When Architecture Becomes a Playground of Light
Olimpia Shopping Centre in Riga, Latvia, is the first mall in the Baltics to feature an interactive LED façade. Powered by ENTTEC’s Smart PXL dots and OCTO controllers, this installation invites visitors to activate light animations using hand gestures. Designed and installed by LEMT SIA with creative programming by Mārtiņš Dabolins, the project blends innovative lighting technology with playful interactivity — transforming the shopping centre’s entrance into a dynamic digital experience.
| Client | LEMT SIA |
| Type | Retail, Architecture, Urban |
| Location | Riga, Latvia |
| Products | Smart PXL 40 Dots, OCTO Controllers, ELM (ENTTEC LED Mapper) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Project Credits | Creative Concept: Mārtiņš Dabolins Installation: LEMT SIA |
Located on the scenic Ķīpsala island in central Riga, Olimpia Shopping Centre has long served as a local hub for shopping, sport, and culture. Recently revitalised with a sleek new design, it now stands out not just for its curated retail experience — but also as a canvas for innovation. As the first shopping centre in the Baltics to feature an interactive LED façade, Olimpia now invites passers-by to engage with its architecture in an entirely new way: through light, movement, and playful digital interaction.
Solution
Lights.
Lit up with Smart PXL 40 RGBW dots
At the core of the installation are ENTTEC’s Smart PXL 40 RGBW dots, rugged outdoor LEDs designed for high-impact visual effects. These pixels are controlled by OCTO controllers and managed via the ELM (ENTTEC LED Mapper) software, which orchestrates smooth animations across the large façade.
The interactive element is powered by a camera system feeding into Google’s open-source AI Workflow, which recognises hand gestures like hearts and waves. Custom Python code written by Mārtiņš interprets these gestures in real time, triggering corresponding light animations on the building.
The result is a vibrant, playful installation that invites visitors to become part of the experience. Seasonal themes and changing animations keep the façade fresh, while ENTTEC’s robust control system ensures seamless operation. This project not only enhances the shopping centre’s visual appeal but also creates a new way for the community to connect with the space.
