The innovative light installation 'Soul' created by Ukrainian artist Mykola Kabluka (Kabluka Light & Digital Sculptures; Expolight) revitalises the historic ticket office at Enge Station.
Featured within this year's Zurich Design Week, it transforms the station into a space of soft colours and undulating light shapes that create a magical, lively, and dynamic space. It is a symbolic work that has become part of the creative dialogue between Kyiv and Zurich Design Weeks.
The 'Soul' installation is a visualisation of an artistic idea and its implementation with the help of innovative technologies, including custom glass filters, a caustic laser, and a complex movement mechanism controlled by specially developed software. Light waves are projected onto architectural objects and create a unique visual refraction effect that transforms space and recreates the energy of light movement.
'We use light as the main tool to convey feelings that cannot be described in words. For this installation, we have created a system of moving light filters that especially diffuse light, creating a sense of constant change and transformation of the space around. It's a combination of technology and art that immerses the viewer in a special meditative state,' says Mykola Kabluka, the project's author.
The Soul installation has an important task – highlighting those architectural objects that need to be restored or reminded of. Thus, the project has already attracted attention in Kyiv, where it was used to illuminate the Church of St Nicholas. This neo-Gothic church is one of the city's most famous architectural monuments. A fire in 2021 damaged the facade and organ of the church, and the building needs to be strengthened and restored. This installation is a symbol of hope for the restoration of cultural heritage.
A similar project was presented at this year's Zurich Design Week to remind and draw attention to the oldest train station in Zurich. Because of the opening of the alternative Zimmerberg Base Tunnel routing in 2002, most long-distance trains no longer pass through or stop at Enge station and the westernmost track was removed. Among other things, the rooms of the old local signal box disappeared, as did the ticket and the baggage counters, as well as the storage rooms.
The Soul's lighting effects aim to restore the memory of an architectural monument that has lost its former importance over time.
More information:
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