MUSEUM and EXHIBITION ARCHITECTURE

The video shows a selection of Ruairí O’Brien’s work for museums and exhibitions. Nine projects in nine slides.

Lightsculptures and Installations – Ruairí O’Brien 2025

The video shows a selection of Ruairí O’Brien’s current light sculptures and light installations, as well as complementary pieces from previous years. Art, light, and architecture in fascinating interplay.

Insights into the works of Ruairí O’Brien

The video shows a selection of Ruairí O’Brien’s works and concepts – from initial ideas to realised projects. The creative process and glimpses behind the scenes also become visible and provide an authentic insight into his way of thinking.

Digital memory homage to Jorge Luis Borges-Ruairí O’Brien

Ruairí O’Brien’s live performance is an impressive artistic exploration of memory in digital space.

Our concept for the “House of Democracy” competition

A look behind the idea we developed for the open competition.

-more information can be found on our architects website at

Freehand Drawing & Modelling

The short film shows the kick-off event with first semester students of Ruairí O’Brien at the German University in Cairo.

-more information can be found on our architects website at

Workshop in Berlin – Eating the Light

In this video, Ruairí O’Brien explains the central role of light in our lives. It shows how light – whether natural or artificial – influences our perception, emotions and environments. Experiments, projects and design processes illustrate the broad spectrum of effects of light in everyday life and in architecture.

“Light of Cairo-Maadi”

Ruairí O’Brien’s short film takes the viewer on a visual journey through Cairo and shows how light – whether sun or street lamp – shapes urban life. The result is an impressive portrait of a city characterised by the interplay of light and darkness.

-more information can be found on our architects website at

Christmas lighting concept for Karlsruhe city centre

The lighting concept for Karlsruhe combines the baroque city centre structure with modern lighting design. Colours, geometric shapes and interactive elements create a unique atmosphere that emphasises the fan layout and at the same time creates a dynamic, sustainable lighting experience.

Baroque fan layout as inspiration

The concept uses the characteristic axes and radial streets to create visual depth and emphasise the symmetry of the city.

Dynamic colour and temperature gradient

• Warm and cool colour tones alternate along the main axes, creating a subtle composition of light.
• A gentle transition between gold, red, blue and green reinforces the spatial orientation.

Street identity and ornamentation

• Each street is given its own lighting characteristics to provide orientation and enhance the cityscape.
• Light installations with fine ornamental structures pick up on historical elements.

Central vertical axis – Via Triumphalis

• The castle axis forms the visual centre with elegant, golden lighting.
• Light projections enhance the vertical effect and create a festive depth.
• The historical main axis is emphasised by arcs of light, symmetrical projections and a harmonious colour scheme.
• Warm gold and white tones convey a classic, festive atmosphere and emphasise the historical significance.

Horizontal axis: Kaiserstraße (thermodynamic gradient)

• A dynamic colour gradient from red (Europa-Platz) to gold (Marktplatz) to blue/green (Berliner Platz) visually guides visitors through the city.
• The colour temperatures create a flowing movement and highlight the central shopping street.

Radial streets (different identities) – radiating streets

• Each radial street is given its own colour and light identity that reflects its surroundings.
• Discreet points of light and interactive installations enliven the side streets and promote a pleasant atmosphere.

Conceptual integration with platonic bodies

• The five Platonic solids serve as the design basis for the lighting installations:
  • Tetrahedron (Europa-Platz): Moving points of light in warm red tones.
  • Cube (market square): Modular arcs of light in golden nuances.
  • Octahedron (Lammstraße): Interactive columns of light in green.
  • Dodecahedron (Schlossplatz): Projections of star patterns.
  • Icosahedron (Berliner Platz): Light waves in blue and turquoise.

Freestanding constructions

• Self-supporting lighting columns with geometric elements emphasise the cityscape.
• Flexible modules enable seasonal adjustments and efficient utilisation.

Interactive and ground-level installations

• Motion-dependent light sources create a playful experience for visitors.
• Projections and floor lights enhance the immersive effect of the concept.

Elevated but independent installations

• Light installations on roofs and façades provide additional spatial depth.
• Discreet fixtures prevent interference with the existing architecture.

Digital and projection-based solutions

• Projections on building surfaces and walkways create changeable light landscapes.
• Digital control enables flexible customisation and energy-efficient operation.

Modular festive furniture

• Integrated seating with lighting accents promotes quality of stay.
• Multifunctional elements such as benches and pavilions offer comfort and aesthetics.

Material and safety aspects

Safety concepts ensure smooth operation in heavily frequented areas.

Robust, weather-resistant materials ensure long-term use.

Sustainable LED technology reduces energy consumption and light pollution.

Lighting design for the new Kunstguss Lauchhammer experience centre

We are pleased to announce that we have been selected to join the team of experts working on the ambitious “Transformation 1.535°” project in Lauchhammer, Brandenburg, Germany. This extensive project spans two sites: “ERZ” (ORE) with art casting museum, art foundry and Friedenskirche in Lauchhammer-Ost (13.8 ha) and “KOHLE” (COAL) with bio-towers, activated sludge basin and relic park in Lauchhammer-West (32.2 ha).

Our contribution to the planning and development team is the creation and implementation of the lighting concepts for the public space, the landscaping, the art casting museum, the new “Education and Experience Centre for Art Casting and Industrial Culture” and the famous listed bio-towers (see picture).

The “Transformation 1.535°” project is one of the most ambitious cultural and tourism initiatives in Germany, if not in Europe. Its aim is to transform the remnants of East Germany’s coal industry history into a vibrant centre for art, education and tourism.

An important part of this project is the expansion of the Lauchhammer Art Casting Museum into an “Education and Experience Centre for Art Casting and Industrial Culture”. This centre will honour the region’s rich industrial heritage while promoting modern educational and cultural experiences.

The Biotowers, a unique and impressive example of East German industrial culture, are at the centre of this transformation.

These structures, which once bore witness to the region’s industrial prowess, will be brought back to life through exhibitions, information programmes and innovative lighting concepts so that they can be preserved and appreciated for future generations.

We are delighted to be able to contribute to this epoch-making project and to contribute to its sustainable and holistic success with our expertise in the communicative and aesthetic power of architectural lighting design.stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey!