URAFIKI installation, Festival Grec

Festival Grec is Barcelona’s long-standing arts event, which has become a major summer attraction for the city.  URAFIKI, an immersive installation shown during the 2021 festival, recreated the characteristic colors of a sunset at Lake Malawi, Africa. 

Using Casambi wireless control and special luminaires, the LEDS C4 lighting specialists were able to achieve the precise colors needed for the desired effect.

The installation of the URAFIKI (which means friendship in Swahili) experience was inspired by a Nigerian folktale that pays homage to friendship. The organizers wanted to transmit light and optimism and endeavor to bring festival attendees closer to Africa.

Sixteen lighting rings, a proprietary design of the LEDS C4 special projects department, were placed upon minimalist structures and were strategically positioned throughout the Teatre Grec garden, aligned east to west. This allowed the transition of colors of the sunset, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. 

Casambi’s wireless control system was chosen due to its quick and easy installation and commissioningprocess, and the fact that the installer could avoid the need for cabling between all the luminaires – a key factor for an outdoor installation. All in all, visitors enjoyed an immersive color experience that combined the Mediterranean and African cultures.