Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
For more information, contact:
Colleen Gallagher
Glodow Nead Communications
Phone: 415.394.6500
E-mail: [email protected]
W San Francisco Unveils LUMINA Light Sculpture
MADLAB’s Commanding, Lustrous Mass Emanates an Overarching Sense of Mystery as it
Draws W San Francisco Guests to its Vibrant Core
SAN FRANCISCO (February 19, 2013) — W San Francisco today unveiled Lumina, a vibrant and
otherworldly light sculpture towering at 27 feet, inside the hotel’s three-story entrance at the corner
of 3rd and Howard streets.
A commanding, lustrous mass reminiscent of cosmic star clouds,
bioluminescent jellyfish and the brain’s neural networks, the sculpture emanates an overarching
sense of mystery as its translucent fiberglass and fiber optic strands draw W San Francisco guests
to its vibrant core.
“At W San Francisco, we continue to look for innovative ways to showcase our passion for design
with our local and visiting guests,” said Roger Huldi, General Manager of W San Francisco.
“Lumina stands as a radiant beacon of W San Francisco’s signature style in our design-centric
SOMA neighborhood.”
Lumina was created by award-winning design studio MADLAB, which considered what unique
experiences could be perceived from every angle of the tall hexagonal space that was set to house
the sculpture, from the moment guests walk through the revolving doors and look up, to those
gazing from the Living Room Bar and TRACE restaurant, to those peering down from the upper
mezzanines. These multiple vantage points informed the extraordinary shape – cavernous and
engulfing from beneath, elongated and pod-like from above.
Hand casted using clear surfboard resin and body glitter to achieve a luminous sheen, the large
sheaths seam together to create a 15-feet-wide inner chamber, through which more than 7,000
fiber optic strands were carefully threaded and hand knotted before cascading the full length of the
sculpture’s interior, forming a luscious drapery of glistening light at the sculpture’s angled base. A
staggering 22 miles of fiber optic strands were handled, enough cable to stretch across the Golden
Gate Bridge 13 times.
Lighting the sculpture are four energy-efficient LED Luminators, all of which are housed inside a
large translucent globe.
An endless array of light and color effects are possible through a wireless
54-channel DMX panel, allowing for sophisticated audio and video synchronization, as well as
other sensor-controlled inputs such as temperature, humidity, and ambient sounds.
W San Francisco is located at 181 Third Street in San Francisco.
For more information, please
visit www.whotels.com/sanfrancisco or call (415) 777-5300.
About W San Francisco
Located in the heart of the SoMA district, W San Francisco is the ultimate urban oasis, with panoramic views
of the city’s skyline and a breathtaking view of the Bay Bridge. W San Francisco’s chic and contemporary
style is mixed with Asian influences and whimsical touches such as Chinese checker boards and framed
origami butterflies made from old San Francisco trolley tickets, symbolizing the hybrid of an iconic American
city and its marriage with Asian culture. With over seven state-of-the-art meeting room and banquet
spaces, W San Francisco can accommodate every meeting planner’s needs. The Living Room and
meeting rooms include chic metro sleeping pods and a glowing fireplace, a perfect gathering spot for
cocktails or an energizing place to work. Centrally located and minutes from Union Square, W San
Francisco is in a prime location that is walking distance to key interest points such as the San Francisco
Museum of Modern Art, Yerba Buena Gardens, and the waterfront. A favorite venue for art exhibitions, film
screenings, fashion gatherings and music events, W San Francisco has firmly established itself as the most
hip, stylish and forward-thinking luxury hotel in the city.
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