The luminaria are very photogenic and offer exceptional promotional potential. They are successful in attracting good media coverage. It is not unusual to have a front-page photo on a national daily. TV news reportage is common as well as occasional live broadcasts. Web coverage is now enormous with some agency photos of luminaria achieving incredible worldwide profile for the host event.
AoA videos from around the world
National Festival of Making, Blackburn, UK
Los Angeles Music Center - luminaria introduction
The Colours of the Moorlands, Outside, Leek, UK
Edinburgh Fringe - Alan Parkinson interview
Sydney Opera House - perfect luminarium profile
Conway University, Arkansas - student video
Adventurous wheelchair-user discovers Arboria
Okazaki, Japan – Pentalum at Aichi Triennale
Rennes, France – sensitive portrayal of Katena
Costa Rica – introduction to Pentalum (en español)
AoA in the press
Left Lion - AoA 25th anniversary
"It is a massive understatement to say that the luminarium is an attack on the senses. Rather, it is an onslaught. The colours of the plastic were astoundingly vibrant; while the shades and hues in some rooms and domes merged softly together, others were vivid in contrast. Sloping circular shapes created a comforting environment, and the humming of the wind passing through the long tunnels was mesmerising."
The Creators Project - Los Angeles
"Architects of Air’s Exxopolis is an experiment in revitalizing both our expectations and understandings of art in public spaces (…). While we may have a sense of decorum for how to view an artwork or how to behave in a city space, the simultaneously public and enclosed nature of Exxopolis may encourage viewers to engage with the work on their own terms."
The List - Edinburgh Fringe
"Architects of Air bring their latest inflatable structure to Edinburgh Picture the scene – you walk inside a Fringe venue, and find no actors, no musicians, no dancers, in fact no performers at all. You'd be forgiven for wanting your money back. Unless, that is, your ticket is for an Architects of Air creation – because, as one critic wrote in 1992, 'if ever the show was the venue itself, this is it'."
Archinect review of The Most Beautiful
"Reactions to Alan Parkinson's luminaria range from rhapsodic and enlightened, to energized or calmed. These giant inflatable structures, first designed by Parkinson in the 1980s and now touring worldwide under his "Architects of Air" organization, resemble multi-colored bouncy citadels, and create a totally immersive experience of light and color to anyone who walks their winding interiors."
The Cabin - Arkansas
"Entering Mirazozo was like stepping barefoot into a tent planetarium of subtle light. The domed ceilings stretched with zigzagging color and geometric lines. It was an otherworldly environment, enhanced by hazy spots of blue, green and red pooling out of interconnected rooms.The interplay between color and natural light is the center of the artistry behind six touring luminaries created by the UK-based Architects of Air."
STIR - see - think - inspire - reflect
"In a world which is becoming interdisciplinary, exploration and experimentation is of vital importance. In many ways, the 21st century is a whole new world from what existed before the turn of the millennium (…) we look at the work of a fascinating company, which bases its work in architecture, realises it using the tools of design, and influences people across the world through the magic of art."
Blogs and photographers homepages
The luminaria have inspired many blog writers and photographeers around the world. It is not posisble to feature all of them so below is just a couple that we have liked.
Loewen Photographie
Lens Cap Off - John Owens
Experience Nottinghamshire Blog
Interview of Alan Parkinson in 2016
W2Bergen blog
AoA media kits to be downloaded
Click the link below to download the general Architects of Air Media Kit. Individual luminaria have their own unique kit downloadable on request.