Protopixel was the lighting platform that brought to life Akai Restaurant and Lounge, making its space dynamic and adaptable to every facet of the dining experience.

Challenge

One venue, multiple experiences

Akai Sora is a restaurant, a bar, a lounge club, and a social hub. From noon until late night, it offers dinners, cocktails, DJ sessions, and a range of unique experiences.

When given the opportunity to integrate Protopixel’s technology, the challenge was clear: to enhance this versatility through lighting—crafting an adaptable atmosphere that evolves seamlessly with every moment and vibe.

Listen to Anoche Lighting's CEO, Jordi Ballesta, talk about the vision for Akai, below.

(Above) Akai's main hallway, with its red party mood
(Below) Jordi Ballesta, Anoche Lighting's CEO, sharing the for Akai

Process

A vision for evolving atmospheres

To achieve a smooth transition of atmospheres during the day, the project incorporates multiple layers of control.

At the base is functional white architectural lighting, fully managed via DALI2. The first layer introduces dynamic lighting, integrating SPI, DMX, phase-cut dimming, and audio-reactive content. The designers at Anoche Lighting mapped out the different layers, corresponding also to each sub-space within the restaurant, like the bar, dinner tables area, or the DJ booth.

Comparing afternoon and nighttime moods at the main area of the restaurant.

Process illustrations above courtesy of Anoche Lighting Studio

Implementation

Centralization of all project layers

The result is simple: an orchestration and integration of all technologies, centralized on the ProtoPixel platform.

This centralization simplifies the management of an otherwise complex installation, providing value not only to the project designers but also to the facility managers responsible for daily operation.

A snapshot of the restaurant in the Project Tool

Several layers of control. Find the rack proposals, wiring architecture, floorplan, and the cad with the placed luminaires. Download all images of process in high resolution here.

From functional daylight settings to immersive, audio-reactive experiences at night, Akai Sora effortlessly shifts its identity throughout the day. With Protopixel, lighting becomes more than illumination—it becomes a key element in storytelling, shaping a hospitality space that is as flexible as it is unforgettable.

#BuiltWithProtopixel

for Akai Brussels
Lighting Platform: Protopixel
Concept and Lighting Design: Anoche Lighting
Sketches: Anoche Lighting
Lighting Provider: Difusiona
Videos credit: Protopixel