ETIHAD MUSEUM: WHEN LIGHT BECOMES ICONIC


Dubai’s Etihad Museum, inaugurated in March 2017, is totally dedicated to the promotion of history, culture and artistic heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Each detail of the structure, a magnificent pavilion of 25.000 sqm, was studied in order to transmit values which, in 1971, led to the union of seven Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujaira, Ras al-Khaima, Sharja e Umm al-Qaywayn) in one nation. The intention of the building’s futuristic design, through the symbology of the elements used, is to offer a visual representation of UAE’s history.

The technical-lighting project was realized by Umaya Lighting Studio based in Dubai, one of the most innovative emerging lighting studios in the Middle East. Umaya used B LIGHT’s know-how for the outdoor lighting of this majestic project. The aim of the project is to make the Museum’s stunning architecture stand out and to emphasize the uniqueness of its structure. The wavy shape of the building is designed to remind us of the shape of the unification Treaty of the UAE, whilst the seven tapering columns symbolize the pens used by the Founding Fathers of UAE, the seven sheiks who signed the Union Agreement in 1971. Each element in the planning of the Museum represents fundamental symbols and meanings for the UAE, highlighted by a skillful use of light.

Minimal design, refined finishes and high performance of B LIGHT’s luminaires perfectly embrace Umaya’s wish to create lighting schemes which not only complete the architecture of the Etihad Museum from the functional point of view, but above all enhances it aesthetically.

Agena is a compact inground, walkover luminaire and was chosen to illuminate the wide entrance avenue of the Museum and its pedestrian paths. The electronic control of operating temperature through a thermal sensor makes it particularly suitable for challenging outdoor environments, which can reach high temperatures and have a high temperature excursion. This grazing steplight blends perfectly in the architecture, illuminating walkways with elegant light effects.

In the outdoor visitors’ transit area, Button DO was chosen to emphasize the structure’s soft lines and to give an almost futuristic atmosphere to the great pavilion. Ideal for creating luminous paths in modern contexts, Button DO is a LED recessed inground luminaire and belongs to B LIGHT’s Drive Over family. The RGB version was chosen for the Etihad Museum, to create greater effects through the use of different light colours, which generate new and scenic atmospheres.

B LIGHT’s innovative spirit and professionalism together with its high quality luminaires have made lighting an iconic element, a symbol of modernity and change. The Etihad Museum lighting project has succeeded in creating a new and fascinating scenario, highlighting the architectural elements’ beauty.