Painting with Light (PWL), a lighting and multimedia expert, has helped to design an acoustic cloud with an efficient lighting solution for the Belgian Chamber of Representatives in Brussels, Belgium.
The chamber of the Belgian House of Representatives is located in the neoclassical Palace of the Nation government building in Brussels. As such, it presents a difficult environment for politicians to hear and be heard, with many hard surfaces along with an overhead dome causing unwanted sound reflections.
In 2021, a tender was put out for a solution to these acoustic problems, and Amptec was chosen to work on the project. Amptec then selected Painting With Light as its partner in the creation of an all-inclusive solution. The company also worked with Lux Lumen and Artnovion, holding weekly meetings with all stakeholders to keep the project on track.
Solving acoustic issues
The building has a number of acoustic and architectural limitations. For instance, a glass-topped dome was reflecting sound back into the centre of the room, causing an uncomfortable acoustic experience. To solve this, absorbent acoustic panels were added. PWL designed sound-absorbing acoustic clouds that also incorporate lighting.
The three-storey structure now flies from the dome, designed to harmonise with the rounded structure of the space. The framework was made by Lux Lumen, and it was installed on-site by the two companies.
Painting with Light also helped to replace the existing harsh and inefficient halogen lighting, providing more natural and energy-efficient lighting in its stead.
PWL performed a comprehensive light study before embarking upon the design of the acoustic clouds with Amptec. The clouds of the lower tier include energy-efficient lighting within and on top, while the upper two tiers contain only up-lighters, illuminating the clouds above and the ceiling.
In addition, the company added energy-efficient lighting in the side of the dome, mimicking natural sunlight. The new lighting also meets the requirements for TV recording as well as modern soft light standards for illuminating architecture.
Painting with Light also recently worked on the Quake Lisbon Earthquake Experience, which explores the Portuguese city’s famous earthquake of 1 November 1755
