Project
AXI Plaza
Site
AXI Plaza
Location
Khanh Hoa, Vietnam
Architect
HTT Architects & Associates
Lighting & Casambi Supply
Cara Lighting
Luminaire Brand
WE-EF Lighting
Casambi Commission Partner
Cara Lighting
Number of Nodes
70
Inspired by Vietnam’s traditional basket boats, AXI Plaza’s distinctive façade comes alive after dark through dynamic RGBW lighting powered by Casambi wireless control. By overcoming complex installation challenges with a flexible wireless solution, the project brings the architect’s vision to life while creating a striking landmark along the Cam Ranh Bay waterfront.
Located along the beachfront of Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, AXI Plaza was designed as a vibrant commercial and event destination inspired by the traditional thúng chai, the woven basket boats used by local fishing communities. Its sweeping curved form and intricate lattice structure give the building a distinctive identity, connecting contemporary architecture with the region’s coastal heritage.
As daylight fades, the architecture takes on a different character. The lighting was designed to reveal the silhouette of the basket boat after dark, tracing its curved form and woven structure without distracting from the building itself. Hidden within the façade, RGBW luminaires wash light across the steel framework, allowing the architecture to remain the focus while creating a dynamic presence along the waterfront.
Bringing this vision to life came with an unexpected challenge. By the time the façade lighting was introduced, construction was already well underway, leaving no provision for dedicated control cabling or lighting control cabinets. Rather than requiring major changes to the building, Casambi wireless control provided a practical solution that could be integrated into the existing structure with minimal disruption.
More than 70 Casambi DMX modules were installed throughout the façade to control 172 RGBW luminaires, with power supplied from nearby electrical cabinets. The building’s curved geometry meant that wireless communication between modules was not always straightforward, so additional repeater nodes were placed discreetly within the structure to strengthen the Bluetooth Low Energy mesh network and ensure reliable communication across the entire façade.
The wireless approach also gave the venue the flexibility it needed. As a destination for events and public gatherings, lighting scenes can be adjusted easily to suit different occasions, allowing the façade to transition from a calm architectural glow to vibrant colour-changing displays without altering the installation itself.
Set against the coastal conditions of Cam Ranh Bay, the lighting system was designed not only for visual impact but also for long-term durability. Together, the lighting and wireless control system demonstrate how thoughtful technology can overcome complex installation challenges while staying true to the architect’s original vision.
Share your work with us
If you have a Casambi project that you would like to publish at Casambi.com please click the button below and tell us a little bit more about the project. We’ll get back to you within two business days.