Installation at the Guggenheim Museum, New York — 78 custom RGBW-lit acrylic forms designed and manufactured by 865FabLab.
From Concept to Installation: Delivering a Large-Scale RGBW Lighting Feature at the Guggenheim Museum, New York
We recently completed a project that brought together design, fabrication, and lighting integration for a global brand activation at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, produced by Pietro Pagliaro
This installation required more than just manufacturing — it demanded a fully integrated approach from concept through to execution.
The Brief
The core requirement was to create a series of illuminated circular elements that were visually consistent, lightweight, and reliable for installation in a high-profile venue.
final lighting sequence in action - consistent rgbw output across all 78 elements using Wired4Signs USA Iris Series LED strip with blebox controllers
Our Scope
At 865FabLab , we handled the full process:
Design & Development We designed all 78 acrylic circles, each measuring 31” in diameter and 2” deep. The challenge was achieving a clean visual finish while ensuring the geometry worked for both vacuum forming and lighting integration.
Vacuum Forming - Each piece was vacuum formed to ensure consistency across all units. Maintaining uniform depth and clarity across this quantity was critical for the final visual effect.
Structural Fabrication with Re-board® Technology - We used REboard for its combination of strength and low weight. This allowed for easier handling, transport, and installation without compromising structural integrity.
Lighting Innovation - One of the key technical challenges was evenly lighting shallow forms. We implemented our in-house developed method to achieve uniform RGBW illumination across each circle, avoiding hotspots and shadowing.
The system was built using Wired4Signs IRIS Series low-power RGBW LED strip , selected for its consistent color output, efficiency, and suitability for controlled indoor installations like this.
Control Systems: The installation was powered by twenty four, BleBox 's App Controlled RGBW LED controllers, enabling flexible, dynamic lighting control suited to the environment.
The Outcome
close-up of the vacuum-formed acrylic geometry with uniform rgbw lighting,using our in-house lighting
method for shallow forms
At 865FabLab , this is exactly the type of work we focus on — turning complex ideas into practical, install-ready solutions. Visit our website to see more of our capabilities and work:- www.865fablab.com
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Planning a Large-Scale Lighting?
If you’re developing a window display, retail installation, or seasonal campaign, 865 Fab Lab can support your project from concept through fabrication.
Contact 865 Fab Lab to discuss your next display project.