Lighting Modern Elegance: The Design of PEZET 2

In the heart of San Isidro, Lima, stands PEZET 2, a 23-story limestone residential tower that redefines urban elegance. As the lighting designer for this project, I had the privilege of bringing my craft to one of the city's most iconic buildings, developed by the prestigious Robert A. M. Stern Architects.

A Unique Design Challenge

PEZET 2 is no ordinary building. Its design marries lessons from early 20th-century New York apartment houses with Lima's indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Retractable glass doors open living rooms and master bedrooms to broad inset loggias, maintaining the classically organized masonry facades. My challenge as a lighting designer was to enhance this architectural harmony, accentuating its beauty without overshadowing it.

Variety and Privacy

The variety of unit types is expressed on the facade, from simplexes and duplexes on lower floors to a unique three-story penthouse. Each space required a unique lighting approach, respecting privacy while maximizing views of the adjacent Golf Club. The lighting design needed to balance intimacy with openness, a stimulating and rewarding challenge.

Personal Process

Designing lighting for PEZET 2 was a journey of discovery and creativity.

As Piero Lissoni once said,

"Light is the magic ingredient that makes or breaks a space."

This philosophy guided me throughout the project. Each decision, from the intensity of light to the angle of fixtures, was a careful consideration to ensure that light not only illuminated spaces but also created an atmosphere of warmth and elegance.

Interiors Reflecting Grandeur

The building’s interior is a testament to the modern classical spirit. The circular lobby with its domed ceiling was an exciting canvas for lighting design. Here, the lighting not only enhances the architecture but also creates a welcoming, luxurious atmosphere. In the library, with suede paneling, the soft lighting provides a warm contrast, while common areas like the gym, spa, children's playroom, and tiered-seating theater presented unique opportunities to explore functionality through light.

The Outdoor Garden: An Oasis of Light

Perhaps the most challenging and rewarding aspect was lighting the outdoor garden.

The lap pool, extending from an indoor room through a retractable glass door, becomes the centerpiece of an outdoor garden.

Here, light plays with water, creating reflections and shadows that transform the space into an urban oasis.

The cascading waterfall and outdoor seating and dining pavilions were designed with the interplay of natural and artificial light in mind, creating environments that are both functional and mesmerizing.

A Collaborative Journey with RAMSA

Working on PEZET 2 marks the second time I've collaborated with RAMSA, and it's an honor to align my lighting designs with their architectural mastery. RAMSA's reputation for creating timelessly elegant structures that resonate with cultural and historical contexts is unparalleled. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence make every collaboration a learning experience and a chance to push creative boundaries. This project has been another testament to our synergistic relationship, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their visionary work.

Designing the lighting for PEZET 2 was not just about illuminating spaces; it was about creating an atmosphere that complements the luxurious lifestyle of its residents. It's a testament to how light can tell a story, enhancing the architectural narrative and inviting residents to experience their home in a new light.