38|PROTAGONISTA In the Renaissance Bar- celona Fira Hotel it is prominent the play of light and shadows. How important is light to Jean Nouvel? For me, the light means the visibility of the presence of architecture. Architec- ture is defined by how it was lit. The lighting is much more than something functional. In this sense, I think, in the twentieth century, very much damage was caused to the lighting in general, because it advocated super-lit spa- ces, over-illumination. This is good for those who are involved in selling lighting products, but not so good for the people living in these areas. I think this has done much harm; they have even established regulations in lighting that require us to respect a certain mi- nimum of light and a maximum ... For me, there is only light because there is the shadow, is something that evokes a feeling, an emotion. When I create a space, a place, I’m always thinking about the excitement that will cause or provoke. So, I do not like cons- tant light or too strong. Although, at times, a blinding light can also have its impact and a reason. There are times when this can be positive. The recurring theme of Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel is the palm tree, which gives a feeling of tranquility overnight. In France we have a poet who wrote a poem on the subject: how trees and palm trees swaying their branches over the buildings overnight. Vienna, Sofitel Stephansdom We just looked for that, the shadow of the palm and the play of light it crea- tes. We wanted the hotel to be a place where you come to rest and to relax, creating a green color, also related to the palm tree, which is enhanced by mirrors. We have the ceiling lights of the hall, of the hotel reception, with those lights that can be used in a subt- le way, reflections, backlight, soft sha- dows, green neons, by contrast more intense ... This is what we wanted to create: a set of lights to convey and reinforce the identity of the building. Do you work with Lighting Desig- ners or have you got expertise personnel in this area in your stu- Barcelona, Tower Agbar © Ateliers Jean Nouvel & b720 Arquitectos © Ateliers Jean Nouvel, Philippe Ruault