Museo del Acero (The Steel Museum)
Monterrey, Mexico

Lighting for the Museo del Acero, a restoration of a decommissioned 1960s blast furnace, creates a nighttime identity for the structure evoking its former life. When in operation, the interior of the furnace blazed with the intense heat of fire and molten metal. Flames smoldered in rich blue and purple tones, tapering to yellow-orange tips. We transferred this spectrum to the exterior: violet tones light the monumental structure’s base at night, while a warm orange glow bathes the tower. Metal halide floodlights illuminate larger scale elements and exposed, low wattage lights add sparkle at the terrace and catwalks.

Communicating the intended positions of lights on the catwalk-encrusted structure to the building trades presented a unique challenge. We created a set of 3D drawings that precisely and intuitively convey the placement and aiming of each luminaire – information nearly impossible to document through traditional plan, section, and elevation drawings.

Client: Patronato Museo del Acero
Design Architect: GRIMSHAW
Photos: Paul Rivera
Graphics: OVI