tanto ele, como os materiais, são capazes de fazer. Em 2012, AA estará com 6 luminárias em exibição: Exxopolis, Miracoc, Mirazozo, Amococo, Levity II e Levity III.

Os visitantes tiram os seus sapatos antes de entrar em uma bolsa ar. Uma vez dentro, pode-se passear livremente ou simplesmente relaxar e desfrutar do ambiente da estrutura. A primeira reação é geralmente um prazer inesperado da beleza da luz. O clarão da luz transmitida pela cor do PVC no “Luminarium” surpreende com sua luz e tem um impacto direto sobre os sentidos.

Através de túneis labirínticos e cúpulas cavernosas, os visitantes se movem num meio de tons saturados e sutis. Reflexos vivos dos líquidos coloridos são derramados através dos muros curvos que criam um mundo a parte do normal e cotidiano.

Os visitantes são excitados a descobrir como as diferentes cores se mesclam e ressoam; como transformam seus rostos e roupas. Alguns exploram o labirinto e imergem nas cores radiantes.

Não há duas visitas às estruturas que sejam iguais, já que a atmosfera no interior se altera de acordo com as mudanças climática e a mudança nas condições da luz externa. A experiência também é afetada pela forma que o público habita o “luminarium”.

É um paradoxo que um ambiente estimulante, ao mesmo tempo possa ser tão relaxante. Muitas pessoas consideram a luminária como um lugar para o descanso e meditação.

A instalação desperta os sentidos, criando um sentimento de admiração e de encanto para todas as idades. Depois de explorar o labirinto dos visitantes, aos poucos se elege um lugar agradável para sentar-se e desfrutar com calma o ambiente da estrutura.