The balloons appear to float from outside.

Local 204 recently collaborated with Austin + Mergold on the installation of a storefront display at the Artemide store in Philadelphia. A+M’s winning entry in the AIA Window Display Competition (entitled ‘Floating Lightly’) was fabricated and installed in time for Artimede’s seasonal reception on February 6. Red and white helium balloons are lit from below by linear fluorescent fixtures, “creating a virtual chandelier in each store window. As helium slowly seeps out of the balloons they begin to descend toward the light source, at times becoming secondary point sources of reflected lights, at times coming together as smaller fixtures – and subsequently creating infinite variations of light. This process will take about a week and in the end, the balloons will settle on the light fixtures creating a continuous diffuser for the light that the fixtures emit.”

The installation of the display.

Local 204 floats lightly.

Austin + Mergold's winning competition entry.