Foster & Partners Diwali neon light art installation

How did we do the Diwali neon sign for Foster + Partners in London?

Carousel Lights were approached by Foster + Partners to see if we could bring something quite special to life – Sujitha Sundraraj, an Architectural Assistant at the world-renowned Fosters + Partners, had a vision for a  neon light art installation that was to be located ride of place at the practice’s London head office. As specialists in neon art and bringing other people’s creative concepts to life in light, ‘Victory of Light over Darkness‘ was right up our street.

The Diwali neon concept

Sujitha had already created the concept and had artworked how she saw the piece taking shape. Carousel Lights were also sent photographs and dimensions of the location in which the neon art installation was to be installed so we could advise on the practicalities of how Sujitah’s Diwali neon could be constructed and installed.

Carouse Lights reinterpreted some of the elements in order to ensure that they would work in neon as the original concept had more detail than we were able to actually manufacture – in part due to the fact that these elements were too small to recreate but also due to the fact that we would lose visual impact – working on the ‘less is more’ theory can often apply to neon art. This was a true example of a collaborative project whereby a designers concept and a manufacturers knowledge and experience can work perfectly in tandem.

Diwali neon construction

It was clear from the start that our Neon SuperFlex was ideally suited to Sujitha’s design – being 6mm strokewidth, energy efficient and yielding a crisp consistent lightsource. Rebated channels were routed into a 2300mm x 1200mm panel of polished 10mm clear exhibition-grade acrylic, into which the sections of Neon SuperFlex we inserted and soldered together.

Holes were lasercut onto the top edge to enable the panel to be suspended, as well as cut into the remaining three sides such that the piece could be wall mounted as and when the time came – enabling the clients to have a variation of installation options without having to undertake any additional work on the light on-site.

Ben Reynolds, Co-Founder, Carousel Lights, commented; Being trusted and commissioned by Foster + Partners to bring such an incredible piece of light art to life for their Head Office was an honour. Sujitha’s jaw-dropping design stops passers-by in their tracks and I’m glad we can have done it justice.

Victory of Light over Darkness

 

The installation is themed around symbolizing Diwali as an act of bravery, welcoming a new era through the eyes of the younger generation. At its core, the act of lighting diyas during Diwali pays homage to the sun, revered in Hindu culture as the primal source of light and energy. The sun sustains all life on Earth, driving the cycles of nature and enabling growth and prosperity. My installation depicts the sun as a source of all emotions, radiating light even in darkness.

 

At the center of the installation is the namaste symbol, signifying peace and the welcoming spirit of Diwali as we greet it with ‘Namaste.’ The culture is unified in three vibrant characters that bring together different aspects of Diwali’s heritage. This bold era is depicted by drawing from the historical evolution of Diwali. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura (the demon), freeing people from sorrow. Such bravery is meant to inspire the young generation. The courageous act of Lord Krishna is still remembered today, encouraging the younger generation to live openly, expressing opinions for the greater good.

 

Growing up in a Hindu community, I was always fascinated by Lakshmi (the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom) depicted on a lotus, a symbol of peace and tranquillity. Her image continues to represent serenity and balance. Their vibrant colours and dynamic postures reflect the energy of today’s youth confident, expressive, and unafraid to take a stand. Just as Krishna’s act of bravery freed people from sorrow, today’s youth are empowered to speak up, express their truths, and advocate for justice in a world that needs their voices.

 

All these inspirations are unified by Swastik curves that connect each element, symbolizing well-being and positivity. They remind viewers that all aspects of life bravery, peace, knowledge, and positivity are interconnected, just as the festival of Diwali connects people, traditions, and beliefs across generations.

 

Ultimately, the installation portrays Diwali as more than just a festival; it becomes an emotion—a vibrant, living experience embodying bravery, peace, well-being, and positivity. It invites viewers to feel these emotions deeply, connecting to the essence of Diwali as a time for inner reflection and outward expression. It reminds us that Diwali is not just about illuminating the external world but about igniting the inner light that enables us to face life with courage, wisdom, and compassion.

 

Sujitha Sundraraj

Architectural Assistant Foster + Partners

Photo Credit – Thanks to Foster & Partners for the in-situ photographs.