In the heart of Santiago, an unprecedented lighting installation transforms the architectural experience of the tallest mall in Latin America, with Claypaky as a key protagonist. The project was led by designer Alex Paredes with strategic support from MMT Chile.
From the top of the Cenco Costanera, one of Santiago’s iconic landmarks, a new visual narrative emerges. The mall’s fifth floor, recently renovated as a high-end gastronomic hub, was enhanced with a large-scale lighting design by Icardi Producciones, under the artistic and technical direction of Alex Paredes. The challenge: integrate top-tier technology while preserving the space’s aesthetics.
“They asked us to give the area life, to make it stand out,” explains Alex. “Our demo with Claypaky was so well received that the project expanded fourfold.” The installation was conceived not just to illuminate, but to transform the space into a daily spectacle of light and design. Using the Claypaky MIDI-B and the Claypaky Arolla MP Spot fixtures, the team projected color and movement onto the glass ceiling, achieving a perfect balance of power, elegance, and efficiency.
Alex Paredes: three decades among lights and challenges
Alex began his journey in 1994 with small events and private parties in Chile. Early experience at Producciones Órbita exposed him to large-scale production and international concerts, shaping his approach to lighting. For over twelve years, he has collaborated with Icardi Producciones, designing projects that leave a mark. His passion lies in architectural lighting: “Chile lacks color, it lacks light. I feel an important mission to fulfill,” he says.
From foundations to heights: Icardi Producciones’ vision
Alex has led architectural projects combining technical precision and aesthetic vision. Among his most ambitious work is the lighting of the Cenco Costanera tower, transforming it into a dynamic nighttime landmark. “I see projects from start to finish,” he notes. “Light communicates, transforms, and creates identity.”
The high-altitude project focused on the fifth-floor gastronomic hub. A glass skylight became the centerpiece, with fixtures camouflaged among structural grates and decor. Unlike live shows, light ascended from the floor to ceiling, making architecture illuminate architecture. Claypaky fixtures- 24 Arolla MP Spot and 20 Mini-B – were selected for precision, power, and versatility. “They blend into the space while delivering control, intensity, and optical quality,” Alex explains. The result is an installation where every light serves a scenographic function.
Technical challenges and flawless execution
The project faced complex installation logistics, from channeling through multiple floors to connecting nodes over 100 meters apart on the mall’s network. With MA Lighting’s flexible control, scenes and automations were integrated seamlessly. The system now runs daily from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, a source of pride for the team. Cenco Costanera management and the public have applauded the result, opening doors for future collaborations.
Claypaky and MMT Chile: a trusted partnership
MMT Chile ensured timely delivery, technical support, and documentation, allowing Alex to implement his vision with confidence. “Simón Manríquez was involved in every step, from setup to post-sales support,” Alex notes. MMT’s support extended to virtual walkthroughs, photometrics, and long-term product guidance. “Projects like this are about trust and partnership,” says Manríquez. “We aim for mutual growth and satisfaction, building a passionate technical community.” In Santiago, Claypaky now illuminates the Cenco Costanera, proving that lighting can be more than illumination: it can transform spaces, communicate narratives, and elevate architectural identity.