From the user’s perspective, the lighting modules promote individuality and unity at the same time. We aimed to redefine the interaction and relationship between the users and the trainer.
– Lucas Werthein

Lighting design studio Cactus has partnered with cardio climbing gym operator Rise Nation to create two new studios that use programmable lighting embedded in the ceiling to help motivate individuals as they workout.

Located in the Cherry Creek and Highlands suburbs of Denver, US, the gyms are fitted with modular LED units that can be combined together as large digital canvases to create immersive, multicolour lighting experiences. In this way, they can be used to create ever-changing, nightclub-like patterns to engage individuals and boost training performance.

The lighting displays are coupled with systems for controlling visuals and mapping them across the ceiling in such a way as to accommodate the shape of any given installation. Content can be tailored for training classes, with instructors able to build custom arrangements, choose particular colour palettes and sync the lighting to react to music in real-time.

The displays can also be used in different ways to via three categories of content type. Macro content uses all of the LED modules as one large screen, which Cactus says is aimed at amplifying "the shared energy and camaraderie of the studio experience." Mezzo content splits the modules into sections to create more complex shapes, patterns and arrangements.

The Micro content category, meanwhile, splits the modules into sections above each class member, which Cactus says is aimed at shifting the training focus to the individual. The same functionality can be used to highlight what the trainer is doing during classes.

"From the user's perspective, the lighting modules promote individuality and unity at the same time," explains Cactus co-founder, Lucas Werthein. "We aimed to redefine the interaction and relationship between the users and the trainer."

The two installations also take into account Rise Nation's brand, with furniture design, materials and finishes chosen to reflect the firm's identity.

Elsewhere Cactus has previously worked on an innovative medical research space called Lab100 where data and technology are harnessed to improve health measurement and healthcare delivery, a 24-person immersive simulation ride and a modular architectural scheme for Ever/Body dermatology clinics.

The two installation project were run at the same time, with work starting in August 2018 and was being completed in April this year.