asylum lights up crystal LED pipe with a range of 16 million colors

asylum lights up crystal LED pipe with a range of 16 million colors
all images courtesy of asylum models and effects

the technological engineers of london-based asylum have been approached with a private commission, requiring a domestic installation a pipe covered in translucent gems that light up to decorate a construction feature within a room. in response to the brief, the team has fabricated a base structure which allows them to implement all the necessary electronics. along its cylindrical form, circular RGB LED bulbs are evenly dispersed in both directions to exude a range of over 16 million colors. 2,912 modules are fitted, totaling to approximately 9000 individual lights. each one is controlled by an industrial embedded linux computer for added reliability, which hosts a webpage accessible via mobile phone. this allows the client to customize the shades, hues, and patterns at a click of a button to create any atmosphere he or she would like to inhabit. the overall experience is emphasized with a tactile effect provided by a light diffusing outer shell slotted over the top of the figure, which has over 3000 individual crystal shards glued to its surface.

the LEDs attached to the pipe without crystal covering 

testing new patterns in the workshop

finished pipe after installation

detail of the crystals

closeup of the shards

(left) attaching the pieces using UV hardening glue
(right) first light test

unpopulated circuit boards, each strip requires its own controller

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