Folded Light

The stainless steel surface, formed to exploit the almost vertical angle of the light, allows the occupants to perceive the changing conditions of the sky above.

Manufactured from finely-textured sheet stainless steel, ’Folded Light’, is an asymmetrical arrangement of 47 individual mostly triangular, three-dimensional folded panels of varying sizes and different folding angles. Together, these create a single continuous rippled surface that appears more compacted toward the bottom. The folds enhance the drama in the existing light conditions by catching natural light from above and contrasting it with shadow below. A vertical blade of dichroic glass bisects the entire wall and separates the light spectrum into halves, producing complementary colours on either side of the space.

‘Folded Light’ is exceptionally material efficient. The folds stiffen the flat material, and allow for the sheet thickness to be reduced and the structural frames to be minimal. Its unfolded length is only 2m longer than its folded elevation – producing a powerfully sculptural effect with only a little more material compared to flat cladding.

Natural light entering the void space can be enhanced and supplemented by artificial lighting, when required. Cool white light sources from above mimic daylight, while a full range of colours from below increases the dramatic impact of the artwork. Side-lighting at each floor level picks out the colour in the dichroic-coated glass.

The intriguing play of light produced by the artwork makes ‘Folded Light’ a strong visual focal point within the building. It exploits the practical functions of the void it occupies, which serves to vent the air-handling plant in the basement as well as to bring daylight into the centre of the office floors.