As the largest spherical structure in the world, Sphere is a first-of-its-kind entertainment medium. It features the world’s highest resolution LED screen inside and the largest LED screen on the outside. Icrave – led by Founder and CEO Lionel Ohayon – was commissioned by Sphere Entertainment to design the interiors and lighting for Sphere and create a visitor experience unlike any other. The challenge was met with a design approach that engages one in an ethereal world. From the beginning, Icrave believed strongly that the holistic Sphere experience must begin as soon as one enters the building.
Icrave was as reductive as possible in choosing materiality for the venue – the main elements that set the stage are the lighting, the continuous reflective floor and a series of intersecting curved surfaces, which create a sense of continuous motion. The interiors contain few straight lines; sweeping curves, in an eight-story vaulted space with uninterrupted columns, are set against a continuous black reflective floor that creates a levity and weightlessness, transporting visitors into another world. Sweeping curved bridges accentuated with continuous lit bands intersect the volume at different heights.
The uninterrupted columns soaring through the Atrium space are outfitted with a custom and programmable lighting design that can transform the space for different events or shows. A layered series of continuous lights and directional lighting allow the mood and energy of the venue to be manipulated by juxtaposing expansive indirect washes of light with deliberate strikes of light.
The long spaces are metered by repetition and the use of color lights versus white lighting builds up the story as one makes their way towards their seat in the performance bowl. Bridges and galleries have the potential to be event and conference spaces themselves, the architectural lighting is designed to transform from show setting to event setting. It can be reinvented every time a guest visits.
Owner and Developer: Sphere Entertainment
Architect: Populous
Interior design, experience design, lighting design, wayfinding: Icrave (Atrium and guest welcome areas, Entry bridges, Food and beverage venues, Galleries, Private artist dressing rooms, VIP pre-show spaces, VIP suites)
Photo credits: Rich Fury / Sphere Entertainment; Icrave
