The Helix

Washington, DC
OTJ Architects

The Helix is an immersive showcase of Booz Allen Hamilton’s innovative technology in AI, 5G, and other fields.  The lighting and interior design concepts were inspired by nature as a counterpoint to the sophisticated BAH technology in use and on display.  Discussions about natural forms with BAH and OTJ Architects led to oxbow lakes and a meandering river as the inspiration for the luminaires.  The final design combines shorter, tapering curved fixtures (oxbow lakes) with a 465’ long, sinuous, fixture (meandering river) that continuously varies in width and connects the areas. 

The meandering fixture uses RGBW modules individually controlled via DMX to provide white or colored light, and are pixel mapped to two video walls via the AV system for dynamic color changing.   Each video presentation is paired with a lighting preset that matches the video’s overall color and intensity.  Over a dozen additional presets allow for choices of CCT, color, intensity, and distribution throughout the space.  The final lighting design combines organic shapes with color tunable LEDs and sophisticated controls to create an engaging, immersive guest experience.