Stadshart

In 2009, a building called “The Blob” was build next to the Admirant. It stands out for its organic shape and partly transparent facade. The triangular glass elements allow the interior to be visible, with floors supported by seemingly randomly placed columns. The eye-catching building was designed by the Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas, who was also responsible for the nearby shopping center, Piazza.

ACT Lighting Design has turned the building into the beating heart of the city. The collective presents Eindhoven as a vibrant, active, and competitive city, with the heart of an athlete. The heartbeat is depicted by red lights flickering over all floors of the building, occasionally accompanied by a bright flash of light. The light program depicts the heartbeat during an imaginary race, including the preparation, the sudden exertion at the start, the heart pumping during the race, and finally, reaching the finish line, after which the heartbeat gradually returns to normal. The performance is supported by sounds of a competition.