A new space devoted to culture and celebrating light, to reflect
the company's vision for its future.
This multinational project aims to manifest Simon's pioneering
vision as light as a medium for transforming and decorating spaces.
Madrid, 24 March 2022. The House of Light, which will soon open its doors, is the
multinational's new flagship, located on the ground floor of the iconic architectural
complex in Madrid known as the "Oasis". The space has been refurbished by the b720
architectural studio headed by Fermín Vázquez. The renovations respect the original
splendour of the work by renowned architect Fernando Higueras, an exponent of the
highly innovative and daring Brutalist school of his time. Fermín Vázquez had this to
say — “I think the choice of this building is perfect, as it is one of the great
legacies of modernity and an architectural icon that looks to the future, deeply
aligned with Simon's vision".
The space comprises 1,600 square metres and includes Simon's commercial offices. It
is spread over two floors and designed by the industrial and interior designer Antoni
Arola, who regularly collaborates with the company. Arola notes that "The furniture is
an evolution, an improvement and adaptation of what we have been working on
with Simon in recent years. Solid wood for the people and stainless steel for the
products on display".
Another crucial component of this building is its vertical gardens — one of the first in
Europe, these gardens are vital to the building's identity, with vegetation that integrates
rather than conceals.
Simon, together with Arola, wanted to recreate the original indoor project through
careful landscaping, allowing artificial light to illuminate the vegetation to create a
visual aesthetic that evokes the near future.
With this new space, Simon is taking another step toward its goal of engaging more
with people, as it refines its attempts to project the potential of Digital Light and the
company's role in this new era of lighting."This is a project where light is the
protagonist, and we have used the most innovative technology to project our
vision of light", explains Inma Ruiz, Chief Marketing Officer at Simon, with Salvi
Plaja, Design & Sustainability Director at Simon, adding "I strongly believe in the
potential of design to humanise our company and generate value. The design
naturally combines creativity, a people-centered outlook and a vision of the
future".
ProtoPixel, Simon's technological partner, whose digital platform can be used to
create, set up and control any lighting experience, has also been one of the most
important collaborators in realising this vision and, together with Antoni Arola, has
designed the lighting, atmospheres and uses of the space. According to Sebastián
Mealla, CEO and co-founder of ProtoPixel: "technology enables creative processes
which constantly evolve, helping to democratise lighting to positively impact
people's daily lives".
The House of Light is open to both professionals and end users, and everyone will
have the opportunity to be inspired and feel how light transforms and decorates
spaces. The House of Light is also a place where people can learn about the latest
product developments, attend conferences and training sessions. Additionally, this
exciting new space serves as a meeting point for all those creative and entrepreneurial
communities that want to exchange ideas and promote co-creation light projects.
In summary, this project defines Simon's vision for the future and firmly places the
company at the forefront of everything related to the culture of light, from the
technological, industrial, conceptual and emotional perspectives.
