A Luminarium is a sculpture people enter to be moved to a sense of wonder at the beauty of light and colour…
Enter and be Amazed...Experience
A Luminarium is designed to bring about an encounter with the phenomenon of light. An encounter that is beautiful in its simplicity which can nevertheless be profound in its effect.
Once inside, visitors are immersed into a world of shifting subtle and saturated hues where they may wander, sit down, and lose themselves in sensory bliss – awakening the senses. A paradox, simultaneously providing a stimulating and calming environment, compelling many to rest, meander, or meditate.
A Luminarium is a cocoon – described as somewhere between a womb and a cathedral, where the outside world can be forgotten and where you are transported into a whole other world of light.
Designs
The design of the Luminaria are inspired by natural forms, geometric solids, Islamic and Gothic architecture. Each new creation, hand built in Nottingham, is a maze of winding paths and inspiring domes and will typically occupy an area of 750-1000m2.
The luminosity of colour inside comes from the light outside shining through the coloured membrane, daylight may be replaced with artificial lighting when presented after sunset or indoors.
A Luminarium design integrates architectural functionality with an effort to achieve an ever more fitting frame to present the phenomenon of light. The design of a luminarium must offer discovery, calm and a sense of wonder to the visitors.
About
Since 1992 more than 3 million visitors in over 40 countries across 5 continents have been welcomed into Architects of Air’s monumental Luminaria. Founder, designer and artistic director Alan Parkinson first started experimenting with pneumatic sculptures in the I980s and has since developed his own language of form in this plastic art medium.
Architects of Air is passionate and skilled in creating a safe and nurturing environment for whoever enters and works together with the host presenters for the best experience in all aspects of the planning and operations of the exhibition.
To date, the Luminaria have been seen in a great variety of contexts: at festivals of music, theatre, science and dance, at arts centres and 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.
“It was such a pleasure to have your team here, who were wonderful ambassadors for Architects of Air. Mirazozo was a huge success, possibly the most attended presentation ever at Sydney Opera House and certainly one of the projects we feel proudest of from our Summer season.”
Jonathan Bielski
Head of Programming, Sydney Opera House, Australia – 2011
“For nearly an hour I explored my environment in a light that appeared liquid in nature. It constantly blended, radiated, resonated, and transformed my surroundings. The calming effect of the structure was unlike anything I have experienced.”
Maya Gonzales Berry
Visitor in Perth, Australia – 2010
“Standing in line to go inside, I was struck by how many visitors took part in visiting the exhibition. Â It was one of the greatest examples of the arts reaching the everyday citizen I have ever seen.”
Emily L. Spruill
Director of Cultural Affairs, Virginia Beach, USA – 2011
“Absolutely loved “working” as a volunteer at Amococo as it visited Ann Arbor, MI. Watching people as they entered and stood in awe was exhilarating. People stood in line for up to three hours to get in, and all thought it was worth it, even small children.”
Jan Nelson
Visitor in Chelsea, USA
“From the start….the staff and volunteers were SO friendly, positive and welcoming. All so calm and relaxed, setting a fantastic scene for positivity and success. Immediately we knew we were in excellent hands! We lingered for ages and just soaked it all up. A magical experience. An experience I will always treasure.”
Phillida Eves
Artist, arts educator, and a carer for a child with special needs visiting in Galway, Ireland – 2018