Milano’s Galleria Massimo De Carlo is located within what was once Casa Corbellini-Wassermann, inside a 1930s building designed by the renowned architect Piero Portaluppi. Before opening to the public in 2019, the space underwent renovation guided by a meticulous, historically informed restoration.
Massimo de Carlo Gallery
overview
Artistic Inspiration.
Together with Metis Lighting and ACPV Architecs, we contributed to the lighting design, focusing in particular on the creation of ten minimalist light beams, navigating the numerous historical and artistic preservation constraints inherent in a building recognized as part of the city’s cultural heritage.
The Challenge
Ten custom beams for diffused ambient lighting and accent lights on each individual artwork
Given that the decorated ceilings could not be altered, the light beams represent an innovative and intelligent solution, requiring extensive design study to navigate architectural constraints while fulfilling all the functional demands of a high-profile exhibition space.
- Self-Supporting Structure
The beams feature LED lighting on both sides, which provides diffused illumination throughout the exhibition halls. They also incorporate a track system with adjustable spotlights to highlight the artworks. - Dynamic White Technology
The system allows for adjusting lighting scenarios, intensity, and color temperature based on the gallery’s varying needs, with a color rendering index (CRI) above 90 for exceptionally accurate color reproduction. - Integrated Wiring
Integrated wiring preserves the beams’ minimalist design, discreetly housing all cables and remote power units inside the structure. - Safety Features
We segmented certain parts of the beams – those closest to the escape routes – to provide emergency lighting in the event of a power outage, in full compliance with strict regulations for public spaces. - Floor Lamps
In addition to the beams, we created three floor lamps inspired by 20th-century Italian architect Piero Portaluppi. Bronze columns with opaline glass diffusers, equipped with high-power LEDs, serve as primary light sources and emergency lighting.
The Solution
An ambitious project, conceived to overcome architectural constraints and the limits of imagination.
We oversaw the entire executive design process, including prototyping, testing, transport, installation, and maintenance. Of all the challenges we successfully dealt with, most notably was the certification of the beams as structural elements, on a par with floor slabs.
Laser welding, the only solution which would allow us to achieve sharp edges and the specific mechanical properties required by the project, involved technology far beyond that called for in standard regulations. Laboratory tests confirmed a strength rating that exceeded the requirements set by the Italian architectural heritage authority.
CREDITS
Photography Leo Torri
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