La Nube STEAM Discovery Center | Exhibits

At La Nube, Available Light embraced the challenge by both Architect and Exhibit Designer to create an inviting and adaptable lighting system that would help encourage children to explore, play, and learn. Every exhibition light fixture was individually controlled via a DMX lighting system. This innovative approach for a children’s museum, provided unmatched flexibility, enabling the museum to include days tailored to accommodate Neuro-Inclusive Design features including a “low-stimulus mode” specifically intended for children with sensory sensitivities. By adjusting lighting to be both less contrasty and more uniform, the design minimized overstimulation while maintaining a (softened) dynamic environment.

Each exhibit zone’s lighting was thoughtfully crafted to align with specific themes. For example, nature-focused areas featured organic pattern projections and soft hue lighting washes, while STEAM exhibits were illuminated with more structured, laboratory-style lighting. The three-story climber posed a unique challenge, incorporating interactive lighting effects triggered by individual guests’ RFID tags. In low-stimulus mode, these effects were subtly adjusted to occur at a slower pace, reducing sudden changes that could be overwhelming to some visitors.

The result was an aesthetically beautiful, innovative, and equitable lighting design that allowed the museum to tailor experiences for a variety of visitors, offering complete control and flexibility over the exhibition’s lighting system.