Glowing softly in Amsterdam North the Led Cloud captivates. It’s a permanent light installation a beacon in the night sky. Designed by Sophie Valla and Ivo Jelinek with Invent Design it was completed in 2013. The Led Cloud isn’t just pretty lights though.
Commissioned by District Amsterdam North the Led Cloud transformed two old petrol station porches. These porches were initially slated for demolition. Someone recognized their potential though. Their symmetry made them a landmark. The structures were repurposed into a cultural and artistic installation.
The Led Cloud’s creation wasn’t simple. It took over a year to secure €380,000 in funding. This money came from the Amsterdam-Noord district the Amsterdam Arts Foundation and the Mondrian Foundation. Their designation as a work of art bypassed normal building regulations.
The porches were reinforced and their roofs repainted. Sliding barriers protect them from vandalism. Inside false ceilings replicate artificial skies. Sixty cloth panels light up in vibrant colors. LED lights and projectors create twenty different animations. Each animation lasts a half-hour.
The Led Cloud isn’t just a pretty sight. It hosts cultural events concerts and talks. At night it marks the entrance to the Noorderpark. Visible from the motorway it’s a symbol of Amsterdam-Noord. It demonstrates that even seemingly ordinary structures can transform into breathtaking works of art. It’s a testament to creativity and community. The Led Cloud proves that renewal is possible that even discarded structures can find new life.