Ceilography

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Ceilography is an ongoing architectural research project initiated in 2015 by Ibrahim Nawaf Joharji. It documents ceilings through a repeated upward-facing photographic method, making the overhead surface the principal subject of observation.

The growing archive brings together ceilings across Saudi Arabia, Europe and the United States. A consistent viewing direction supports comparisons of structure, materials, lighting and building services across different settings.

Architecture is observed from one direction almost exclusively. We enter spaces at eye level, move through them horizontally, and remember them by their walls, their thresholds, and their plans. The ceiling, the surface that defines shelter more fundamentally than any other, is the one element we consistently fail to look at directly.

The smartphone is placed horizontally on a stable surface with its front-facing camera directed upward. This reduces uncontrolled camera tilt and produces an orthographic-like reading of the ceiling. It does not eliminate perspective or lens distortion, and the images are not measured orthographic surveys. Related references: Ibrahim Nawaf Joharji

The value of the project lies in repeating the method across years and places, from offices and restaurants to museums, transport spaces and outdoor canopies. The archive spans 2015 to 2026 and remains open to new cases.

The conceptual precedent is Donald Unger’s decades-long self-experiment, a study that demonstrated the value of repetition, discipline, and controlled conditions in generating knowledge that a single observation cannot. Ceilography adopts the same logic: significance accumulates through persistence rather than through any single result. What appears to be a visual archive is, in practice, a structured method for reinterpreting an overlooked architectural element, one that repositions the ceiling as a primary subject carrying structural, environmental, economic, and spatial information that the discipline rarely treats as a primary concern.

Research Title Ceilography , A Personal Architectural Method Researcher Ibrahim Nawaf Joharji Type Personal Research / Architectural Method Initiated 2015 Status Ongoing Archive Ongoing collection across Saudi Arabia, Europe and the USA Capture Method Upward-facing front camera on a stable horizontal surface Orthographic-like view; perspective and lens distortion remain

The consistent upward view separates the ceiling from much of the room’s usual visual context. Lighting, ventilation, structure and surface treatment become easier to compare as parts of an overhead composition, while differences in room geometry and camera position remain relevant.

Methodological archive documentation displaying an interface panel. The upper section showcases an interior ceiling composition in Mecca with a vertical cool-white linear light tube and a recessed circular fixture casting a warm radial halo. The lower section reveals the active EXIF metadata panel containing the precise historical capture date (Sunday, April 2, 2017) and a satellite map coordinate pinning the structure within the Al Maabdah district of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Ceilography, Case info . Al Maabdah District, Mecca, Saudi Arabia (Capture Date: 2017 | Archival Date: 2026). A methodological document demonstrating the systematic verification of temporal and spatial ceiling parameters via embedded digital EXIF panels.

Standardized Capture Method

The documented setup places the phone on a stable horizontal surface, approximately one metre above the floor when suitable. In a room about three metres high, that leaves roughly two metres between the camera and ceiling. This distance is not the width of ceiling captured, which depends on the lens and room geometry.

Refined four-quadrant technical illustration on architectural trace paper, presenting the Phase 1 methodology for Ceilography. Divided into four codified steps, the diagram details the systematic process from spatial definition to serial cataloging, integrating cool-tone grey and blue tints for clarity. Integrated serif text labels read 'CEILOGRAPHY ARCHIVE — CASE 000', 'INTRODUCTION TO CEILOGRAPHY METHODOLOGY (Phase 1)', and detailed labels for all four quadrants referencing image_32.png and previous study cases.
Ceilography, Case 000. Ceilography Methodology Introduction, Global Research (2026). A foundational, codified four-step methodology demonstrating the systematic transition from definition to serial classification, utilizing refined technical wireframe and cross-sectional analysis.
Ceilography: Collage of upward ceiling photographs alongside the Ceilography wordmark.
Ceilography: Grid of upward photographs comparing ceiling forms, lights and building services.

The geographic range places Saudi interiors alongside examples from other cities. Each case retains its location and date, allowing local details and wider patterns of construction to be read together without assuming identical conditions.

The case archive records location, year and a description of the visible ceiling. It includes historic and contemporary interiors, building services, structural systems and open-air elements. The common method supports comparison without making the photographs equivalent to technical surveys.

Ceiling archive

Orthographic ceiling documentation of the INJ Architects office in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, showing linear and circular lighting fixtures, acoustic plaster, and mechanical ceiling components.
Ceilography, Case 001. INJ Architects Office, Makkah, Saudi Arabia (2017). Upward photograph of an office ceiling featuring integrated lighting, ventilation, and acoustic plaster.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of an office in Jameel Square, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, showing a modular grid with perforated tiles, louvered light fixtures, and mechanical components.
Ceilography, Case 002. Jameel Square Office, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2016). Upward photograph of an office ceiling featuring a modular grid system with integrated louvered lighting, ventilation slots, and acoustic perforations.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a seafood restaurant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, featuring a decorative fishing net, a bright central pendant light, track lighting, and exposed brick walls.
Ceilography, Case 003. Seafood Restaurant, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (2017). Upward photograph of a restaurant ceiling featuring a thematic decorative fishing net installation, exposed structural brickwork, and high-intensity point-source lighting.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a Japanese style interior featuring suspended beech wood panels, an angular rotated box luminaire, linear timber slats, and mechanical grilles against a black field.
Ceilography, Case 004. Japanese Establishment, Contemporary Interior (2017). Upward photograph of a contemporary interior ceiling featuring suspended beech wood panels, a rotated cuboid light fixture, and a rhythmic linear timber screen.
Low-angle orthographic photograph looking up at a palm tree trunk and fronds creating a natural canopy against a clear sky.
Ceilography, Case 005. Beach Environment, Coastal Site (2017). Upward photograph of a natural outdoor canopy featuring a palm tree trunk and radiating fronds against a clear sky.
Orthographic ceiling documentation at Dubai Walk, United Arab Emirates, showcasing a parametric honeycomb grid of backlit perforated hexagonal panels with dynamic LED lighting.
Ceilography, Case 006. Dubai Walk, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (2018). Upward photograph of a commercial promenade ceiling featuring a parametric honeycomb grid with dynamic backlit LED illumination.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of an interior space with a mechanical panel installation, featuring a five-blade timber ceiling fan, a circular modern chandelier, and recessed pinspots.
Ceilography, Case 007. Interior Space, Contemporary Establishment (2018). Upward photograph of a ceiling featuring a mechanically installed linear panel system, integrated cooling fans, and a minimalist ring chandelier.
Orthographic architectural ceiling documentation at the AIA Center for Architecture in New York, featuring industrial painted concrete beams, track lighting, exposed conduits, and a recessed security dome camera.
Ceilography, Case 008. AIA Center for Architecture, New York City, United States (2019). Upward photograph of an industrial gallery ceiling featuring multi-layered painted concrete beams, textured acoustic panels, exposed conduits, and integrated technical surveillance.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, showcasing an ornate classical dome medallion with light blue decorative plasterwork and a crystal chandelier.
Ceilography, Case 009. The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2019). Upward photograph of an ornate luxury hotel ceiling featuring layered ornamental plasterwork, classical turquoise relief detailing, and a grand crystal chandelier.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of an office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, showcasing a split configuration of light timber planks with printed typography and exposed dark industrial mechanical ductwork.
Ceilography, Case 010. Corporate Office, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2019). Upward photograph of an office ceiling featuring a dual-material split configuration that contrasts finished timber paneling with an exposed dark industrial mechanical plenum.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a juice shop featuring a vibrant green mechanical duct, timber slatted panels, surface-mounted conduits, and custom wooden spotlight blocks.
Ceilography, Case 011. Juice Shop, Commercial Establishment (2019). Upward photograph of a retail ceiling featuring a vibrant green mechanical duct, modular timber slatted screens, and surface-mounted conduit utility systems.
Orthographic ceiling documentation in Vienna, Austria, showing a solid burgundy-red plane with recessed lighting fixtures, partially obscured by the organic green branches of an indoor olive tree.
Ceilography, Case 012. Interior Space, Vienna, Austria (2019). Upward photograph of a vibrant burgundy ceiling plane integrated with recessed architectural lighting and an organic indoor olive tree canopy.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a sports club featuring an exposed galvanized steel HVAC duct with black round diffusers, a red sprinkler pipe, and industrial track lighting.
Ceilography, Case 013. Sports Club, Contemporary Facility (2020). Upward photograph of an industrial open-plenum ceiling featuring an exposed galvanized steel duct system, a distinct red fire protection line, and functional spot lighting.
Orthographic architectural ceiling documentation at Manchester Museum, United Kingdom, featuring reflective mirrored panels on an inclined plane, dark timber framing, and linear ventilation grilles.
Ceilography, Case 014. Manchester Museum, Manchester, United Kingdom (2020). Upward photograph of an inclined, highly reflective ceiling plane that challenges standardized horizontal perspective by creating a distorted mirror illusion.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of Hatch Restaurant showing suspended overlapping turquoise circular slatted screens, an upper timber grid, and a smooth concrete bulkhead with integrated lighting.
Ceilography, Case 015. Hatch Restaurant (2020). Upward photograph of a commercial restaurant ceiling featuring a layered installation of custom turquoise circular slatted screens and an upper timber lattice.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a hotel lobby atrium, featuring a cascading chandelier of illuminated glass spheres, a curved staircase opening, and scattered recessed pinspot lighting.
Ceilography, Case 016. Hotel Lobby Entrance (2021). Upward photograph of a double-height atrium ceiling featuring a cascading installation of illuminated glass spheres and a sweeping organic staircase opening.
Orthographic ceiling documentation at Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy, featuring clear glass spherical pendant lights and a linear track of warm spotlights against a dark field.
Ceilography, Case 017. Salone del Mobile, Milan, Italy (2021). Upward photograph of an exhibition pavilion ceiling featuring a contemporary installation of blown-glass spherical pendants and a rigid linear track lighting system.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a lighting showroom featuring a large circular translucent light fixture behind a black industrial metal wire grid matrix and organic floral elements.
Ceilography, Case 018. Lighting Factory Showroom (2021). Upward photograph of a showroom ceiling featuring a large, textured circular luminaire enclosed by a structural black metal cage matrix.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a minimalist guest room at the Joharji Hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, featuring a smooth white gypsum board plane, a rectangular linear AC grille, and a recessed curtain cove.
Ceilography, Case 019. Joharji Hotel, Makkah, Saudi Arabia (2022). Upward photograph of a minimalist hotel room ceiling featuring smooth gypsum board finishes, an integrated linear HVAC grille, and a recessed curtain pocket.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of The Cheesecake Factory in Los Angeles, featuring ornate, warm-toned curvilinear plaster bulkheads, integrated linear HVAC slot diffusers, recessed downlights, and a dark tiered background.
Ceilography, Case 020. The Cheesecake Factory, Los Angeles, United States (2023). Upward photograph of a maximalist commercial restaurant ceiling featuring warm curvilinear plaster bulkheads, integrated multi-slot linear diffusers, and tiered decorative forms.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of an open-air structure featuring a rhythmic sequence of horizontal timber slats overlooking a brightly lit modern skyscraper against a dark night sky.
Ceilography, Case 021. Urban Outdoor Terrace (2023). Upward photograph of an open-air canopy featuring a repetitive sequence of parallel timber slats framing a distant illuminated high-rise tower against a night sky.
An orthographic technical photograph of a localized, flattened section of the inclined space-frame ceiling structure at Jeddah Airport, featuring white-painted steel tubes and nodes, white perforated metal panels, integrated linear lighting, and a detailed plan view of overlapping colored acrylic mobiles.
Ceilography, Case 022. King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2023). Upward photograph of a specific localized node assembly and material stacking on the complex inclined space-frame ceiling system, featuring integrated lighting and layered acrylic mobiles.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a large modern minimalist chandelier, showcasing a centered circular translucent diffuser disk surrounded by a smooth, curved white conical shade against a solid black field.
Ceilography, Case 023. Contemporary Space (2023). Upward photograph of a large, custom curved modern pendant luminaire with a central glass diffuser disk suspended against an unlit black ceiling void.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a cafe in Istanbul, Turkey, featuring a dense cascading magenta bougainvillea floral installation, a smooth off-white plaster plane with a recessed teal opening, and a wave-like relief wall with linear cove lighting.
Ceilography, Case 024. Contemporary Cafe, Istanbul, Turkey (2024). Upward photograph of a commercial hospitality ceiling featuring a cascading magenta bougainvillea installation, a recessed geometric accent aperture, and integrated perimeter cove lighting.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of an outdoor canopy at Galataport in Istanbul, Turkey, featuring a smooth grey concrete soffit with recessed pinspots, intersecting timber-clad structural beams, and an open blue sky.
Ceilography, Case 025. Galataport, Istanbul, Turkey (2024). Upward photograph of a modern outdoor public promenade canopy featuring a fair-faced concrete soffit, structural timber-clad beams, and integrated technical downlights transitioning into the open sky.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a cafe in Taif, Saudi Arabia, showcasing an industrial open plenum with polished copper piping, a grey HVAC duct assembly with a circular diffuser, and parallel electrical conduits against a dark ribbed deck next to a brass-framed glass structure.
Ceilography, Case 026. Contemporary Cafe, Taif, Saudi Arabia (2024). Upward photograph of an industrial open-plenum ceiling featuring polished copper utility lines, an exposed HVAC duct network, and systematic conduit grids.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a residential project featuring a custom modular geometric lighting matrix composed of illuminated textured glass rods and black metallic joints against a neutral matte soffit.
Ceilography, Case 029. Contemporary Residential Project (2024). Upward photograph of a luxury residential ceiling featuring a complex, custom modular architectural lighting system constructed from an orthogonal grid of textured glass rods.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of the Apple Store in Miami, featuring a vaulted canopy of smooth white modular panels with integrated linear spotlights, framed by fair-faced concrete structural arches and a glass balustrade.
Ceilography, Case 030. Apple Store, Miami, United States (2025). Upward photograph of a high-end commercial retail ceiling featuring a vaulted configuration of pristine white modular panels, integrated track spotlights, and fair-faced concrete structural ribs.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of an outdoor canopy at the Dior Cafe in Miami, featuring a burgundy and off-white Toile de Jouy patterned fabric supported by a dark metal frame under a clear blue sky and green foliage.
Ceilography, Case 031. Dior Cafe, Miami, United States (2025). Upward photograph of a luxury outdoor hospitality canopy featuring a signature burgundy Toile de Jouy patterned textile and an integrated umbrella structural framework.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of the Hyatt Regency in New York, featuring textured grey square acoustic tiles, industrial wire-cage pendant lights, a red brick structural column, and a linear HVAC slot diffuser.
Ceilography, Case 032. Hyatt Regency, New York, United States (2025). Upward photograph of a hospitality interior ceiling featuring modular textured acoustic tiles, suspended industrial wire-cage pendants, and an exposed red brick structural column.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a contemporary Saudi-style restaurant, featuring a modular grid of custom panels woven from natural brown jute rope in intricate concentric square patterns against an off-white soffit with integrated pinspots.
Ceilography, Case 033. Contemporary Saudi-Style Restaurant (2025). Upward photograph of a heritage-inspired hospitality ceiling featuring a geometric grid of modular panels custom-woven from natural jute cordage.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a restaurant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, featuring a linear dark timber slat soffit with a cluster of suspended woven rattan conical pendant lights, a linear HVAC diffuser, and a smooth off-white foreground bulkhead.
Ceilography, Case 034. Contemporary Restaurant, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2026). Upward photograph of a hospitality ceiling featuring a linear dark timber slat soffit, a sculptural installation of woven rattan pendant lamps, and a clean off-white foreground bulkhead.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a covered market in Amsterdam, featuring an intricate astronomical mosaic mural in pastel tones, a classical bronze chandelier with spherical globes, and a mirrored glass facade reflecting the entire installation.
Ceilography, Case 035. Covered Market, Amsterdam, Netherlands (2026). Upward photograph of a public market ceiling featuring a monumental astronomical mosaic mural, a classical bronze chandelier, and a dramatic vertical reflection on a lower glass facade.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of the Amsterdam Museum, featuring a expansive, richly textured off-white plaster ceiling surface with custom dark angular geometric pendant fixtures.
Ceilography, Case 036. Amsterdam Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands (2026). Upward photograph of a sophisticated museum ceiling featuring custom dark geometric pendant fixtures and textured plaster.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of an office space in Amsterdam, featuring an exposed open plenum with a complex network of piping, HVAC conduits, and a perforated cable tray, all uniformly finished in a matte white paint.
Ceilography, Case 037. Corporate Office Space, Amsterdam, Netherlands (2026). Upward photograph of an exposed industrial ceiling plenum where all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructures are unified under a single matte white finish.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of the Rijksmuseum courtyard in Amsterdam, displaying the critical link between the 19th-century red brick facade and a vast modern glass and steel grid skylight.
Ceilography, Case 038. Rijksmuseum Atrium, Amsterdam, Netherlands (2026). Upward photograph of a sophisticated interior volume featuring a monumental link between a historic 19th-century brick facade and a vast modern glass-and-steel skylight.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a classic coffee shop in Jeddah, featuring a cross-shaped arrangement of grey tiled panels inlaid with metallic Islamic eight-pointed star motifs, flanked by high-luminance backlit translucent light panels.
Ceilography, Case 039. Classic Coffee Shop, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2026). Upward photograph of a three-decade-old heritage hospitality ceiling featuring a cross-axial grid of grey textured panels with metallic geometric star overlays and interstitial luminous lightboxes.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a famous seafood restaurant in Amsterdam, showcasing a series of shallow masonry barrel vaults composed of yellow and red bricks, structural blue iron girders painted with white decorative scrollwork, a surface-mounted black track light system with spotlights, and a decorative ceramic tile border along the brick transition.
Ceilography, Case 040. Famous Seafood Restaurant, Amsterdam, Netherlands (2026). Upward photograph of a historic 19th-century shallow brick vault system featuring alternating polychromatic masonry, ornamented iron tie-beams, and integrated modern track lighting.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a contemporary space in Riyadh, showcasing a warm bronze-toned perforated metal acoustic panel, a large conical brushed metal pendant light fixture emitting a warm radial glow, and a transitional perforated wood veneer bulkhead.
Ceilography, Case 041. Commercial Interior, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2026). Upward photograph of a modern industrial ceiling featuring perforated bronze-tinted metal panels, an integrated suspended spun-metal luminaire, and architectural timber transitions.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a furniture store service facility in Saudi Arabia, featuring a dark timber lattice grid screen suspended over a black open plenum with an exposed red fire pipe, a yellow spherical pendant light, and two bright downlights with starburst flares.
Ceilography, Case 042. Furniture Store Service Facility, Saudi Arabia (2026). Upward photograph of a commercial interior ceiling featuring a dark-stained wood lattice grid overlaid on an open industrial plenum with integrated spherical and directional lighting systems.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of an Iranian-themed interior in Jeddah, showcasing a monumental cascading chandelier composed of illuminated, ribbed glass globes in vibrant orange, amber, and frosted white tones.
Ceilography, Case 043. Iranian-Themed Space, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2026). Upward photograph of an atmospheric hospitality ceiling featuring an artisan cluster of lobed glass pendant fixtures, integrated linear mechanical grilles, and complex caustic light projections.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of an external space in Riyadh, featuring a large-format grey porcelain tile cladding system installed mechanically with precise open joints.
Ceilography, Case 044. External Architectural Space, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2026). Upward photograph of an outdoor sheltered ceiling featuring a high-performance, mechanically anchored cladding matrix of large-format grey porcelain slabs and a glazed facade junction.
Orthographic ceiling documentation in Jeddah, capturing the sharp architectural transition between a structural dark-framed glass facade and an expansive, smooth off-white exterior gypsum soffit.
Ceilography, Case 045. Exterior Sheltered Transition Space, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2026). Upward photograph of a modern architectural threshold analyzing the seamless junction between a structural dark-anodized glazed curtain wall and a clean exterior gypsum board ceiling system.
Orthographic ceiling documentation of a commercial space in New York, featuring a multi-tiered architectural layout clad in anodized champagne-gold expanded metal mesh with diamond-shaped apertures.
Ceilography, Case 046. Commercial Interior, New York, United States (2025). Upward photograph of an industrial-luxury ceiling featuring a multi-level layout constructed from expanded metal mesh panels in a champagne-gold finish, accented by a linear track lighting rail.
Orthographic bottom-up view of a board-formed cast-in-place concrete coffered ceiling at the Louvre in Paris, featuring deeply recessed pyramidal coffers with central circular recessed spotlights and visible timber grain textures.
Ceilography, Case 049. Musée du Louvre, Paris, France (2026). Upward photograph of a structural cast concrete coffered ceiling featuring deep pyramidal modules with board-formed textures and integrated central downlights.
This orthographic entry documents a structural cast-in-place concrete coffered ceiling within the subterranean expansion of the Louvre Museum in Paris, captured in 2026. The overhead plane consists of a modular grid of deeply recessed pyramidal coffers (caissons) cast in light-gray exposed concrete (béton brut). Fine timber board-form grain textures remain visible along the sloped faces of each module, emphasizing the tactile quality of the cast material. At the apex of each square coffer, a flush-mounted circular fixture houses a square luminaire that casts indirect ambient light across the inclined concrete planes. The design demonstrates a disciplined integration of geometric structural depth, raw material expression, and technical lighting systems in monumental cultural architecture.
Ceilography, Case 050. La Grande Arche de La Défense, Paris, France (2026). Upward photograph of the monumental exterior soffit plane featuring a high-density grid of three-dimensional white marble cladding panels and structural cable rigging.
Orthographic low-angle view looking up at the complex structural glass roof canopy and steel framework of the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, framed by a curved white wall and a suspended polychromatic sculptural installation.
Ceilography, Case 051. Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris, France (2026). Upward photograph of a complex deconstructivist glass canopy ceiling, integrated steel framing, and suspended polychromatic architectural sculpture within a multi-story atrium.
Orthographic bottom-up architectural view of a board-formed exposed concrete soffit at a Charles de Gaulle Airport transit station, displaying wood-grain texture impressions, a linear ceiling reveal gap, and cantilevered structural glass fins.
Ceilography, Case 052. Charles de Gaulle Airport Transit Station, Paris, France (2026). Upward photograph of a heavy board-formed cast-concrete ceiling soffit featuring wood-grain textures, a linear light reveal, and cantilevered structural glass canopy fins.
Orthographic bottom-up view looking at a historic French Classical ceiling at the Louvre Museum in Paris, displaying a central oval allegorical fresco painting framed by rich gilded stucco moldings, intricate foliage relief carving, and corner white plaster bas-relief medallions.
Ceilography, Case 053. Musée du Louvre, Paris, France (2026). Upward photograph of a historic French Classical ceiling featuring a gilded stucco frame, an allegorical central oval ceiling painting, and bas-relief corner medallions.
Classic white ornamental plaster ceiling at Harrods London featuring stepped linear moldings, floral ceiling roses, intricate relief details, and a side lighting track with illuminated bulb fittings.
Ceilography, Case 055. Harrods Department Store, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a historic ornamental plaster ceiling featuring stepped linear cornices, delicate relief rosettes, and integrated perimeter lighting tracks.
A giant LED digital ceiling and wall display inside a modern immersive hall, showcasing an optical illusion 3D pattern of digital cubes and media extending toward a center vanishing point with "The Now Building" typography.
Ceilography, Case 054. The Now Building, Outernet, London, United Kingdom (2026). Digital media documentation of an immersive LED ceiling array featuring 3D perspective vanishing point illusions, dynamic visual typography, and seamless perimeter wall-to-ceiling integration.
Contemporary retail store ceiling on Oxford Street London featuring a multi-story atrium void with high clerestory windows, recessed lighting tracks, white directional spotlights, and integrated ceiling utility fixtures.
Ceilography, Case 056. Flagship Retail Store, Oxford Street, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a contemporary commercial ceiling featuring a multi-level atrium void, clerestory daylighting, directional light tracks, and integrated ceiling services.
Orthographic low-angle view of a bio-based linear timber slat ceiling with warm vertical wooden acoustic baffles, evenly spaced recessed circular downlights, and vibrant green indoor tree foliage framing the bottom edge.
Ceilography, Case 057. Apple Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a bio-based linear timber slat ceiling featuring integrated grid downlights, acoustic baffling, and an indoor tree canopy interface.
Orthographic view looking up at an industrial exposed ceiling with white-painted ribbed metal decking, thick insulated white HVAC pipes with curved elbows, perforated cable trays, a thin red fire pipe, and a suspended black light track with warm spotlight bulbs.
Ceilography, Case 058. Financial District Cafe, Canary Wharf, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of an industrial open-soffit ceiling featuring white-coated HVAC ductwork, perforated cable trays, and suspended track lighting.
Interior architectural view looking up through a multi-story skyscraper atrium, featuring metallic modular ceiling panels, massive white diagonal structural steel V-braces along glazed curtain walls, and cantilevered stainless steel skybridges with glass balustrades.
Ceilography, Case 059. Commercial Financial Tower Atrium, City of London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a high-tech interior ceiling featuring modular brushed metal soffit panels, diagonal structural steel truss bracing, and elevated pedestrian skybridges.
Low-angle orthographic photograph looking directly upward into an open-air skyscraper plaza framed by curved glass and steel high-rise facades against a blue sky with white clouds.
Ceilography, Case 060. Financial Center Towers Plaza, City of London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward view of an open-air architectural plaza framed by curving glazed skyscraper facades and natural sky zenith.
Low-angle view of a digital LED ceiling screen displaying a hyper-saturated pink and blue sky with tree branch silhouettes, flanked by vertical black frame members with glowing warm LED bulbs.
Ceilography, Case 061. Immersive Digital Venue, London, United Kingdom (2026). Digital media documentation of an illuminated LED ceiling canopy displaying artificial sky visuals, silhouetted foliage graphics, and perimeter incandescent bulb arrays.
Low-angle orthographic view of a seamless, smooth off-white painted plaster ceiling featuring a single centralized white smoke detector sensor.
Ceilography, Case 062. Park Plaza Development, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of an ultra-minimalist flat plaster soffit featuring a single surface-mounted smoke detector.
Low-angle orthographic photograph of a gold-painted coffered metal grid ceiling with surface-mounted conduits, pendant suspension wires, a fluorescent fixture, and a white split-system AC unit.
Ceilography, Case 063. Historic Commercial Building, Oxford Street, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a historic gold-painted coffered grid ceiling featuring exposed surface conduits and retrofitted MEP services.
Minimalist orthographic view looking up at a flat, warm-toned beige plaster ceiling plane with subtle tonal lighting gradient and clean edge boundary.
Ceilography, Case 064. October’s Very Own (OVO) Flagship Store, Soho, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a seamless monolithic plaster ceiling with subtle warm ambient tone.
Orthographic view looking up at a linear board-marked exposed concrete ceiling soffit with black suspended lighting tracks, directional spotlights, and white horizontal conduits.
Ceilography, Case 065. Arcade Food Hall, Centre Point, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a Brutalist-inspired board-marked concrete ceiling soffit featuring linear wood-grain textures, exposed conduits, and suspended black lighting tracks.
An orthographic view looking up at a matte black ceiling grid populated with floating, suspended natural timber log slices showing distinct tree ring patterns, interspersed with warm filament pendant bulbs.
Ceilography, Case 066. Commercial Venue, Southwest Hoboken, New Jersey, United States (2015). Upward photograph of a dark industrial ceiling soffit featuring suspended natural timber log slices, exposed tree ring textures, and integrated warm pendant lighting.
Orthographic view looking up at a dark painted ceiling soffit featuring a thick orange duct, a textured curved pendant shade emitting warm light, and a black perforated cable tray equipped with security sensors.
Ceilography, Case 067. Culinary Venue, Chelsea, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a dark industrial restaurant ceiling featuring exposed orange ductwork, perforated cable raceways, and pendant accent lighting.
Orthographic low-angle view of white horizontal acoustic ceiling baffles suspended below a dark painted soffit, featuring bright downlight lens flares and a solid dark structural column on the right.
Ceilography, Case 068. Battersea Power Station, Wandsworth, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a contemporary retail ceiling featuring white linear acoustic baffles, recessed downlight arrays, and dark exposed structural framing.
Low-angle view of a mature indoor olive tree canopy reaching upward toward a rustic, original exposed concrete and brick ceiling soffit within a multi-level shopping concourse.
Ceilography, Case 069. Retail Atrium, Battersea Power Station, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of an adaptively reused brick and concrete ceiling soffit with integrated indoor olive tree canopy foliage.
Low-angle perspective looking up at a dramatic industrial glass skylight roof supported by steel tie-rod trusses, brick coffered ceiling arches, and glass-clad escalator walkways.
Ceilography, Case 070. Turbine Hall Atrium, Battersea Power Station, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a restored Art Deco industrial glass roof featuring steel tie-rod trusses, brick ceiling arches, and skyward light wells.
Orthographic side view of white vertical building service pipes and perforated cable trays running along a wall, adjacent to a glowing green LED matrix pegboard display screen.
Ceilography, Case 071. Upper Mall Retail Flagship, Battersea Power Station, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of exposed white building service conduits and an adjacent digital green LED matrix feature wall.
Skyward zenith photograph looking directly up at the sculptural, undulating glass facade of Frank Gehry's Prospect Place buildings framing a clear blue sky with contrails.
Ceilography, Case 072. Prospect Place, Battersea Power Station, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward view of an open sky zenith framed by Frank Gehry’s undulating glass and metal residential facades.
Low-angle orthographic photograph of a complex open-soffit MEP ceiling featuring a square AC cassette unit wrapped in a glowing halo LED ring, silver foil Y-ducts, perforated tray raceways, and a dome camera.
Ceilography, Case 073. Commercial Interior, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of an industrial open-soffit ceiling featuring foil-wrapped HVAC ducts, perforated cable trays, dome security cameras, and a halo LED-illuminated AC unit.
Orthographic view looking up at a multi-level atrium soffit with a linear strip of warm globe light bulbs, a glass balustrade edge, and a high structural steel and glass curtain wall.
Ceilography, Case 074. Selfridges Department Store, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a modern retail atrium ceiling featuring a recessed bulb lighting track, smooth plaster soffits, glass balustrades, and a multi-story steel curtain wall.
Orthographic low-angle photograph looking up at Old Trafford's cantilevered stadium roof structure, featuring translucent corrugated cladding panels, heavy black steel trusses, and suspended floodlight arrays.
Ceilography, Case 075. Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a stadium grandstand roof structure featuring translucent corrugated canopy panels, structural steel trusses, and suspended floodlight rigs.
Orthographic view looking up at a curved corrugated metal barrel-vault ceiling soffit in light grey, equipped with black cable runs, a central black beam, suspended linear tube lights, and perforated galvanized cable raceways with indicator lights.
Ceilography, Case 076. Commercial Cafe, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of an industrial curved corrugated metal barrel-vault ceiling featuring suspended linear lighting tubes, perforated cable raceways, and exposed MEP conduits.
Low-angle orthographic photograph looking up at a grand glazed barrel-vault skylight roof with white steel ribs, supported above a classical interior balcony with gold Greek key ornamental trim and perforated acoustic ceiling tiles.
Ceilography, Case 077. Main Concourse, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a Neoclassical indoor shopping concourse featuring a barrel-vaulted glass skylight, gilded Greek key balustrade trims, and acoustic ceiling panels.
Orthographic view looking up at a matte black acoustic panel ceiling with intense warm spotlight lens flares, flanked by a natural oak wall panel featuring linear vertical LED light strips.
Ceilography, Case 078. Apple Store, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a modern retail ceiling featuring dark acoustic soffit panels, high-output warm spotlights, and vertical timber wall fixtures with integrated linear LEDs.
Low-angle orthographic photograph of a massive Neoclassical radial glass dome skylight framed by multi-tiered circular balconies, gold Corinthian columns, and faux-marble pillars.
Ceilography, Case 079. The Grand Atrium Dome, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a monumental Neoclassical atrium dome featuring radial steel glazing, gilded Corinthian capitals, faux-marble columns, and decorative friezes.
Orthographic photograph looking up at a white modular suspended ceiling with a clean rectangular reveal exposing insulated silver foil HVAC ducts, cable trays, and structural channels above.
Ceilography, Case 080. Selfridges Department Store, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a department store ceiling featuring white modular tiles, a linear track spotlight, and an intentional rectangular soffit cutout revealing mechanical MEP infrastructure.
Orthographic view looking up at a grey textured fabric retractable awning canopy with integrated string light bulbs along dark metal support tracks.
Ceilography, Case 081. Outdoor Cafe Seating, St James’s Square, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a retractable fabric awning canopy featuring ribbed textile folds, dark support tracks, and warm string bulb illumination.
Low-angle orthographic view of a contemporary ceiling sculpture featuring angled LED ring lights suspended from a circular base plate with violet light ambient wash, adjacent to a sunset sky graphic soffit.
Ceilography, Case 082. Marriott Hotel, Deansgate, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a sculptural ceiling installation featuring angled LED ring pendants, violet ambient backlighting, and a printed sunset sky soffit panel.
Orthographic view of a white wire mesh ceiling screen with glowing neon outline icons of ice cream cones, circles, and bottles, framed by linear LED light strips.
Ceilography, Case 083. Shake Shack, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a white wire-mesh ceiling partition featuring glowing neon food icons, linear LED divider channels, and background Neoclassical atrium vaulting.
Orthographic low-angle view of a smooth taupe hotel room drop ceiling soffit with recessed downlights, smoke detectors, and a cove lighting reveal above dark headboard joinery.
Ceilography, Case 084. Deansgate Hotel Suite, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a contemporary hotel room drop soffit featuring recessed spotlighting, integrated fire safety devices, and perimeter LED cove lighting.
Low-angle view of a high-ceilinged hotel reception atrium featuring floating glass walkways, climbing green ivy vines, luminous globe pendant lamps, and a constellation branch chandelier fixture.
Ceilography, Case 085. INNSiDE by Meliá Hotel Reception, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a modern hospitality reception atrium featuring suspended glass floor bridges, biophilic plant vines, floating globe pendants, and a constellation branch lighting installation.
Orthographic view looking up at an industrial coffee shop ceiling with ribbed soffit decking, white painted HVAC ducts, perforated cable raceways, and a bright spotlight lens flare.
Ceilography, Case 086. Starbucks, Commercial Shopping Mall, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of an industrial coffee shop ceiling featuring white-painted ribbed metal decking, insulated ductwork, perforated cable trays, and directional track lighting.
Orthographic view looking up at a grand multi-pane glass skylight roof supported by white steel framing, suspended diamond acoustic baffles, and directional spotlight arrays along a white atrium bulkhead wall.
Ceilography, Case 087. Commercial Shopping Mall Atrium, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a large-scale structural steel glass skylight canopy featuring suspended diamond acoustic baffles, spotlight arrays, and a white atrium bulkhead wall.
Orthographic view looking directly up at a micro-perforated acoustic plaster ceiling featuring a linear row of recessed warm spotlights, a ceiling speaker, and fire safety sensors.
Ceilography, Case 088. Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile (formerly Hôtel Concorde La Fayette), Paris, France (2026). Upward photograph of a modern micro-perforated acoustic ceiling featuring linear recessed spotlight arrays and integrated MEP sensors.
Ceilography, Case 089. Ladurée Tea Room & Bakery, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France (2026). Upward photograph of a French Second Empire and Classical revival ceiling featuring a painted cloud fresco, gilded stucco cornices, sky-blue relief friezes, and ornamental plaster moldings.
Ceilography, Case 089. Ladurée Tea Room & Bakery, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France (2026). Upward photograph of a French Second Empire and Classical revival ceiling featuring a painted cloud fresco, gilded stucco cornices, sky-blue relief friezes, and ornamental plaster moldings.
Ceilography, Case 090. Musée du Louvre Glass Pyramid, Paris, France (2026). Upward photograph of I.M. Pei's iconic glass pyramid ceiling featuring structural steel spider fittings, webbed tension-rod cable trusses, and diamond-patterned glazing.
Ceilography, Case 090. Musée du Louvre Glass Pyramid, Paris, France (2026). Upward photograph of I.M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid ceiling featuring structural steel spider fittings, webbed tension-rod cable trusses, and diamond-patterned glazing.
Ceilography, Case 091. Musée du Louvre Historic Gallery, Paris, France (2026). Upward photograph of a historic French Baroque ceiling featuring a central allegorical oil painting, gilded stucco cartouches, and carved bas-relief corner medallions.
Ceilography, Case 091. Musée du Louvre Historic Gallery, Paris, France (2026). Upward photograph of a historic French Baroque ceiling featuring a central allegorical oil painting, gilded stucco cartouches, and carved bas-relief corner medallions.
Orthographic view looking up at a modern train station concourse ceiling featuring a large circular skylight oculus with radial tension wires and safety netting, grey ribbed metal decking, structural white steel pipes, and polished stainless steel wall cladding on the left.
Ceilography, Case 092. Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a modern train station concourse ceiling featuring a circular skylight oculus, protective mesh netting, ribbed steel roof decking, and polished metallic wall cladding.
Orthographic view looking up at laser-cut mirrored stainless steel ceiling panels etched with organic leaf and floral patterns, illuminated from behind by magenta and green light with reflections of brick paving below.
Ceilography, Case 093. Commercial Passage, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a decorative laser-cut polished chrome ceiling featuring floral perforations, magenta and amber backlighting, and mirrored stone floor reflections.
Orthographic view looking up at a warm beige plaster ceiling adorned with a radial constellation array of clear glass globe pendant lamps suspended on thin cables at cascading heights, surrounded by grid-aligned recessed downlights.
Ceilography, Case 094. Artisanal Ice Cream Parlour, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a warm plaster ceiling featuring a radial constellation array of glass sphere pendants suspended at varying heights, recessed downlights, and warm cove reveals.
Ceilography, Case 095. Retail Arcade Passage, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a barrel-vaulted ceiling clad in polished mirror-finish chrome panels, featuring concentric illuminated steel ring fixtures with white LED globe bulbs.
Ceilography, Case 095. Retail Arcade Passage, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a barrel-vaulted ceiling clad in polished mirror-finish chrome panels, featuring concentric illuminated steel ring fixtures with white LED globe bulbs.
Orthographic low-angle view of a basement cafe ceiling split between a natural grain plywood soffit with recessed downlights and a pavement vault light grid composed of glass blocks embedded in the sidewalk above.
Ceilography, Case 096. Basement Cafe, St Martin’s Lane, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a subterranean ceiling featuring glass-block pavement vault lights, natural plywood soffit panels, and integrated downlighting.
Skyward low-angle photograph looking up at the twisted concertina structural frame of the Bridge of Aspiration spanning between brick and stone building facades against a clear sky.
Ceilography, Case 097. Bridge of Aspiration, Floral Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward view of WilkinsonEyre’s twisting concertina skybridge spanning between the Royal Ballet School and Royal Opera House.
Low-angle view looking up at the historic timber and iron roof framework of Covent Garden Market, featuring green-painted iron ribs, timber tongue-and-groove decking, safety nets beneath glass panels, and string lights.
Ceilography, Case 098. Historic Market Building, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom (2026). Upward photograph of a 19th-century iron and timber arcade ceiling featuring green-painted structural ribs, timber decking, glazed skylights, and string bulb arrays.

The First 100 Ceilings

More than one hundred ceilings. One photographic method. One growing architectural archive.

Captured over a decade, each image follows the exact same protocol, transforming overlooked architectural surfaces into a consistent system for observation and comparison.

A composite 3x9 photographic grid containing 27 orthographic ceiling studies from London, Manchester, Paris, and Hoboken, displaying a spectrum of architectural typologies including glass domes, LED screens, historic frescoes, industrial ductwork, and timber baffles.
Ceilography, Case Index 072–098. Multi-City Research Compilation, United Kingdom, France, United States (2026). Orthographic survey grid consolidating 27 architectural ceiling studies across London, Manchester, Paris, and Hoboken, spanning Neoclassical, Brutalist, High-Tech, and Contemporary typologies.

Ceilography does not conclude with a fixed result. The archive remains open, expandable as the method continues and new ceilings are documented under the same controlled conditions. Each new case adds to a dataset that grows more comparative and more revealing with every addition. The research operates between documentation and methodology: what began as a personal discipline in 2015 has produced a structured body of material that proposes, case by case, that architecture can be understood not only through design but through the methods developed to observe it. The broader design philosophy that informs this research is detailed in How We Work and within the Archigenetics theoretical framework. Related project: TopoArtic.