Breaking News: Lyum Agency Marks 20 Years of Illuminating Prestigious Projects
The Lyum (formerly Neo Light) agency in Tours is celebrating two decades of transformative lighting projects, earning a distinguished reputation for its innovative designs. From illuminating the downtown Tours landscape to the iconic Langeais bridge and the castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire, Lyum has left a lasting impact across France and beyond.
Prestigious Projects and Recognitions
Over the past 20 years, Lyum has undertaken 452 projects, receiving 14 awards, including a notable achievement in 2017 for a castle in Eure and its mill. The agency’s founder, Sylvain Bigot, describes his work as that of an architect for light, aiming to create captivating scenographies that enhance the beauty and history of buildings and monuments.
“I don’t sell anything, I don’t settle down. I am like an architect but for light.”
“I didn’t think it was going to last so long and always please myself so much. Despite a hole at the time of the covid, there are always things to light up and the creation to offer.”
The Method Behind the Lighting Magic
Sylvain Bigot’s meticulous approach involves extensive research and understanding of the history and architecture of each site. For instance, his work on the Beffroi de Béthune in Béthune uncovered a hidden dragon that inspired a larger-than-life projection, emphasizing cultural significance over mere illumination.
The design process integrates both hand-drawn sketches and digital simulations to select lighting techniques that harmonize with the site’s heritage. “My initial ambition is that even if visitors do not understand, they have to find it beautiful and stop for a few moments to observe the light,” says Bigot.
Innovation and Sustainability
Lyum remains at the forefront of lighting technology, experimenting with motion detectors and interactivity to maximize energy efficiency. The challenge of creating dynamic, yet secure, environments is ever-present, balancing the needs of modern urban planning with historical preservation.
Despite regulatory challenges, Bigot advocates for human-centric design, prioritizing safety and visual comfort while recognizing the environmental needs. “The lighting has been put in place for human safety. It is for him that it is done in priority,” he states firmly.
Celebrating Two Decades of Illumination
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Lyum has planned a series of conferences and professional meet-ups on June 12th at its Tours-Nord facilities. This event will highlight the agency’s journey and showcase its impact on the architectural lighting landscape, calendared to provide both experts and enthusiasts insights into the future of light design.
“Despite these annoyances, and sometimes meetings ‘Tentas’ with administrative mysteries, the entrepreneur ensures keeping ‘The flame’ for his job,” explaining how light has evolved over two decades. Lyum continues to inspire, innovate, and captivate as it lights up new horizons.
This celebration of innovation and history serves as a testament to Lyum’s dedication to enhancing urban landscapes and cultural heritage through the art of lighting design.
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