Lighting in Design Q3 2019

Promoting a unique identity after dark

The external lighting strategy of the new Park Square development, devised by Arup, embraces the latest in lighting concepts.

T he R1bn mixed-use office and retail develop- ment situated in the heart of Umhlanga New Town Centre in KwaZulu-Natal opened in late 2018. Arup provided integrated lighting design for the external lighting strategy of the Park Square Development. The company progressed the lighting concept, developed in conjunction with MAP Archi- tects, by looking at each external lighting element in detail with a view to creating a high-quality night-time environment. “Park Square showcases how various street- and-landscapes as well as architectural features can transform public environments through their careful integration of light,” explains Shikar Takurpersad, Associate at Arup and electrical lead on the project. “That visitors and tenants experience a quality experi- ence in the public spaces was a key consideration in the design for the external lighting for Park Square.” Integrated lighting The external lighting design had the following objectives: • To create an appropriate ambience and mood. • To promote legibility through the illumination of features including edges, nodes, paths and the enhancement of key vistas.

• To promote a unique identity for the area ‘after dark’. • To provide for safety, security, orientation and assists way finding. • To provide sustainable lighting solutions that minimise energy use. “The intention was always for the lighting to guide movement – people are attracted to the brightest part of a lit scene,” expands Takurpersad. “The dy- namic lighting components create visual interest that encourages people to linger in the space rather than simply pass through.” The lighting design combined well illuminated focal points and destinations. Light modulated the architecture, creating visual interest. This was bal- anced with ensuring that a high quality lit environ- ment was achieved by using a limited light colour temperature palette of white light, together with a range of light intensities, giving definition to the different areas and functions of the site. Enhancing the façade The intention for the façade was that the lighting will vary, respond to, and reinforce the layers of the building and activity behind accentuating the

18

LiD Q3 - 2019