Located in the historic EUR district of Rome, La Nuvola is named for the extraordinary free-form cloud-like structure set within its contextually sensitive cuboid of steel and glass. Instantly iconic for it’s sheer scale and exuberance, the lighting approach is designed to enhance the unique architectural qualities of light, translucency and openness while creating a dramatic nighttime identity, and an immersive experience that explores the essential nature of a cloud.

In celebration of its macro scale and distinctive organic nature, the entire ‘Cloud’ is lit from within. The 15,000m2 of undulating translucent fabric acts as a single, gigantic source of light that appears to hover within the rigidly orthogonal building. The glowing form draws the eye through the glazed screen creating a fabulous external tableau.

Special programming adds texture and dynamism to the ‘Cloud’ through subtle, continuous variation in the tones of white light. This effect is layered with soft shadowing, generated by careful positioning of the lighting equipment within the complex three-dimensional steelwork.

While beautiful, this solution is also highly practical as it provides the majority of the light needed for the functional operation of the building. All other lighting is subservient and supplementary, included only where necessary for safety and security requirements.