Illuminated exteriors on buildings are nothing new. From Times Square to Tokyo, we see screens on buildings presenting images and messages. For the most they're trying to sell us something. Two projects have stood out in my mind as examples of new applications of illumination technologies applied to build form.

The first is the BIX project. Circular florescent bulbs create a black and white low resolution display. The second, the Seoul Galleria Mall exterior by Rogier van der Heide. The Seoul Galleria is a refreshing and appropriate interpretation of the act we all love and adore, shopping. The exterior has been constructed from color LEDs mounted behind frosted glass. Each LED can be controlled individually resulting in a low resolution, full color display. The building's illumination interface can display 16 million colors, can write text and display low resolution images. There is even a web interface to control the display remotely. In an interview with Metropolis Magazine vad der Heid States “It’s a new kind of architecture, a mall that’s constantly presenting itself differently.” While 'a new kind of architecture' may be pushing it, the illuminated building exterior definitely is a new way in which a building is able to present itself.

Potentially, if a buildings illumination system could react to the inhabitants, the building could come alive (similar to Calatrava's Milwaukee art museum coming alive for its visitors, only theoretically the response could be more direct). As more people are active in the building, the exterior skin could respond, the form could potentialy respond. How will we perceive built form in the future? How will screen technology when combined with built form change peoples perception of what a building can be? Both projects are sure to inspire and offer insight into how built form in conjunction with applied technology and lighting can create compelling experiences that engage visitors in new and meaningful ways.