It features the first architectural lighting installation of its kind in South Africa, designed by Paul Pamboukian and senior lighting designer Joao Viegas of Paul Pamboukian Lighting Design (PPLD), with 115 Anolis ArcPad 48 and 12 ArcSource 96 fixtures used to highlight the spectacular 34m high, 42m diameter, 11 degree sloping roof structure and its ETFE inflatable skin.
These were supplied by Anolis' South African distributor DWR, who also undertook the installation and commissioning of the lighting system. DWR's team of three installation technicians all completed full Rope Access and Working at Height safety courses before starting on site, with approximately 70% of the Anolis fixtures needing to be rigged externally on the roof structure.
Protea Court - which houses 70 new international and luxury retail outlets - was inspired by the shape of South Africa's national flower, the Protea and designed by Tia Kanakakis from MDS Architects.
PPLD has worked with MDS Architects on previous projects, and was asked to create "a fabulous and innovative lighting scheme to accentuate the striking shape and aura of Protea Court, in the process capturing the mood and spirit of the whole cutting edge development and retail 'experience' with lighting".
PPLD specified 'green' lighting technology for several reasons: Firstly, to match the energy efficient ethos behind the ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) roof, a fluorine-based product with high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range. Secondly, they wanted to ensure that the long-term operational and running costs of the lighting scheme were efficient and budget friendly - so LED was an obvious route.
Thirdly, after exhaustive testing, they knew that using colour changing LEDs would work in the space and also offer additional dynamic, flexible options, e.g. shading the roof differently for special events and occasions.
The 115 ArcPad 48 and 12 ArcSource 96s are arranged over three rings around the roof dome, of which a centre cluster of 60 ArcPad 48 Integrals above the top of the lift shaft are the only Anolis fixtures inside the building. Above these - outside - are 12 ArcPad 96s in the centre, plus the other 55 ArcPad 48s on two rings lower down.
They are all optimised to wash the entire roof area complete with its elegant air filled undulations and features. Three very subtle mixed-colour looks are currently programmed as default states, adding finesse and complimenting the huge architectural statement made by the roof itself.
Everyone is reportedly delighted with the lighting scheme. It is hailed as a trend setting phenomena setting new standards and inspiration for others to follow.
The project's joint venture contractors Aveng Grinaker-LTA and WBHO recently took top honours in the annual Southern African Institute of Steel Construction's 2011 Steel Awards for their role in the project.
(Jim Evans)
