نجــــوم اللـــــيل (Najuum Al-Lail) 2024
By Shamsa Alawadhi, Javeria Haq, and Raya Tabassum

نجــــوم اللـــــيل (Najuum Al-Lail) is a project that brings the beauty of the night sky to life. It showcases the mesmerizing Orion constellation, creating a magical experience for everyone who visits. This constellation is uniquely visible in the clear night skies of Abu Dhabi, making the project deeply connected to its location and culture. As you approach the installation, sensors bring the stars to life. Bright yellow lights glow under the desert night, either pulsing gently or chasing one another, just like the stars we gaze at during peaceful desert evenings. It feels as if the stars are coming alive, responding to your presence, and drawing you into their celestial dance. Each star in the installation is 3D-printed with filament featuring a star pattern inspired by the intricate geometric designs of Islamic art. This detail bridges the timeless beauty of regional traditions with the innovative spirit of modern technology.

Inspired by the stillness of the desert and the timeless tradition of stargazing, Najuum Al-Lail is a blend of past and present. Step into the desert and let the stars guide you. نجــــوم اللـــــيل (Najuum Al-Lail) invites you to experience the wonder of the night sky in a way that connects tradition, creativity, and the magic of discovery.

Shamsa Alawadhi and Javeria Haq, both seniors majoring in Interactive Media at NYU Abu Dhabi, are the innovative creators behind this project. Together, they have designed an installation that transforms the desert into a captivating canvas of light and interaction, bringing the Orion constellation to life.

Film

Field Installation

Image Credits: Michael Ang

Video Credits: Raya Tabassum

Audio Credits: Desert Reflections by Alessandro Martire