alain gilles installs a high-end lighting system on the beach entrances of cannes

belgian designer alain gilles has installed a new high-end public lighting system on the beach entrances of the croisette in cannes, france. created to ease congestion, make its navigation easier, and to enhance the beach entrances, this new masts project is the result of an international competition held by the french city.

the design of the new masts by alain gilles is based on the concept of a sheath diving the mast into two parts, top and bottom. the upper part is like a sheath, a second skin, which is slotted into the lower part of the mast, similarly to the scabbard of a sword. the unique dynamic of the mast is marked by a drop-off and is reinforced by the emblem that itself becomes a structural element, overhanging the luminous carpet of the croisette, setting the rhythm of the evening walkers.

the lower part of the lighting masts is dedicated to human interaction, featuring a menu holder and a letterbox. on the other hand the upper part contains the elements that define the visual signature of the croisette: emblem, flag, beacon lighting, CCTV camera, and a loud-speaker that can be used to broadcast tsunami warnings, among other things.

as for the actual lighting design, the aim was to bring richness to it, most notably through the texture of the light projected onto the ground, to make it more visible and secure. this texture seeks to evoke the sun’s reflection on the sea using projectors equipped with light-emitting diodes and focusing lenses. the lighting-related aspects of the project were created by paris-based on agency.

overall, the project exudes a distinctive design that maintains a certain restrain and a search for just the right proportions so that the required functions are all harmoniously integrated. the whole mast, made entirely out of aluminum with no welding, is also a work on materials with parts that have been directly digitally milled from aluminum blocks. the simplicity of the shapes and the way they are worked into the thickness are there to give the masts an opulent and timeless look, for they are there to last and make their mark on history.

project info:

name: lighting system for the city of cannes
designer: alain gilles
materials: aluminum, glass
dimensions: 6.5m high
in collaboration with: city of cannes
production: technilum
lighting creation: agence on