Keeping in step with the art fair trend of architecturally upping the ante, the New York leg of the annual design expo Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair tapped David Ling, New York-based architect and one-time associate of Richard Meier, I.M. Pei, and Emilio Ambasz to bring a little spark to this year’s event. The result: a big bang-inspired installation of cube-shaped lights to hang from the ceiling of the Park Avenue Armory like a modernist take on a constellation in the night sky.

“Floating high over the exhibitions will be a huge cube of light, out of which smaller blocks of light explode, traveling to all points within the hall like newly formed stars,” Ling said in a statement. “It’s about creation, re-creation and energy... And with the fair’s universe of offerings, I think my concept is a fitting one.”

The transformation of the Armory’s historic, 19th-century drill hall into an artistic mise-en-scene celebrates the 15th anniversary of the contemporary art and design fair. In addition to Ling’s installation, fair-goers can look forward to booths from 50 different galleries, including Wexler Gallery, Galery Loupe, and Dai Ichi Arts, as well as a revamped floorplan.   

SOFA New York 2012 runs from April 20 through April 23.