Architectural Cases

WOLOLOW has unveiled RETROCORE, a cutting-edge modular lighting system for walls and ceilings that draws heavily from the iconic aesthetics of the Space Age and retro-futuristic interior designs. Unlike traditional single-unit light fixtures, RETROCORE functions as a customizable system where individual light panels can be arranged to create a wide array of configurations. These range from subtle accent lighting to expansive architectural compositions, providing unparalleled flexibility for interior designers and homeowners alike.

This innovative concept emerged from the experience gained during WOLOLOW's initial crowdfunding venture, which successfully launched a sculptural lamp inspired by mid-century visions of the future. The comprehensive process of developing, manufacturing, and distributing that product provided crucial insights that shaped the design and production strategy for RETROCORE. Designers Arthur Koshatahyan and Kostya Trunov intentionally shifted their focus from creating another singular lighting object to developing a modular system. This allows for repetition, expansion, and seamless integration into various interior architectural contexts, marking a significant evolution in their approach to lighting design.

At the heart of the RETROCORE system are two distinct panel variations: MONO and QUATRO. The MONO panel features a single light opening, while the QUATRO panel incorporates four light openings within the identical 400 × 400 mm (15.7 × 15.7 inches) format. These standardized dimensions are key to the system's versatility, enabling designers to combine them into diverse wall and ceiling arrangements. This ensures visual harmony and consistency across installations of varying scales, from intimate spaces to grand halls.

The panels are engineered for straightforward installation, featuring a screw-fixed base and a magnetic front cover. This clever design allows the visible surface to be easily attached or removed independently of the mounting structure, simplifying maintenance and aesthetic adjustments. The system is also compatible with replaceable GU10 bulbs, offering the flexibility to use both standard and smart lighting options. This adaptability supports a multitude of lighting scenarios, catering to the specific ambiance and functional requirements of any space. Furthermore, RETROCORE is available in a classic white finish and four pre-set color options. The white version can be repainted post-installation, allowing the lighting elements to either blend seamlessly with existing surfaces or stand out as vibrant accents, perfectly matching any interior palette.

Arthur Koshatahyan and Kostya Trunov emphasize that RETROCORE represents a significant progression for WOLOLOW. They view it not merely as a new lamp, but as a fundamental building block of light, introducing Space Age design into contemporary interiors in a novel and interactive manner. This modularity transforms lighting into an architectural feature, allowing for dynamic and personalized illumination solutions that echo the optimistic aesthetics of the Space Age era.

Antony Gormley's latest exhibition, 'What Holds Us,' transforms the historic Galleria Continua in San Gimignano, Italy, into a profound exploration of the human form's interaction with the built environment. This captivating display, running from May 9th to September 13th, 2026, challenges viewers to contemplate the fundamental elements that provide structure and support, both physically and metaphorically. Through a diverse array of materials, from the everyday nature of cardboard to the enduring presence of stone and concrete, Gormley prompts a re-evaluation of what we perceive as stable and permanent in our surroundings.

Gormley's 'What Holds Us' Exhibition Unveils Body-Architecture Dialogue in San Gimignano

In a compelling artistic endeavor, Antony Gormley has launched his latest exhibition, 'What Holds Us,' at the distinguished Galleria Continua in San Gimignano, Italy. From its opening on May 9th and continuing through September 13th, 2026, the exhibition occupies the former cinema-theater, inviting patrons to engage with a thought-provoking collection of sculptures. Gormley, an artist celebrated for his innovative approaches to form and space, transforms the human body into architectural landscapes within the 14th-century walls of the gallery. His installation, 'Innercity,' a labyrinthine structure crafted from fifteen colossal cardboard 'body buildings,' is a focal point. These site-specific creations, some inviting passage and others deliberately obstructing, convert anatomical elements like limbs and cavities into an intriguing, somewhat precarious, architectural experience. The choice of cardboard, a material both ubiquitous and transient, creates a striking juxtaposition against San Gimignano's ancient stone and masonry, highlighting themes of impermanence and the constant rebuilding of our constructed world. Beyond the delicate nature of cardboard, Gormley employs robust materials such as basalt, terracotta, and concrete to craft pieces like 'Basalt Blockworks,' which lean directly against the gallery's aged walls, and 'Slabworks,' monumental terracotta figures that emphasize mass and contact. A concrete 'Bunker' titled 'Skew II' further explores themes of enclosure and the body's place within confined spaces, presenting a dark interior through an opening at what appears to be a mouth. Through this masterful blend of materials and forms, Gormley compels observers to move, observe, and interact with the sculptures, fostering a dynamic dialogue between the individual and the architectural fabric.

Gormley's exhibition offers a profound meditation on existence and our relationship with the surrounding world. By transforming familiar architectural elements and human forms, he encourages us to look beyond the superficial and consider the unseen forces and fragile structures that underpin our realities. The display serves as a potent reminder that the environment we inhabit is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in shaping our experiences and perceptions. It prompts us to question the solidity of our world and acknowledge the continuous, often delicate, effort required to maintain it.