danilof studio illuminates urban office campus in athens in cool white light

danilof light + visual perception studio has been appointed by real estate investment company noval property to design the lighting for the ‘orbit’ urban office campus in athens, greece. working exclusively with light in the built environment, the designers were actively involved in the construction of the whole architectural lighting project, from the early stages all the way through the technical design, down to the stage of construction.

elevation from kifisias avenue

all images by pygmalion karatzas

danilof studio has worked creatively in collaboration with LC architects, vikelas architects, LDK consultants, dcarbon LEED consultants, and ecoscapes landscape designers to deliver an efficient complete solution. the lighting concept is based on creating an urban nightscape with a strong visual identity where the façade’s structural form shimmers over the dark reflective glazing. a continuous band of cool white light highlights the distinctive shape of the building, wraps around it, and dissolves into darkness and ambient luminance.

exterior view at dusk from kifisias avenue

in contrast, the interior lift and lobby areas; the ‘spine’ of the eight-story building, are revealed in a gentler and warmer tone. at ground level, warm light delineates the sculptural qualities of the landscape while cool white light accentuates the olive trees. last but not least, a subtle note is introduced by the delicate shadows cast by the façade plants on each level that move gently as they are caught in the night breeze.

facade detail

by harmonising aesthetics, functionality and sustainability into a coherent lighting solution, the designers aimed to seamlessly integrate lighting with architecture. meanwhile, they strived to create an environment with high levels of visual comfort that prevents light spill and light pollution. towards that end, they developed architectural lighting details design specs for bespoke luminaires with special optics, housing, and light chromaticity characteristics.

entrance atrium

at the construction stage the terna team, in collaboration with luce ataliotis and australian lighting manufacturer illumination physics, engineered and delivered the bespoke lighting systems to meet these specifications. this lighting project was designed within the LEED certification framework in collaboration with dcarbon sustainability consultants. at midnight the facade lighting fades out and a very subtle lighting scheme is on till sunrise. danilof studio has also performed the LEED daylight analysis for the building. 

facade detail

facade details

exterior view of wings from 4th floor verandas

entrance atrium at dusk

entrance atrium with landscaping

interior view of the reception lobby

atrium views

exterior view at dusk from kifisias avenue

project info:

name: the orbit – urban office campus
lighting design: danilof light + visual perception studio
owner & project management: noval property
architectural design: LC architects, vikelas architects
landscape design: ecoscapes
LEED consultants: dcarbon
MEP engineer: LDK consultants
structural engineer: g. labrou & partners
structural engineer – facade: domos
technical consultants: ADK
facade lighting supplier: luce ataliotis-illumination physics
construction: terna
location: athens, greece

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom