Arc ZERO Eclipse by James Tapscott Wins LIT Design of the Year

Arc ZERO Eclipse by James Tapscott transforms mist and light into a sublime rooftop installation in Seoul, recently awarded Design of the Year at LIT Awards.

Installed on a rooftop in Godeok, Seoul, Arc ZERO Eclipse marks a new evolution of the Arc ZERO series by James Tapscott, merging light, water, and atmosphere into a refined public artwork. Developed by Studio JT, the installation recently received Design of the Year at the LIT Awards, confirming its global relevance within contemporary lighting and landscape art.

Conceived as part of a mixed-use urban development, the project occupies a prominent corner of a rooftop garden designed for both residents and the wider public. From this elevated position, the artwork frames expansive views of the nearby river and bridge, allowing the installation to operate simultaneously as an intimate spatial experience and a distant urban landmark.

An Evolution of the Arc ZERO Series

Arc ZERO Eclipse builds upon Tapscott’s earlier Arc ZERO installations, most notably the 2017 Nimbus works in Japan. While Nimbus focused on immersive architectural conditions, often wrapping the ring form around bridges or walkways, Arc ZERO Eclipse shifts toward a more visually focused experience.

The half-ring structure is completed visually through its reflection in a custom infinity pool, forming a full circle that appears to float in space after dark. Illuminated mist emits a soft, flame-like glow, producing an atmosphere shaped by wind, humidity, and light intensity.

Material Precision and Optical Control

One of the defining features of Arc ZERO Eclipse is its bespoke diamond-profile ring. This complex geometry was intentionally developed to minimize surface reflections of viewers, ensuring the immersion of the work remains uninterrupted.

In darker conditions, the center of the ring appears almost solid, reading as a void rather than an opening. This optical ambiguity reinforces the contemplative quality of the installation while revealing the technical precision behind its fabrication and lighting design.

Urban Visibility and Public Experience

Located in a rapidly developing district of southeast Seoul, Arc ZERO Eclipse functions as both public art and urban signal. The movement and texture of the illuminated mist remain legible even from passing vehicles on the nearby freeway.

Commissioned by Seoul public art agency The Ton, the project reflects a growing interest in lighting-based public art that enhances urban space while remaining accessible and experiential.

Award Recognition and Global Practice

The LIT Awards jury acknowledged Arc ZERO Eclipse for its poetic integration of landscape, lighting, and environmental conditions. This recognition follows earlier success within the Arc ZERO series, including a permanent installation in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, which received the 2023 CODA Award for landscape art.

Founded in 2017, Studio JT, led by James Tapscott, continues to develop permanent and temporary installations across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States. Current projects span Australia, China, and the USA.