Round reflections: Lionel Ohayon of ICRAVE creates a sphere of enchanting human experiences for Sphere Entertainment

A visual feast straight out of dystopian fantasies? This prodigious sphere embodies eclecticism with a touch of ethereal maximalism. Lionel Ohayon, Founder and CEO of ICRAVE and Co-Founder and CCO of Journey envisioned the largest spherical structure ever built for Sphere Entertainment, translating their vision of reinventing live performance and immersive experiences in Las Vegas, with Signify as their lighting partner. Lionel reveals anecdotes and thoughts that shaped the lighting and design process for this one of its kind marvel across the world. 

What was the idea behind the design? What was the most difficult technical aspect of this project?

The project first began in 2019 and it launched in September 2023.  We were commissioned by Sphere Entertainment to design the interiors and lighting for Sphere Las Vegas and create a visitor experience unlike any other. In solving this challenge, we developed a design approach that engages one in an ethereal world and brings a sense of limitlessness as soon as one enters the building. Three main components were implemented to achieve this goal: the use of continuous curved lines, layers of indirect lighting and an all-encompassing reflective floor that removes the horizon, reinforcing the sense of limitlessness.

The scale was the biggest challenge. It is the largest spherical structure ever built. We had to really trust the science and the research behind it. Because of the scale of the spaces, we needed to design in 3D and were heavily reliant on 3D modelling. We had to trust that our digital twin was giving us an accurate simulation of how the design, materiality and lighting would perform.

What lighting tech went into creating a project like this? What ushered you to choose Signify?

Sphere’s interiors create a unique and unfamiliar setting, with lighting playing a central role. The mood and energy of Sphere’s interiors are manipulated through a layered series of continuous and directional lighting that is juxtaposed by expansive indirect washes of light with deliberate strikes of light. Uninterrupted columns soaring through the breathtaking Atrium space are outfitted with custom and programmable lighting that can transform the space for different events or shows.

Because the Atrium, bridges and galleries have the potential to be event and conference spaces themselves, we implemented an architectural lighting system that is designed to transform from a show setting to an event setting. Every light is controllable and it can be reinvented every time a guest visits. We honed in on Signify for a few reasons, but primarily due to our ongoing relationship with them and the reliability of the brand. Signify has been a pioneer in LED technology since its inception, continuously innovating its products.

This long-standing expertise gave us confidence in utilising them for some of the main features in the space. It was crucial for the light fixtures to accommodate a wide range of white LEDs alongside a diverse colour spectrum, given the multifunctional nature of the atrium. Signify’s offerings met all these requirements, making them the ideal choice for this versatile space.

What is the kind of lighting used in the space?

A layered series of continuous lights and directional lighting allows the mood and energy of the venue to be manipulated by juxtaposing expansive indirect washes of light with deliberate strikes of light. The long spaces are metered by repetition and the use of color lights versus white lighting builds up the story as one makes their way towards their seat in the performance bowl. 

In a project like this what is the sort of teamwork required? 

A project like this requires a truly collaborative and flexible team. The majority of the design phase for this project was done during Covid. Coordinating collaboration between our internal design and lighting teams posed a significant challenge, prompting us to deploy new tools for communication and process tracking.

Why do you consider this project to be iconic? What are you most proud of?

This project is iconic because of its scale and magnitude. I have been completely blown away by the experience and the entirety of what it takes to pull something like this off. I see this as a truly heroic, extraordinary project. It took a lot of courage and there were so many components that had never been done before. The reaction of visitors when they enter the space is something that we are extremely proud of. 

How has this project impacted the city?

Sphere Las Vegas is reinventing live performance and immersive experience. It is a wholly new type of entertainment venue. 

What are the learnings from Sphere Las Vegas? What are the other big projects you have worked on?

There were a lot of learnings from this project, but something specific was learning how to not blow budgets across really expansive spaces; we had to be really tactical about how we used design thinking.  Other recent projects we’ve worked on include TSX Entertainment’s groundbreaking stage in the centre of Times Square, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s ‘Family Commons,’ JMPC’s new Sapphire Lounges at Boston Logan and LaGuardia international airports, a new restaurant and member’s only club at The Moore in Miami.

A sneak peek into the Sphere, Las Vegas

To learn more, visit www.philips.co.in, www.icrave.com