The Courtyard, Oxfordshire, UK

This stunning landscape designed by Angus Thompson Design and known as “The Courtyard”, is nestled within a beautiful barn conversion in the Cotswolds. “The Courtyard” has a multilayered landscape that comes to life at night with a variety of soft warm lighting elements and techniques, which visually link seamlessly with the warmth of the interior lighting.

dpa were fortunate to have also designed the interior lighting for this stunning barn conversion filled with beautiful artworks and objects lit expertly with a selection of specialist lighting equipment to showcase the art pieces in their “best light”.

The textured elevations of the building and the broad open views of the interior create many focal points. These can be enjoyed from within the interior spaces looking out and from within the courtyard and wider landscape looking in. You will see how the art and objects of the interiors draw the eye into these carefully curated focal points within the images shown here.

Landscape Design: Angus Thompson Design
Architects: I.C. Architects
Contractor: Drew Warren
Photography: Adam Parker

 

 

Palace Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai, UAE

Situated in the heart of the major new neighbourhood of Dubai Creek Harbour, the Palace Dubai Creek Harbour is Emaar’s latest luxury hospitality destination. The architecture and interior are a blend of contemporary and traditional Arab styling with clean lines and rich selection of materiality.

dpa were engaged to design the lighting for all of the front of house, rooms and exterior spaces. The lighting design needed to respond to the soft palette of the interiors and reinforce the warmth and welcomeness of the hotel and residences. Careful attention was given to the concealment and integration of luminaires so that only the lit effect is seen and also to the selection of light sources within the decorative elements. Another critical aspect of the lighting design was the sympathetic transition of the interior areas into the exterior courtyards and Porte Cochere as these were very much visually shared spaces.

Client: Emaar
Project Management: Mirage Leisure and Development
Architecture: GAJ
Interiors: LW Design Group
Landscape: South Landscape Consultants
Photography: Alex Jeffries Photography Group

The BoTree, London

The BoTree on Marylebone Lane has a unique and stunning central ‘Architectural Feature Lattice’ designed by Architects EPR. The lattice elegantly twists up the building from the ground level entrance creating a visually protective veil in front of the corner suite terraces through to the crown of the building where The BoTree Suite is located. A sophisticated warm, white light is typically applied to complement and light the bronze material, but this can be transformed with equal sophistication using carefully selected colours.

One façade employs dark London brick sets installed to create light and shadow both during the day with natural light and later on with artificial, where a single source lights the entire section of the façade. By contrast, the other two façades celebrate clean white vertical ‘sawtooth’ details within the stonework which again are accented with uplighting. The landmark lattice on the corner of Marylebone and Henrietta Place joins these two beautiful architectural envelopes with a twisting bronze veil covering the speciality suites and is adorned with sophisticated colour or white light according to the occasion.

The BoTree focuses on a personalised service, with 199 guestrooms, including 30 contemporary suites designed in collaboration with Amsterdam-based Interior Designers Concrete. With a distinct room layout, hosting a dressing room that provides a transitional space between the entrance and bedroom, custom-designed headboards, bespoke make-up mirror lamps, and unique decorative lighting elements are complemented with subtle accent lighting to the minibar, wardrobes, and vanity mirrors.

The food and beverage offerings within the hotel include LAVO, a sophisticated Italian restaurant with coastal flair, from Tao Group Hospitality, along with the vibrant The BoTree Bar by Concrete Amsterdam. LAVO’s sumptuous and delightful interior is warm in both materials and light throughout. The inviting booths are framed by a feature backlit wall spanning over both floors of LAVO with softly lit greenery and bespoke decorative lighting. The BoTree Bar provides a vibrant space that transforms from day to night through an illuminated colour-changing light feature that spans across the ceiling. The teal marble bar curves across the space with a backdrop of illuminated bottles and curated artworks on display.

Client: The BoTree
Architects: EPR Architects (Lead) & Orbit Architects (Implementation Architects)
Interior Designer: Concrete Amsterdam and Tao Group Hospitality
Project Managers: Buro Four (Lead) & Gleeds (Cost Managers)M&E Consultant: Elementa Consulting
Photography: Adam Parker

Berol Link, London, UK

Centrally situated within a new build residential development on a former industrial estate in Tottenham Hale, North London, Berol Link is named after a historic pencil manufacturer once based on the same site.

Berol Link forms a stretch of public realm that not only provides a human scale tie between the two apartment buildings that flank its sides to the north and south, but also offers a calming link between the hustle and bustle of the nearby commuter hub into the green fields of the adjacent parks.

The landscape designer’s vision to create a tranquil space for passers-through and residents alike, was enhanced by a dpa scheme that includes carefully curated layers of lighting concealed within the soft and hard landscaping elements.

dpa have developed a bespoke catenary system complete with feature lamp shades that seemingly float above this secluded courtyard, and akin to traditional Chinese paper lanterns, providing a similarly warm glow of light.

The lanterns, resembling a pearl necklace,  give a soft and welcoming base layer of illumination to the space whilst creating distinctive pools of light which evoke the desire to tiptoe in between the banks of lush planting and seating.

Client: Long Harbour
Lead Contractor: Formation
Landscape Architect: Churchman Thornhill Finch
Catenary: Studiotech
Photography: Amphitype

 

 

 

 

 

 

MSC World Europa – Outdoor Promenade and Illuminated Trees

The vessel is an incredible feat of engineering which features a 104-metre-long external promenade, showcasing the record-breaking 11-deck high stainless-steel sinuous dry slide, the longest at sea.  This creates a spectacular centrepiece in the evening when the ‘illuminated trees’, a stunning configuration of homogenous LED lines which clad the structural steel, introduce an energetic and dynamic component to the drama of this vast outdoor space, designed by Martin Francis.

Owner: MSC Cruises
Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France
Outdoor Promenade ‘Illuminated Trees’ Designer & Conceptor: Martin Francis of Francis Design
Photography: Courtesy MSC Cruises, Photographer: Ivan Sarfatti

 

Statue of Unity, India

The Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue, with a height of 182 metres, located in the state of Gujarat, India. Depicting Indian statesman and independence activist Vallabhbhai Patel, the statue was designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar and inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on 31 October 2018, the 143rd anniversary of Patel’s birth. dpa worked with Larsen & Toubro, Graves Architects and Turner India to create an iconic lighting scheme befitting the world’s tallest statue. The statue is constructed of 3D formed bronze clad around steel and concrete core and situated on an island in the river basin of the Narmada River and the Sardar Sarovar dam. Lighting a 182m statue from its small island base presented many challenges making a traditional statue uplight scheme impossible. dpa conducted 100s of lighting calculations, pushing the limits of the lighting software, to create a scheme focusing on the important elements of the statue such as the face and hands. Special attention was paid to the key viewing points of the statue from the mainland and visitor’s centre. The final scheme used a mixture of LED projectors utilizing wide to super narrow beam angles with custom cowls and louvres for maximum control of the light beams. These were concealed within the planting around the base of the statue, on the roof structure of the pedestrian bridge, and mounted on retractable columns hidden from view in the daytime on the mainland and a small island behind the statue. 2700K was used to enhance the warmth of the bronze cladding and avoid any lighting within the blue colour spectrum reducing the impact on the local ecology.

Sculpture Artist: Ram V. Sutar
Architect: Michael Graves
Engineering & Construction: ITG
Photography: statueofunity.in

 

 

Balanstrasse Haus 27, Munich, Germany

Haus 27 is the latest completed project in the ever expanding Neue Balan Campus, Munich. In 2007 Allgemeine SÜDBODEN Grundbesitz AG started to enlarge the campus by renovating existing office buildings and developing new ones, since then the campus has attracted a varied range of tenants from IT to fashion.

The building sits in a prominent location at the intersection of St.-Martin-Straße and Balanstraße and now forms the primary campus gateway building. dpa were commissioned to produce a lighting scheme for the façades, exterior social spaces and foyers.

For continuity of the exterior lighting strategy, as with Haus 14+26, the slab edge at each floor level of the principal façade has been illuminated with an internal detail, carefully coordinated with the architect. In addition, a thin exposed line of light terminates the architecture at the roofscape. The external columns have been lit with in-ground recessed uplights to provide rhythm and articulation to the architecture. The social spaces include uplit trees, integrated handrail lighting to steps and a family of lighting posts that suit the architectural character.

When entering Haus 27 you are greeted by two large foyer spaces, with exposed concrete elevations, glass lift lobbies and mirror artwork. The low glare ceiling recessed downlights and wall washers create a bright and welcoming space, whilst being minimal in scale.

dpa are currently working with Weickenmeier, Kunz + Partner Architects on several other projects on the Neue Balan Campus, including Haus 28, which will sit alongside Haus 27 and further expand the commercial offering of this impressive site.

 

Client: Allgemeine SÜDBODEN Grundbesitz AG
Architect: Norbert Weickenmeier and Weickenmeier, Kunz + Partner Architects
Electrical Consultant: ITG
Photography: Stefan Müller-Naumann

 

The OWO, Whitehall, London

The former Old War Office building in Whitehall, which once served as the headquarters for statesmen including Winston Churchill and as inspiration for writer Ian Fleming to pen his James Bond spy novels, is situated at one of London’s most historically important and powerful addresses. Having undergone a grand transformation, the Grade II* listed building is now home to a 120-room Raffles London at The OWO, and 85 Raffles branded Residences along with destination restaurants and bars. The Guerlain Spa spans 27,000 square feet over four floors at The OWO in a breathtaking setting with an extensive gym and a stunning 20m pool. The OWO Residences by Raffles is the very first Raffles residences in the UK and Europe.

dpa were extremely fortunate to have designed both the interior and exterior lighting to The OWO, with the exception of a few restaurants. We were therefore able to fully imagine how the lighting would contribute to the exterior façades and courtyards within the heart of the building.

To complement the warmth of the building interior and to respect The OWO and the character of the surrounding buildings, a very warm white light was used appropriately and softly to expose the stunning Edwardian Baroque architecture, sensitively restored by renowned EPR Architects. Lighting was carefully considered with a hierarchy of brightness within the core of the design to reduce light and intensity to the building as it rose from the ground up. Dimming was vital to balance the levels and refine the overall design to provide a soft and magical effect sitting comfortably amongst the other magnificent buildings. The architectural features were significant to expose at night given that they had never been seen in the hours of darkness since the building was built at the turn of the last century. Carefully positioned lighting exposed these architectural elements, from the immense 10m columns surrounding the building to minute details softly washed with light to the top of the four impressive towers. Finally, the Drury statues adorning each façade and flanking each tower are subtly revealed highlighting the gold gilding exposed against the warm Portland stone.

Other notable architectural features are the coat of arms and historic references from the War Office days, with beautifully detailed and restored entrances to the courtyard on Horse Guards Avenue and within the main Quadrangle at the heart of the building. Within the Quadrangle, unexpected contemporary interventions of the Pavilion restaurant and mirrored water feature by Daewha Kang Design can be found intentionally unlit to emphasise the reflection of the perimeter building.

Joint Shareholders: Hinduja Group and Onex Holding
Hotel Operator: Raffles London at The OWO
Architect: EPR Architects
Designers: 
Raffles London at The OWO: The Office of Thierry W Despont
Spa/Swimming Pool and Wellness Areas: Goddard Littlefair
The OWO Residences by Raffles: 1508 London
Show Residences at The OWO Residences by Raffles: various designers including Albion Nord, HBA Residential, Elicyon, Winch Design, Angel O’Donnell, RJP Design
Landscaped Residents’ Garden: Marcus Barnett and The Gardenists
Café Lapérouse Pavilion in Grand Courtyard: DaeWha Kang Studio (lighting design by others)
Chandeliers: iDOGI for ‘Meridies’ the venetian glass chandelier above the Grand Staircase; Lasvit for the poppies in The Poppy Suite; Dernier & Hamlyn used archive photography taken in the building before WWII to recreate beautiful George IV chandeliers for The Churchill Suite
Photography: James Newton Photographs

Binary Sculpture, Manyata Embassy Business Park, Bangalore, India

Located on 110 acres of land to the north of Bangalore is Manyata Embassy Business Park, one of the largest operational technology and business parks in India, home to both large global brands and small start-up companies. dpa developed and implemented the design of the lighting masterplan for the entire site including the soft and hard landscaping, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, and building facades. The Binary Sculpture artwork is the centrepiece of the entrance plaza, greeting all visitors to the site. dpa worked closely with the artist, Romicon Revola, to implement her desire to create a sculpture whose form was expressed by concealed integrated lighting. The sculpture itself is a 3 metre cube constructed from stainless steel, each of the four visible faces has an array of “0” and “1” binary cut-outs, making reference to the IT nature of work of many of the park’s companies. Located directly behind each cut-out is an acrylic diffuser and behind this an LED colour changing node, each node is individually addressable and programmable allowing its colour, brightness and fade rate to be controlled separately from all of the other nodes, and hence “0” or “1”, in the installation. This permits for an almost endless number of visually dynamic effects to be created, resulting in a vibrant, eye catching piece of artwork.

Client: Embassy Group
Project Management: Synergy
Artist: Romicon Revola
Landscape Architect: Design Cell

 

DAMAC Towers by Paramount Hotels & Resorts Dubai

dpa were delighted to be commissioned by Damac Properties to design the architectural lighting to the façades of one of its newest 5-star developments and a fine example of the type of varied work we carry out as a practice.

The project is a four-tower development atop a central podium, hosting luxury apartments, hotel and restaurants. The theme of the towers is inspired by the iconic studio-feel of the Paramount studios, and the brief for the exterior lighting in the evening was to emulate this style. Using the latest LED technologies, the façade lighting employs strobe lighting effect, colour changing and dynamic chase sequences all brought together with intelligent control to create a sympathetic light show that is in-keeping with its Downtown Dubai location.

Client: DAMAC Properties
Architects: KEO International Consultants
Photography: Alex Jefferies Photography Group

 

Retail Street, Belgravia, London, UK

Nestled in Belgravia, this Retail Street formed of numerous Grade 2 listed buildings, features a mix of shops and restaurants at the ground floor, with numerous residential properties located on the floors above.

The client wished to illuminate the façades at the entrances of the street to act as a gateway, accentuating the rhythm of the architecture, promoting interest from afar, subtly aiding navigation and wayfinding, and creating a pleasant backdrop to the events happening within the street.

Extensive product research and in-situ testing was undertaken to identify a suitable luminaire that could be used for the uplighting of the buildings, giving consideration to lighting quality, physical appearance, cost, and most importantly, light distribution qualities, to ensure that no spill light would cause distraction to the residents of the buildings.

There were no direct electrical links between the different façades being illuminated, therefore to avoid the need to lay new physical cables, the different façades are all controlled via a lighting control system local to the façade. These discrete control systems all work seamlessly together via mobile telephone network communications, giving secure remote cloud software access, which also assists the client’s facilities and maintenance team.

For normal operation, a white lighting scheme is utilised however, to mark special events and celebrations, a number of different coloured lighting scenes have been programmed. These special lighting scenes are all programmed into a calendar which, using the cloud software access, the client’s facilities team can adjust for changing dates of festivals and to celebrate occasional one-off events. The lighting controls smoothly dim the feature façade lighting to off at curfew, and ensure that, post any special events, the lighting returns to the normal white light appearance, ensuring a fully automated lighting installation is achieved.

Planning Consultant: DP9
Lead Contractor: Grangewood Builders
Electrical Contractor: Solomon Electrical Services
Photography: James Newton Photographs

 

Al Maktoum Residence, Dubai, UAE

The house of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was built in 1896 and was inhabited by the Sheikh from 1912 until his death in 1958. Al Maktoum Residence charts the meteoric rise of Dubai from regional town to global metropolis. Visitors to the museum will gain a fascinating insight into the history of this pioneering region and its most famous family, history and conflicts.

The museum consists of over 30 rooms, each dedicated to differing narratives of the Al Maktoum Family. From the terraces you can appreciate the historic view of Dubai Creek and the Persian Gulf whilst on the other hand the contemporary city skyline reminds you of Dubai’s ambition and future direction.

Working closely with GSM Project, dpa developed a lighting scheme to help the viewer understand the significant local, regional and global contexts of the Al Maktoum Family, Dubai and their closely interwoven heritage.

In conjunction with the Perfume House and Story of the Creek, dpa developed a robust, pragmatic yet flexible lighting concept that enabled all aspects of the Al Maktoum Residence experience to develop at an individual level.

Architectural features have been highlighted to enhance the traditional building materials and techniques, whilst contemporary exhibition interventions are dealt with sympathetically.

Conservation played a major role in the illumination of certain spaces. Lighting equipment was sensitively located in order to provide maximum function with minimal impact.

Technology has formed a significant part of the realisation of this project. A sophisticated, dedicated architectural lighting control system forms the backbone of the scheme, ensuring the correct operation of the system whilst delivering flexibility along with cost and environmental benefits.

Client: Dubai Municipality 
Interior/Exhibition Designer: GSM Project
AV Consultant: XYZ Cultural Technologies
Photography: Alex Jeffries Photography Group
Visuals: dpa lighting consultants

Dubai Route 2020 Metro Link, UAE

dpa are pleased to announce involvement in the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Route 2020 Metro Link project. 

The new line project consists of a fifteen kilometre extension, of which approximately twelve kilometres is above ground and three kilometres underground.  The extension of the metro has seven stations including the interchange at Jebel Ali and the flagship metro station at the Expo 2020 Exhibition site.

Branching from the existing Red Line and connecting with the Expo 2020 site, the project offered a number of unique lighting challenges.  As part of the design team dpa were responsible for the design, and specification of architectural lighting to the Interiors, Façades and Landscape of all six new and one interchange stations.

Earth, Fire, Water & Air are the guiding principles that inform not only the lighting design of the new line stations but also dictate the architectural language of the new development.  Lighting design for the stations was developed alongside the architectural, interior design and engineering teams to enhance the key principles inherent in the original metro concept whilst also maintaining and developing a unique night time identity for the newly commissioned line.

Subtle and contextual lighting interventions were to sit alongside more dynamic and characterful areas in order to balance and contrast the approach to illumination.

In particular the canopy of the Expo station presented a unique opportunity to announce the station and its arrival plazas within an often congested illuminated environment.  A subtle, sophisticated yet simple approach to the illumination of the canopy celebrates the unique colour, contrast, form and texture of this iconic architectural intervention.

The project represents a rare opportunity to evolve and enhance the after dark identity of Dubai’s critical public transport network, helping to provide cost effective and efficient transit options to wide sections of the local community.

This iconic project was ceremonially inaugurated by H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai in July 2020 and became fully operational in the early part of 2021.

Client: Dubai Roads & Transport Authority
Architect: Atkins – Dubai
Interior Design: Aedas – Dubai
Photography: Phil Handforth Architectural Photography

 

New York University, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Extensive university campus located on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Designed by Architect Rafael Vinoly, the campus combines elements of NYU’s Greenwich Village environment and traditional Islamic Villages.

The large campus consists of multi-disciplinary spaces each with a focus to staff and student comfort and efficiency of spaces, with the lighting forming a cohesive strategy and hierarchy of brightness to provide variation and characterise each space. The project included the indoor sports arena and Performing Arts Centre.

An extremely fast-track project, the management of the design by all parties needed to be rigorous. Also, multiple spaces each with individual characteristics and lighting requirements was a complex exercise in ensuring a successful lighting design.

Client: New York University
Project Manager: Al Futtaim Carillion
Architect and Interior Designer: Rafael Viñoly Architects
Landscape Designer: Cracknell
M&E Consultant: WSP and Hyder
Photography: Tom Rossiter and Will Pryce

 

Maslina Resort, Hvar, Croatia

The Maslina Resort overlooks the crystalline Adriatic Sea and is one of only a few 5-star hotels in Hvar, a popular island within the Central Dalmatian Archipelago.  The hotel blends seamlessly into its lush pine forest environment and is of a laid-back Mediterranean architectural and landscape language with contemporary French influences, made of noble and natural materials such as the stones of nearby Brač, terracotta and timber.  The project has responded with a synergy and respect for this exceptional location in the magnificent bay of Maslinica, close to the richly historic Stari Grad.

The exterior lighting reinforces the character and personality of this resort, with a carefully crafted palette of lighting effects that serve to complement the linear design forms and materiality.  This is achieved through the placement of neatly integrated and unobtrusive lighting effects, with a lit intensity balanced with the contextual surroundings, buildings and terraced landscape.  To the guest, a feeling of intimacy, atmosphere and high-end luxury is experienced through which the lighting plays an important role.

Developer: Paradox Group
Architect: AALTO
Landscape Architect: AC&T Paysages & Territoires
Interior Design: Léonie Alma Mason
Photography: Courtesy of the Maslina Resort

 

The Waldorf Hilton, London, UK

dpa lighting consultants were delighted to have attended a final commissioning visit for the external façade lighting of the iconic Waldorf Hilton Hotel in Aldwych. Working alongside Robert Brown Architects, dpa were appointed to complement a complete façade renovation project and breathe new life into the fabulous Edwardian architecture. Built in the 1800’s, and now sitting amongst London’s vibrant theatre district, the Waldorf Hilton has been rejuvenated, taking its rightful place amongst the adjacent players in the night-time landscape. Using the latest in LED lighting equipment, dpa composed a hierarchy of light which emphasises the scale and ornamentation of the façade. The overall lit effect has been carefully curated to sympathetically highlight the façade’s main features and reveal it’s character, using the minimum power.

The upper crowns of the building have been addressed, and gently emphasised using Linear LED set in a discreet detail. The decorative urns, cherubs, window reveals and columns at high level have all been sensitively illuminated with projectors demonstrating excellent optical control to ensure a minimum of light pollution. At the mid-level, the grand central columns have been illuminated on both sides with LED projectors, creating a colonnade of light. The projected, square columns on either end of the façade have been front lit, in contrast to the adjacent colonnade, giving subtle animation and character to the overall appearance. At the low level, very warm white colour temperatures have been used within the decorative lanterns and entrance canopies, to create a welcoming atmosphere for arriving guests, mimicking the gas lighting lanterns that would have originally adorned the façade. The lower area of the façade utilises dimming technology to balance the external lighting with the interiors, allowing the lighting of the inside and the outside to connect and complement each other.

The renovation has allowed the real beauty of the historic façade construction to sing, whilst reducing the ongoing energy consumption and maintenance requirement for the client.

Hotel Operator: Hilton Hotel Group
Architect: Robert Brown Associates
Electrical Contractors: RP Bray
Main Contractor: Stone Edge Construction
Photography: Courtesy of Robert Brown Associates

 

The Opus by OMNIYAT, Dubai, UAE

dpa were fortunate to collaborate with world renowned Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) on The Opus by Omniyat, home to the new ME Dubai hotel, in the Burj Khalifa district in Dubai, UAE.

For dpa, the project spanned several years from concept to completion with various interesting challenges to illuminate such a unique and complicated piece of architecture.

The building was conceived by Zaha Hadid back in 2007 and notable to the ZHA design was the balance between solid and void. The design represents two towers that have converged as one, to a cube with the centre ‘eroded’ to create a stunning and contrasting void. This void is an important volume and canvas for the lighting intervention and solution to the internal ‘skin’ of the building’s void.

dpa’s challenge was to develop a unique and visually interesting lighting scheme to complement and enhance the architecture both inside and out. A critical design consideration was to ensure that the lighting equipment did not detract from or compromise the beautiful smooth flowing form of the internal void. Maintenance and energy were also important considerations as well as the infrastructure and integration into such an elegantly detailed façade.

dpa collaborated closely with ZHA and the other team members along with Vexica to develop a unique product to integrate seamlessly into the façade of the void. By day, the building’s façade reflects its surroundings like a monumental mirrored sculpture; whilst at night, the void is transformed using 5,000 individually controllable 1.5W LED ‘points’ of light providing a sophisticated and dynamic lighting installation. Using DMX lighting controls enabled unique tailoring of the content with the LED ‘pixels’ as a creative tool to paint with light across the inner void façade.

Completed: 2020
Client: OMNIYAT
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
Photography: Laurian Ghinitoiu

The Wellesley Hotel, Knightsbridge, London, UK

The Wellesley Hotel in London is a special property located in Knightsbridge offering the highest quality service and facilities. The recent addition of glass pavilions at the front of the property to provide additional bar and smoking terrace space is now complete, but to make this even more exclusive, the artist Lee Simmons was commissioned to produce an installation that provided unique decoration and a visual screen. The solution was a series of cast bronze buds that produce a three dimensional textured screen wall. The lighting solution to the exterior component is a series of small LED uplights, the positioning of which was very carefully considered to expose the three dimensional nature and texture of the buds. Inside the pavilion a low level linear concealed skirting light floats the wall, coupled with uplighting to the buds as on the outside. A gas fire, wall light and lighting to the artwork completes the spaces.

Operator: The Wellesley Hotel, London
Concept Architect: Ken Shuttleworth, Make Architects
Project Architect: Gibberd Ltd
Artist: Lee Simmons

Balanstrasse, Haus 14 + 26, Munich, Germany

Haus 14 + 26 is the latest completed project of the ever expanding Neuen Balan Campus, Munich. In 2007 Allgemeine Sudboden Grundbesitz AG started to enlarge the campus by renovating existing buildings and developing new ones, since then the campus has attracted a varied range of tenants from IT to fashion.

dpa were appointed by Weickenmeier, Kunz + Partner Architects in 2015, who had previously designed multiple buildings on the campus, to produce a lighting scheme for the facades, exterior social spaces and the lobbies for Haus 14 + 26.

Haus 14 + 26 are two large buildings that are physically joined together with a link bridge and although the two buildings needed to be unified we treated each building individually in terms of the lighting application. Haus 14 is very striking with concealed linear LED lighting wrapping around the protruding glazing and the slab edge at each floor level has been illuminated with an internal detail, carefully coordinated with the architect and manufacturer, which can be viewed externally. The columns in between the glazing have been lit with in-ground recessed uplights and this is continued onto Haus 26 which provides a rhythm to the architecture and ties the two buildings together, the overall appearance of Haus 26 is intentionally more subtle.

The artwork applied to the link bridge in between Haus 14 and 26 has been illuminated from both sides with a vertically mounted LED light source recessed with an architectural detail, creating a focal point and drawing the attention of passing pedestrians and vehicles to the main entrance underneath the bridge.

When entering either Haus 14 or 26 you are greeted by a large foyer space. Masculine materials have been used and where the concrete meets the bronze metal panels the junction has been defined with a concealed lighting detail. The low glare ceiling recessed downlights create a bright and welcoming space.

dpa are currently working with Weickenmeier, Kunz + Partner Architects on several other projects on the Neuen Balan Campus, including Haus 27, which will sit alongside Haus 26.

Client: Allgemeine SÜDBODEN Grundbesitz AG
Architect: Norbert Weickenmeier and Weickenmeier, Kunz + Partner Architects
Electrical Consultant: ITG
Photography: Stefan Müller-Naumann

 

 

The Constellation, The Founder’s Memorial,
Abu Dhabi, UAE

dpa were privileged to be invited to illuminate The Constellation, a monumental public artwork that forms the centrepiece of The Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, a permanent national tribute to the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The artwork was conceptualised and designed by artist Ralph Helmick, whose practice explores human perception through large-scale public sculptures and installations that invite optical discovery.

dpa collaborated closely with the artist at both his studio in Boston and during the extensive lighting trials that were conducted in Abu Dhabi to achieve the optical visual performance of the lighting scheme that enhances this world class artwork. Particularly challenging was the task of conceptualising and developing a lighting scheme that would highlight the unique artwork from multiple viewing angles, whilst retaining the subtle complexity and depth of the sculpture.

The Constellation  consists of over one thousand three hundred geometric shapes suspended from more than one thousand tensioned cables. These elements constitute varying sizes of the five different types of regular, convex polyhedrons known as ‘platonic solids’, which are renowned for their mathematical beauty and symmetry. In order to achieve three dimensional rendition of the sculpture at night, seven hundred and fifty three downlights and twelve hundred and three uplights were custom made to illuminate the sculpture from above and below.  Each fixture is fitted with a 3.5w warm white LED and integral DMX control, which enables the exact tailoring of the lighting scheme to respond to the differing textures and forms of the individual and collective solids that make up the artwork.

The Constellation is situated within the landscape of The Founder’s Memorial, which features plants indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula, an elevated walkway offering breathtaking views of the city, and a Welcome Centre with a state-of-the-art multimedia experience. Housed within a pristine, prismatic Pavilion at the heart of the space, the suspended solids of The Constellation shine like stars within the night sky. This celestial display evokes the timelessness of Sheikh Zayed’s vision, which continues to offer the UAE people guidance along a path of progress and prosperity.

Project Owners: Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Artist: Ralph Helmick
Photography: Alex Jeffries Photography Group