The Tube — Luminous Ariadne Thread

Conceived as Lot No. 2 of the Urban Promenade project, beneath the elevated viaduct of Paris Metro Line 2, this lighting design unfolds a delicate luminous thread linking history and future. Along these vibrant boulevards, light accompanies movement and transforms passage into a continuous experience.
At the heart of the concept developed by Atelier dada, The Tube stands as a timeless signature. This circular, minimalist luminaire, suspended beneath the viaduct deck, draws inspiration from the lighting of underground stations. It delivers a light that is both powerful and gentle, spanning the full width of the passage. The illumination becomes an envelope, forming a protective cocoon that shields pedestrians from the surrounding traffic.

This luminous Ariadne’s thread guides both steps and gaze, turning movement into a harmonious promenade stretching over several kilometers. More than a lighting device, The Tube acts as an urban backbone. It connects the 10th, 18th and 19th arrondissements, weaving long-awaited links of communication across the city.

Once perceived as a space of rupture, the viaduct is reimagined as a place of unity and exchange. Minimalist in its design, The Tube invites sharing and innovation. Designed to accommodate sound systems, free Wi-Fi connections or temporary seating for special events, this multifunctional luminaire adapts to urban life and its unpredictability.
Beneath the historic brick-and-metal structure designed by Camille Formigé, Atelier dada weaves a luminous poetry in which every detail enhances the pedestrian experience and strengthens the identity of these transitional spaces.
Please note that the published photographs correspond to the on-site test carried out on February 2, 2020, which explains the visible discontinuity of the lighting along the section. Although the project was completed in early 2023, the inauguration initially planned to coincide with the 2024 Olympic Games has not yet taken place, and the lighting system remains inactive to date.