THE NETHERLANDS – It’s not uncommon that zoning commissions will discuss concerns over too much light – “light pollution” – before issuing building permits for new stations.

So how do you explain what French architect Sophie Valla is doing? She has used lighting – lots of it – to turn two old fueling stations into works of art, reports design website psfk.com.

“Sophie’s work uses lighting to achieve the desired effect, with many of her projects using luminescent lights to draw the viewer in. These two petrol stations use LED panels and spotlights to achieve an artificial sky effect,” notes the website. “What was once a baron section of land, is now a piece of art and a point of pride for many.”

The design using lighting and furniture to draw people to the installation and get them to interact. “This particular project serves as an attraction for many people who are looking for a more economical way to spend their time, with money considered in short supply, due to the current economic climate. Sophie’s installation features concrete furniture to encourage people to visit and interact with each other,” the design site notes.

Pictures of the installation are online.