Lumi-Pops is a permanent lighting installation for the University of Technology, Sydney
Building 2 Atrium Space.
This installation aims to re-discover the spatial potential of the University of Technology,
Sydney Building 2 Atrium Space and provide a significant visual impact with minimal change
and minimal cost.
Lumi-pops, each having a diameter of close to 1,5 meter, are not solely a cluster of
aesthetical expression on their own, but also aim to contribute to the space, and create a
pleasant atmosphere to stay in, as well as functionally providing comfortable and interesting
illumination using less energy than the existing system. Simply, coloured light tubes do not
only create a subtle-surprising effect, but reveal a known perceptual fact (Additive and
Subtractive Colour Mixture) at a giant scale.
The installation is based on the additive and subtractive colour mixing techniques of the
colour theory. The colours of the tubes are chosen to match the primary and secondary
colours of the colour theory, the coloured tubes and colour gels are studied from the visible
spectrum to be able to filter the precise wavelength through the tubes which then is filtered
again through the purple tint Perspex. The overall outcome of the lighting effect is white light
within the space, but each individual luminaire appears at different colour.
The name “lumi-pops” is a non-pretentious, funny reflection of an image of coloured,
illuminated giant lolly-pops hanging upside down in the space.
This installation by Emrah Baki Ulas, is designed by Steensen Varming, leading Australian
firm, and curated by Michael Day from University of Technology Sydney in “art light -
University of Technology Sydney Exhibition”
Steensen Varming
Emrah Baki Ulas