Commissioned during the late 1980's the building's ceiling is split into awkward asymmetric segments within a polygon-shaped building. But the infrastructure had become tired, the sound element needed upgrading and a visual dynamic introduced.
TMC's hire department had enjoyed a long relationship with the church's events department over the years. The contract sales team were consequently introduced to the project, and invited to work with the client to develop the scheme.
It was evident that the existing low pressure sodium lighting, with its familiar yellow hue, was inadequate and TMC were asked to design a concept in which the moods could constantly change, at the same time producing a lux level sufficiently bright to accommodate the school exams often held there.
By demo'ing different lengths of Solar L-Series battens, distributed by Lighting Effects Distribution, the installers were able to show they could reach the roof apex with uniform intensity of colour, while the discrete light source would enhance the aesthetic of the architecture.
The L-Series is a linear, aluminium-housed LED effect, with superior optics. It comes in a variety of lengths and other options, and is specifically designed for wall-washing. Two controllers are used at the Birmingham Christian Centre - a simple on/off switch with two colour presets and a Zero 88 Fat Frog lighting desk for more sophisticated manual operation.
The LED installation is part of a complete £300,000 sound and vision makeover, originally instigated by former associate pastor, Mark Pugh (who suggested the use of LED). This includes a cabling infrastructure enabling visiting Christian bands to perform there. "The idea of installing a top-grade system emanated from a large-scale youth event called The Gathering, which we hosted last year," said senior technician Peter Fernando. "On that occasion we hired in all the equipment, which opened up the question 'Why hire?'"
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
