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: Dodecalis, Daedalum, Albesila, Katena, Arboria, Qodlumin and Miracoco. In addition two small luminaria, called ‘Lumini’, that we dedicate to special projects are also available.
Terceradix
Terceradix celebrates 30 years of Architects of Air with a luminarium designed to be brighter and more colourful than its predecessors. Terceradix aims to be as beautiful under night-time illumination as it will be in the light of the day.
Timisien
Timisien presents the innovation of multicoloured finials atop the Quadraxial domes. They provide a subtle play of indirect light on the surrounding surfaces of the dome below, As distinct volumes the finials offer an unprecedented level of control over the intensity of illumination and range of colour to be experienced.
Dodecalis
Dodecalis presents the latest evolution of the dodecahedral dome in its most exciting manifestation yet, with a dazzling tracery of luminous lines enlacing the three Dodecadomes. Dodecalis also feature a Tree, awe-inspiring in its convolutions, and a magnificent Main Dome.
Arborialis
Arborialis has the natural world for inspiration. Immersion in an arboreal world of tree-like forms and abundant leaf motifs. Arborialis’s aural experience is an immersion in a world of natural sounds that is a homage to the Celtic goddess Danu.
Daedalum
Daedalum features 19 egg-shaped domes as a central maze. Passing through the maze the visitor can discover two original features – an incredibly intricate rainbow-coloured tree and a cavernous dome on whose lofty ceiling is inspired by the Pantheon of Rome.
Past luminaria designs
Alan Parkinson has been designing luminaria since 1985 and has built over 25 luminarium designs: Environment 1, Environment 2, Eggopolis, Meggopolis, Luminarium III, Luminarium IV, Archipelago, Wunderbare Welten, Sensorama, Levity, Arcazaar, Ixilum, Amozozo, Triaxial, Levity II, Enschede Dome, Levity III, Amococo, Mirazozo, Miracoco, Little Dome, Exxopolis, The Tig, Arborica, Pentalum, Mono Chrome Dome, Arboria and Katena.
Lumini
Accessibility & inclusivity to the widest audience is central to the work and AoA seeks to develop collaborations with hosts interested to promote social inclusion and integration of people with disabilities in the wider community. A luminarium also lends itself to meetings and workshops that might also interest the more corportate type events. Little Dome and Arborica are two smaller type luminaria that have been specially built for this purpose.
