Monday, November 1, 2010

Stair lighting

I've been going through my photos from 2 1/2 years ago in Barcelona (time has flown!) in preparation for my upcoming trip and came across this photo from the great Spanish retailer Loewe. I love this staircase; modern but with such great details. I especially love the little pinhole lights and their reflection on the black granite stair treads and risers. Only a crazy architect would photograph such a small detail in a store, right?

11 comments:

Aoife.Troxel said...

Yes, you are probably right. But they look like little stars against the black granite. Would they actually make a difference as to falling or not in the dark? All types of stair lighting confuse my feet, I'd rather just try to ascend or descend without the lights.

Blue said...

Well, then, thank the lord for crazy architects! I love the black granite but it would be difficult for a poor-sighted or even inattentive person to see the edges of the treads without some indication of what's going on.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Unlike in the US, where safetey is the main concern with codes (which go too far in my opinion) - Europe has less stringent codes. That said -these stairs have a strip of light colored granite as you see near the edge of the tread for saftey. I think the lights are a small aesthetic detail rather than for safety.

Acanthus and Acorn said...

I adore that the fact you notice these things...and admit it!

Have a fabulous tim in Barcelona

La Maison Fou said...

ABSOLUTELY not!

Isn't the saying, Life is in the details ........
could not be a truer phrase and so right for this attention to detail. If only more people would open their eyes to all the detailing around them.
Great pic and a great detail.
L.

Karena said...

I can just imagine the way they would light the dark like little stars shining! Very unique.

Karena
Art by Karena

willarchitecture said...

Absolutly agree! Love the stiar case, so clean and simple yet brilliant! Nice find

Anonymous said...

What are these? Are they fiber optic? They would be great in a number of different places.

Kathy said...

No...not crazy....observant, and creative.....love the post...K

Anonymous said...

That is a marvelous detail!
Ditto Kathy; 'observant & creative'
xs

No Sacrifice Bags said...

I think the lighting was intended to subtly light the stairs at night. I believe it was as much for the aesthetics, as safety; the thought to make them easier to navigate in the dark.
I think the cream marble strips on the treads were added later, due to safety concerns, or complaints. I think if it they were original to the treads, the strip would run the whole width.
There is something about the fabrication that looks off to my eye.

Hope your having a blast in Barcelona!

Cheers,
Donna