The National Arts Centre (NAC) – ClearLED delivers the largest transparent media facade in North America

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Jan 16, 2018

The National Arts Centre (NAC) – ClearLED delivers the largest transparent media facade in North America

 

As of New Years Eve 2017, the National Arts Centre (NAC), located in Ottawa, Canada, officially switched on the Kipnes Lantern. Designed and built by ClearLED, this transparent LED media facade is the largest of its kind in North America.

The Kipnes Lantern is part of the Canadian National Arts Centre’s $110.5 million rejuvenation project. In a recent interview, National Arts Centre delegate expressed that upon its launch the three-story-high Kipnes Lantern immediately became ‘the signature feature of the National Arts Centre’s architectural rejuvenation.’ Furthermore, this new landmark display is the new ‘beacon for performing arts’ produced across Canada and around the world. It will showcase and promote Canada’s appreciation for rich and diverse culture.

Multiple journalists and well-respected architects are fascinated by this new large-scale transparent LED technology designed by ClearLED.

Moment Factory co-founder, Sakchin Bessette, says, “The Kipnes Lantern reflects the NAC itself – as a platform through which Canadians can share their culture and innovation with each other and the world.” Bessette adds, “It’s an exciting start to the next 150 years of Canadian storytelling.”

“There’s no screen like this anywhere else in the world,”

Bridget Mooney, one of NAC's project leaders, told Lynn Saxberg of the Ottawa Citizen, “The geometry, the way information is presented, and the different aspects of the animation was a challenge for us, but the results are amazing.” Mooney went on to say that the Kipnes Lantern is capable of providing a new, unique digital experience. “It creates a different experience for audiences watching on each side,” she explained.

Read more on Ottawa Citizen’s report on the interviews Lynn Saxberg had with NAC project leaders: Chris Dearlove, Bridget Mooney, and Moment Factory’s Christian L’Heureux.

Media facades opens a new era of dynamic architectural design

“Buildings have always been used to display cultural psyche, norms, and values,” Niels Wouters from CNN reported. “Digital media facades now light up the city, enabling buildings to act as dynamic landmarks. And a well-considered luminous building envelope that displays abstract digital visualizations can also make a cultural contribution to the city.”

LED displays are spearheading a new trend, driving architectural design towards providing a whole new dimension for creativity and adding dynamic characteristics to buildings. 

Read more on “Digital media are changing the face of buildings, and urban policy needs to change with them.”

ClearLED has devoted more than one year to the development of customized design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation construction

ClearLED offered a dedicated project team: project manager, creative designer, technical engineer, and installation lead to work with NAC for more than one year. The project required multiple face-to-face meetings in Ottawa with the client and careful oversight of the display built at ClearLED’s factory in China. 

The architecture of the new National Arts Centre building is uniquely shaped as a giant lantern. To light up the space, ClearLED was challenged with designing custom screens to fit the space precisely and deliver the maximum transparency and brightness. An additional hurdle was to ensure the components were lightweight, sturdy, and accessible for maintenance. The four blades had to be waterproof to withstand cold and wet Ottawa outdoor weather conditions.

The unveiling of the New National Arts Centre played an important role in Canada’s 150-anniversary celebrations and became a global spotlight. Although ClearLED started the project well in advance of the deadline, as 1 July 2017 approached, pressure to finish on time escalated and all work crews on the project were working simultaneously, often in the same confined areas. Additionally, security on the premises was strictly enforced, making access to the facility a challenge without planning ahead.

Over 400 LED panels were customized and designed to fit each section of the glass building, with over 13 uniquely customized model types. All panels were individually fitted and quality-tested to mitigate problems during installation. ClearLED selected high-quality Nichia LEDs to ensure long-lasting light hours and to endure Ottawa’s weather conditions.

The project and installation team were well-prepared in advance with security clearance. Materials were shipped and cleared customs early. During the installation period, the team resided in Ottawa and maintained continuous contact with the NAC team to schedule access and minimize clashes with other trades.

Jin Fan, CEO of ClearLED, talks about the technology behind the NAC rejuvenation Project

Dave Haynes, the Founder of Sixteen:Nine, one of the oldest and most respected news resources on digital signage, has showed great excitement about the NAC project and the technology behind it, claiming that this incredible project is 'the top contender for the 2018 Digital Signage Awards' even if it’s only the beginning of the year.

 

Listen to Jin Fan, the CEO of ClearLED, speaking about the NAC project and ClearLED on Haynes’ podcast:

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Read more about the Kipnes Lantern:

 

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