Saturday, September 27, 2014

Lehar – Art Installation at Delhi Airport

By Beverly Pereira
Photography: Courtesy Orproject

India Art n Design features Lehar by Rajat Sodhi of Orproject, Delhi, India
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An installation at the Delhi Duty Free in the Indira Gandhi International Airport’s departure terminal draws inspiration from the surging waters of the sea...

Simulating the sea’s captivating rise and ebb, choreographed between the forces of gravity and thermal current,  Lehar  undulates in a rhythmic motion of colour and light; its surging form developed using custom-written algorithms. 

India Art n Design features Lehar by Rajat Sodhi of Orproject, Delhi, India
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Orproject, an architecture and design practice with a presence in Beijing, London and New Delhi is reputed for its experimentation with geometric lines. The team, including project architect Rajat Sodhi, has conceptualized Lehar as an unobtrusive, yet commanding entity that captures and creates multiple reflections and refractions of light that translates as a decomposition of sunlight into colours of 21st century India.

India Art n Design features Lehar by Rajat Sodhi of Orproject, Delhi, India
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Constructed from 2mm-thick cast acrylic panels, which have been laser-cut into sheets and coated with dichroic film, the 750 sq. ft. Lehar hangs 2 ft below a 10 ft.low plasterboard false ceiling, suspended securely on custom L-shaped aluminium plates that are screw-bolted into the plasterboard substrate.  
 
India Art n Design features Lehar by Rajat Sodhi of Orproject, Delhi, India
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At a net weight of 240 kg, Lehar hangs heavy above shoppers. Constructed from 180 segments, the weight of the installation is evenly distributed amongst each segment that weighs approximately 1.5 kg. Each of the 180 segments hangs from three points, while the entire installation is suspended from a total of 540 points with supporting points weighing 500 gms, each. The segments are laser-cut to accommodate attachment details and slots for other sheets to cross through.

India Art n Design features Lehar by Rajat Sodhi of Orproject, Delhi, India
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Since dichroic sheets require a gradient in ambient light conditions for optimal colour effects, the light fixtures on the ceiling are repositioned to create a gradient between brightly lit areas and dark zones. This allows for the colours to literally pop out and change as the viewer walks around the store.

The resulting ephemeral volume resembles a cloud of colour and light that floats over the retail environment, creating an identity visible from a distance yet, unobtrusive to the sales experience. 

13 comments :

  1. Well, first of all I would like to say that it is indeed a great attempt by Orproject team to create such a marvelous piece of art in a public space like Airport which ought to have well designed , attractive spaces like this especially because of the tourists' presence. Hats off.

    But, unfortunately, the pictures say that it has not been able to attract people as expected. There can be multiple reasons.

    1. There is a minimum distance and angle from the human eye, required to appreciate a piece of art in space. Apparently this ceiling is in very low height thereby reducing the chances to have maximum appreciable views.

    2.The location of the art is in a duty free shop, where people will be purchasing things rather than looking upwards to enjoy the beauty of the ceiling. There the purpose of the false ceiling is just to lit well the space below, where the articles have been kept and to hold the other services. Had it been in a gathering space like an atrium or waiting space, it would have made more sense because people will be in a situation to enjoy the beauty of the ceiling. Or since it is a dynamic thing it may suit to the circulation areas as well.

    But however, always there have been mismatches in the point of views of Architects and Clients. We should always give respect to personal choices.

    This is just my opinion. I may be wrong also because I have seen it in pictures only. :)
    I would be happy to know others opinions as well. :)
    Cheers!!!
    By Dini P S
    Architect | Urban Planner in response to IAnD's discussion stream - What is the value-add of an art or architectural installation in a public place?

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    Replies
    1. I would agree on the surface, appears mismatched although a beautiful piece. But it would certainly capture my attention and draw me into the store when I would have otherwise avoided the duty free shopping. This may just serve the purpose the Owner was trying to achieve. Airports fluctuate by the minute, so it may just be full as soon as the next plane lands.

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  2. This is beautiful. I am a champion of "Art in Public Places" and had the opportunity of using it in some of the projects I was involved in. This art installation would surely sooth a weary traveler. Good job guys!!!
    By Francis Ihedoro, CDT
    Experienced Architecture, Interior Design & Construction Professional. Florida State Certified General Contractor. in response to IAnD's discussion stream - What is the value-add of an art or architectural installation in a public place?

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  3. Absolutely lovely!
    By Cordula Sturm Dahal, Founder & Executive Director, Nepal Dance School, LLC in response to IAnD's discussion stream - What is the value-add of an art or architectural installation in a public place?

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  4. Well done! Great use of movement and color.
    By Ardyce C. Freedman, Commercial/Residential Interior Design, Project Mgmt. Consulting

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  5. Actually very interesting -- more so up close than far away. ...
    By Miki Kazmarek, Designer at Miki G Design

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  6. Beautiful setting for this enlightened ceiling
    By Tony Caffin, Directeur de création artistique en communication, Artiste Designer, Webdesigner et Webmaster sites Internet.

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  7. I would like to think that the "value-add" is measured by the number of 'awe's' uttered by the viewers. And it got more than one from me. Dr. Robert Newport
    By Doctor Robert
    Artist, Psychiatrist, ret. in response to IAnD's discussion stream - What is the value-add of an art or architectural installation in a public place?

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  8. It's a reflection of the beauty and richness of India culture. Thank you for sharing.
    By Anastasia Malicka
    Principal/CEO at Chemstrat LLC

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  9. A unique kind of design that shows the reality of the place..Great work

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  10. Interesting post!! And the combination of elements are very different and unique

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  11. It's a reflection of the beauty and richness of India culture. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete