New York-based artist and designer Ron Gilad's Wallpiercing installation, part of Flos’ Soft Architecture collection, will be featured in the upcoming exhibition, “Rethinking Typologies: Architecture and Design from the Permanent Collection” at the Art Institute of Chicago from March 3 – July 29. Wallpiercing was acquired as part of the Art Institute’s permanent collection as a gift from Flos.
Wallpiercing is described as an adaptive lighting system for vertical surfaces. The ring-shaped light offers a range of graphic and lighting effects when grouped in multiple units; by linking these units together the user is able to create a customizable collage that spans any desired length or height. LED light sources produce a diffused, luminous effect in a range of colors and intensities, altering the appearance and mood of any environment. The lamps, which are seamlessly submerged into the wall using a one-of-a-kind installation method unique to Flos, are housed within a cast-aluminum and polycarbonate shell.
The Soft Architecture collection was created using an innovative composite material (Under-Cover technology) which unites light weight and high strength; it delivers performance, durability and perfect integration with normal plasterboard false ceilings. It also complies with the latest international safety and eco-compatibility regulations, as it is made with a non-flamable material and has "Cradle to Cradle" certification. Soft Architecture is diversified and aligned with the needs of various contract settings, projecting a specific character and identity in different environments such as restaurants, spas, retail shops, or hotels.
“Flos is honored to be included in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, and we are thrilled to be a part of this exhibition. Flos is always at the forefront of modern design and our inclusion in the ‘Rethinking Typologies’ exhibit only serves to reaffirm this sentiment,” said Jan Vingerhoets, CEO of Flos USA.
From the development of the modern house to the emergence of information design, each era faces the challenge of adapting conventional ideas to new technology, social needs, and cultural ideals. “Rethinking Typologies” takes a broad historical view of the innovations that have shaped contemporary life and the built environment through suites of work devoted to historical and emerging typologies in architecture and design. Spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, these thematic suites highlight important recent acquisitions and areas of strength in the permanent collection of the Department of Architecture and Design at the Art Institute of Chicago.
