NEWS: LIBRARY OF LIGHT by Es Devlin
April. 17. 2025
Reviewed by David Vi Boi Huynh, BOI ARCHI DESIGN
Event: Milan Design Week 2025
1. What "Form" Did Es Devlin Give to 'Library of Light'?
Es Devlin's 'Library of Light' is a monumental, 18-meter-wide circular kinetic sculpture installed in the 17th-century Cortile d'Onore of Milan's Pinacoteca di Brera. The installation comprises illuminated bookshelves housing over 3,000 volumes, forming a rotating structure that serves as both a physical and symbolic nexus of knowledge and light.
Es Devlin's 'Library of Light' is a monumental, 18-meter-wide circular kinetic sculpture installed in the 17th-century Cortile d'Onore of Milan's Pinacoteca di Brera. The installation comprises illuminated bookshelves housing over 3,000 volumes, forming a rotating structure that serves as both a physical and symbolic nexus of knowledge and light.
2. How Did They Give This "Form"?
Devlin employed a combination of architectural and theatrical design elements to realize this form. The rotating bookshelves are illuminated, creating dynamic light patterns that interact with the courtyard's classical architecture. Mirrored surfaces reflect sunlight during the day, while at night, the structure becomes a luminous centerpiece, casting shifting shadows on the surrounding colonnades and statues. The integration of audio elements, including readings by Benedict Cumberbatch and Devlin herself, adds a multisensory dimension to the installation.
Devlin employed a combination of architectural and theatrical design elements to realize this form. The rotating bookshelves are illuminated, creating dynamic light patterns that interact with the courtyard's classical architecture. Mirrored surfaces reflect sunlight during the day, while at night, the structure becomes a luminous centerpiece, casting shifting shadows on the surrounding colonnades and statues. The integration of audio elements, including readings by Benedict Cumberbatch and Devlin herself, adds a multisensory dimension to the installation.
3. Is It a Good Form for the Public?
Yes, 'Library of Light' is a compelling public installation. It invites visitors to engage with literature in a novel way, blending visual art, architecture, and performance. The interactive nature of the installation, allowing guests to browse and donate books, fosters a sense of community and participation. By transforming a historic courtyard into a dynamic space of light and knowledge, Devlin creates an accessible and thought-provoking experience for the public.
Yes, 'Library of Light' is a compelling public installation. It invites visitors to engage with literature in a novel way, blending visual art, architecture, and performance. The interactive nature of the installation, allowing guests to browse and donate books, fosters a sense of community and participation. By transforming a historic courtyard into a dynamic space of light and knowledge, Devlin creates an accessible and thought-provoking experience for the public.
4. Will This Form Continue to Give in the Future?
While the installation is temporary, its impact is enduring. The books collected during the exhibition are intended to become part of the Milan Library System, extending the installation's legacy. Moreover, 'Library of Light' serves as a model for how art and design can activate public spaces and engage communities, potentially inspiring future projects that blend cultural heritage with contemporary artistic expression.
While the installation is temporary, its impact is enduring. The books collected during the exhibition are intended to become part of the Milan Library System, extending the installation's legacy. Moreover, 'Library of Light' serves as a model for how art and design can activate public spaces and engage communities, potentially inspiring future projects that blend cultural heritage with contemporary artistic expression.
5. Conclusion
Es Devlin's 'Library of Light' is a masterful fusion of form, light, and literature. By reimagining a historic space through a contemporary lens, the installation offers a multisensory experience that resonates with a diverse audience. Its thoughtful integration of interactive elements and commitment to community engagement exemplify the potential of design to enrich public spaces and cultural discourse.
