The lighting installation was the last part of a refurbishment programme by Land Securities to enhance the arcade, which runs from The Strand to Buckingham Street near Charing Cross Station.
In line with the client brief, ACSP proposed that Traxon 40PXL & 20PXL colour-changing, diffused LED Media Tubes were the best solution, given their IP66 / IP67 rating and robust design. It makes them ideal for withstanding the outdoor elements, particularly in a public environment.
"The designers wanted to implement a fluid movement of light through the arcade, in a hexagonal arrangement to create a sense of interest and interactivity. Traxon's Media Tube is available in a range of different lengths, meaning we could create bespoke metalwork and fit the tubes into the hexagonal design," says ACSP project manager, Chris Little.
To house the Media Tube sections and cabling, ACSP worked closely with a local metalwork fabricator, who constructed the hexagonal-shaped pieces to their specifications. The metalwork was then powder coated to the specific RAL colour of the ceiling.
In addition, to hide all of the cabling and fixing supports, ACSP added return flanges onto the metal, and incorporated removable side panels into the design for maintenance or removal of fittings. "From the client's suggested ceiling layout we created a full CAD Drawing, including 3D CAD visuals, to ensure the Media Tube sections would stay true to the ceiling's hexagonal patterns", comments Chris.
The content displays a different colour sequence every day inside the arcade, and to create the effect of movement, the team employed the e:cue lighting system's on-board effects generator. Additionally, there are specific effects programmed for public occasions such as Valentine's Day and the Christmas period.
Two PIR sensors located at each end of the metalwork structure trigger these lighting effects according to which way a visitor enters the arcade. The system runs via an astronomical clock to take into account seasonal changes in daylight, enabling it to be fully standalone for minimum maintenance.
ACSP supplied the full Traxon lighting system, accessories, and all associated power and cabling.
Richard Brown, senior project surveyor, Land Securities, comments, "We're very pleased with the lighting solution provided by A.C. Special Projects. They delivered the bespoke metalwork design to our very exact specification, and handled the whole project professionally and efficiently at every stage, from design through to installation. The lighting looks great and has transformed the look of the arcade."
(Jim Evans)
