Through the Looking Prism
Light Art Installation for Takanao Todo Design
Prism glass wall reflect and refract existing urban panorama of the Chao Phraya River, one of the representative Bangkok's scenery. The structure made with 300 pieces of glass prisms supported by sand blast finish stainless steel offers alternative perspective with its prism light. There is no additional lighting in the structure not only minimizes energy consumption while serves as a critique of light pollution in current urban setting. The installation is a testament to the boundless possibilities of light art installation has been displayed in Asia-wide with its easy assembly system.
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Unique Properties
Prism glass reflect and refract unique urban panorama of Bangkok offering alternative perspective with its prism light. The absence of additional lighting not only minimizes energy consumption but also serves as a poignant critique of light pollution prevalent in modern urban settings. The installation is a testament to the boundless possibilities of light art installation.
Tags
Prism, Light, Refraction, Chao Phraya River, Installation, Bangkok, Reflection, Glass Prism
Production Technology
This installation consists of 300 pieces of glass prisms supported by a sandblast-finished stainless steel frame. Each glass prism follows the large-size commercial glass prism, 30mm x 30mm X 150mm. They are fixed to the frame with a wedge supported with an adhesive connection. The height of the frame is 1900 mm in height and 2000mm in width, which is portable by the truck, and able to be carried and assembled by the labor. Self-weight helps to stabilize the installation, which is resistant to the wind.
Design Challenge
The first prototype was made with adhesive connection, which made it difficult to relocate the structure. The detail developed to become mechanical connection, made it easier to replace the glass prism when needed. And this solves the issue about maintenance for cleaning as it is easier to clean while removing glass pieces. One of the challenge was to meet the cost of the glass prism. It was impossible to make custom made piece to fit within a reasonable range of the budget. Mass-produced glass prism for scientific experimentation was used for the construction. Glass prism had several cracks with the direct sunlight exposure. Higher spec glass prism stood well on an exterior condition, thus the spec of the glass prevents from damage. Both natural and artificial light phenomena changes drastically between day and night. It was a sensitive work to capture all kinds of light effect produced from the structure.
Project Duration
The project displayed as a part of the Bangkok Design Week in Jan 2024 in Rajinee Pier in Bangkok, and relocated to the Pahurat Flower Market.
Operation Flow
It is a stand alone structure. At the different time of the day, both natural and artificial light get reflect and refracted through the glass prisms. The structure was placed carefully to cover typical panorama of the Chao Phraya River where represents Bangkok well. Minimizing the artificial light within the site to maximize the incoming light from the other side of the river. Height of the structure made from 2000mm to 1900mm to accommodate average audience eye height.
Research
This design research project examines the optical performance of the glass prism. This research commenced by investigating experimental works using prism as a material to manipulate optical phenomena, light refraction and reflection. Although glass is a building material that offers transparency in architectural design, prism glass hardly ever became a common type of glass due to its unorthodox form. The research stems from earlier investigations and designs using prism materials, aiming to exploit their unique optical effects while making construction methods more affordable and practical. Bangkok Design Week 2024, “Through the Looking Prism” with dimension of 1.9 m x 1.8 m, demonstrates various effects produced through the prismatic wall made of 300 pieces of prism glass. The location of the installation is located at the viewing platform towards Chao Phraya River, where there is constant movement of water surface and boats, with uninterrupted view allowing sunlight to hit. The structure is designed to maximize the viewing experience of the observer. There were observed sunlight refraction at different times of the day, artificial light refraction at nighttime, observed prismatic light with a spectrum of light at certain times of the day, and shifts from refraction to reflection at different angles.
Inspiration
Rejecting the conventional use of additional lighting sources, while showcase the transformative power of light in shaping the urban landscape, both in day and night. The heart of this installation is a window adorned with a glass prism wall, meticulously designed to capture and refract the myriad hues of Bangkok's nocturnal charm. Situated along the iconic Chao Phraya River, the structure offers a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, capturing the essence of the city's vibrant energy.
Image Credits
Swita Uancharoenkul
Project Overview
Through the Looking Prism Light Art Installation has been a Silver winner in the Lighting Projects and Light Art Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.
Silver Recognition
Takanao Todo was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Through the Looking Prism Light Art Installation.
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