In the heart of Brussels, the brand new The Wings building stands as a testament to architectural innovation and creative illumination, thanks to the meticulous façade lighting design.
We delve into the behind-the-scenes conversations with Tim Van de Voorde, project manager from Ghelamco, Guy Van der Kuylen, architect and partner from Assar, Luc Peumans, concept designer from PVL, and Laurent Javeaux, the skilled designer and engineer from Inytium, to unravel the technical brilliance that brought this dazzling project to life.
Tim Van de Voorde, the project manager behind the Ghelamco Wings project, shared his vision of creating not just a building but an iconic statement in the market. The strategic location, with its proximity to major corporations, a forthcoming tram connection, and a unique design concept inspired by wings, set the stage for something extraordinary. “We wanted to be ahead of the market, not just constructing a standard square block. We aimed for a distinct identity that makes a statement,” says Tim.
Architect Guy Van der Kuylen added: “we didn’t want to build a closed structure; we aimed to create something lively, something that blended open spaces with architectural elegance. That’s how we arrived at the concept of four wings with terraces.”
The name “Wings” organically evolved, representing the building’s proximity to the airport and the interconnected wings of the structure. Collaborating with Neopaul, Inytium, and Vivalyte, a full-scale mock-up of 20 meters was created on-site, a crucial step in assessing the visual impact of the proposed lighting design. Tim emphasised the importance of visibility, uniqueness, and ecological considerations. “We wanted a ‘wow’ project that stands out in the night landscape, meanwhile also showcasing the building’s scale and ecological consciousness,” he added.
Luc Peumans, CEO of Painting with Light, understands the importance of lighting in shaping a building’s identity. Together with the architect, we explore how to enhance the character and appearance of a building. A building must have its own identity, but it must also fit in with its surroundings.
“For the Wings project, we worked to highlight the beautiful flowing architectural lines”. he says. “Because the building has such an organic shape, we wanted the lighting to follow this flow well. Preferably nicely incorporated, without any visible installation, and blending the building into the surrounding environment”.
Luc was pleased with the outcome: “It’s always gratifying when the result matches what we envisioned. Vivalyte developed custom products to ensure seamless integration into the building structure, which only becomes visible when the lighting is activated.”
One of the critical challenges was integrating the LED lighting seamlessly into the façade, maintaining a subtle and elegant appearance. Vivalyte’s technical expertise played a pivotal role in overcoming this challenge. Tim noted, “The engineering was made much easier with Pixeline’s capabilities, allowing adjustments on-site rather than relying on pre-finished products from the workshop.”
A remarkable achievement was the invisibility of the LED strips when turned off. Tim proudly shared, “If visitors try to guess where the LEDs are when they’re off, they’re almost always wrong. The strips are discreetly housed in aluminium cassettes, beautifully integrated into the building’s design.”
Laurent Javeaux from Inytium echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of flexibility in design. “The smooth lines and rounded contours posed a challenge, and Pixeline’s capabilities made engineering much smoother,” mentioned Laurent. One of the standout features was the absence of visible transitions between LED strips, thanks to a diffused intermediate piece that created a seamless effect.
With a total of 4 km of LED lines meticulously prepared, the installation process became a blend of art and precision. Laurent pointed out that Pixeline’s programmability allowed for quick and enjoyable experimentation with various lighting effects. “Pixel-based control adds tremendous value. It’s not just about lighting up areas; it’s about mapping messages around the building and creating captivating effects,” he added.
Collaboration was a key theme, with Vivalyte working closely with Neopaul and Inytium. Laurent praised Vivalyte’s commitment to quality, noting that out of more than 500k LEDs, only 2 were found defective on arrival. He also commended the ease of replacement if needed.
Tim acknowledged the logistical challenges but emphasized the seamless partnership. “While 90% of the installation required height work, coordination was excellent. We worked beautifully together,” said Tim.
The outcome of this collaborative effort is a visually stunning display that has exceeded expectations. Tim highlighted the positive reception from tenants, emphasizing the added value. “For major companies moving in, we can now customize the lines in their corporate colors during relocation. But we can also respond very quickly to events, holidays or special visits. It’s an incredible asset,” Tim shared.
Laurent revealed that the client’s satisfaction went beyond the immediate stakeholders. “Competitors who contacted Ghelamco admitted they couldn’t have executed such a project themselves. We take pride in this achievement,” he said.
As Wings continues to shine brightly in Diegem, it stands as a beacon of architectural and lighting excellence—a testament to the visionaries at Ghelamco, the design finesse of Inytium, and the technical brilliance of Vivalyte. This collaborative masterpiece is not just a building; it’s a captivating display of light and innovation that leaves a lasting impression.
