The contractor on the project was Matrix Sales ApS with Urs Friis-Alstrup as the project manager responsible for budgeting, product selection and programming.
The mission was to light up the arched ceilings of the more than 100-year-old railway station which consists of two 100-metre long halls - each with more than 20 metres to the ceiling.
The halls, bearing the architecture and craftsmanship of the early 1900s, are set in dark green and red, which cause the visitor experience to be very dark and gloomy, especially during the winter months. Therefore, the challenge was to create an installation that respected and preserved the original building construction, while bringing it alive.
Friis-Alstrup explains the reasons for choosing SGM's P-5s: "We wanted to use a product with a high IP-rating, as the environment inside Copenhagen Central Station is heavily exposed to dust and droppings from the many pigeons inside the halls. At the same time, the client also favoured a Danish solution and we knew we could illuminate many square metres using relatively few units due the latest LED technology." He adds; "Personally, my own favourite feature of the P-5 is its simple construction and design. This, in itself, has made many prefer the P-5 compared to other wash lights on the market."
The key focus was to keep the lamps themselves invisible so that it was only the lighting effect the visitors would actually be able to see. The solution was to mount the P-5s on the rooftops of the shop buildings that are located in four areas inside of the halls.
All 24 units are individually mounted on a floor stand, which is screwed onto the foundation through the four holes in its base. This placement means that the fixtures themselves are almost hidden from the daily travellers, who can now enjoy the beautiful ceilings and their construction patterns and rafts. For daily lighting, the primary colour used is white. However, several colours are programmed into the system for the client to choose between different mood settings - for instance during Christmas or for special events.
"The client is very happy with the result and is already considering implementing additional light installations. With the P-5s we have definitely achieved the desired effect to the fullest extent," Friis-Alstrup concludes.
(Jim Evans)
