An original symphony of light will illuminate Barrandez-Vous
An original artistic element will be installed in the passage of the new apartment building, currently under construction in Prague's Barrandov, which will illuminate the entrance to the complex and bring a unique atmosphere to the entire residential project.
The idea for the light installation originated during the initial designs of the Západ residence, when the elevated passage space lent itself to the placement of a distinctive and original element, whilst still preserving its spatial airiness and lightness.
The TOP ESTATES team, together with architects from the under-construction architects studio, carefully considered every detail to ensure the resulting design perfectly integrated into the overall concept and met all technical and practical requirements. The artistic aspect was gradually shaped by the architects in collaboration with Jaroslav Bejvl's design studio.
The inspiration came from the ubiquitous greenery and trees in the new park, as well as the gentle wind playing with their leaves. This idea led to the concept of abstracting leaves into glass and creating a unique network of light from glass leaves that would gently sway on wires in the wind, giving the impression that leaves, carried by the air, are drifting through the passage and magically transforming into glass jewels.
Source: Dagmar Machancová, TOP ESTATES
In the evening, the installation in the passage, featuring almost 150 glass leaves, will glow with a gentle light, naturally inviting visitors into the tranquil inner courtyard with its newly built park. This unique artistic element will bring a magical atmosphere to the residential complex, not only for local residents but for everyone who visits BARRANDEZ-VOUS.
Are you interested in how this unique design element for the new passage is created? We had the opportunity to visit the glassworks directly, where the light installation is being produced.
The craft of glassmaking in Nový Bor has been passed down through generations and is world-renowned, as is the Bejvl design studio and their family tradition.
What makes each piece truly unique is not only its aesthetic beauty but, above all, the work of talented Czech glassmakers who pour their artistry and many years of experience into every single glass leaf.
The process itself is fascinating and demands not only technical and craftsmanship skill but also creativity and a sensitivity to the material, making each piece a true work of art.
The molten mass is first drawn from the furnace onto a glassblower's pipe, where the glassmakers carefully shape it until the desired form is achieved.
For the glass product to achieve its final form, it must undergo another important process after shaping – annealing. Once shaped, the glass leaf is placed into a special furnace where it remains for up to several weeks. This step is crucial in the entire process to ensure the glass cools slowly and evenly, remaining durable and strong. If this phase were not perfectly executed, stresses could develop in the finished product, which would later lead to cracking. It is precisely due to annealing that the glass's durability is increased to decades.
Together with the architects, and under the guidance of experienced glassmakers, we personally tried the production process and watched closely as a beautiful work of art gradually emerged from fire and molten material.
We are delighted by the combination of traditional craftsmanship and quality with the modern architecture of the residential complex, and by our visit to the glassworks, which reminded us of the mastery required by this glassmaking craft.