SeaChange Receives 2021 Lighting Control Innovation Award of Merit

1 SeaChange 807.001 cp

October 26, 2022

By Lighting Controls Association

The Lighting Control Innovation Award was created in 2011 as part of the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Illumination Awards program, which recognizes professionalism, ingenuity and originality in lighting design. LCA is proud to sponsor the Lighting Control Innovation Award, which recognizes projects that exemplify the effective use of lighting controls in nonresidential applications.

This month, LCA explores a lighting control solution installed at SeaChange, a light art installation in a vehicular underpass in Lonsdale Quay, North Vancouver, BC. Lighting control design by Janelle Drouet. Photography by Nic Lehoux. Lighting controls by ETC and Eaton.

 

2 SeaChange 807.005 cp

Overlaying colors of light create varied colors, hues and patterns of ‘brush strokes’ that create a canvas feel softening the Brutalist concrete wall.

SeaChange celebrates North Vancouver’s connection to the waterfront by marking the location of the historic tide line and by serving a symbolical reminder of the importance of water to humanity. The artwork mimics the ephemeral and magical feeling of being immersed within a body of water, as if light was penetrating an undersea world through water ripples above the tunnel. This watery effect is created using a series of LED lights mounted near the wall to aim at textured mirrored panels that reflect light patterns back onto the surfaces and walkway of the tunnel. When the tunnel is unoccupied the artwork creates a gentle shifting light effect, however when a pedestrian or cyclist enters the underpass, a dynamic ripple is triggered across the wall in front of them.

The challenge began with finding solutions for the dark and menacing underpass, with challenges of a harsh exterior environment with adjacency to well-traveled roadways, small public budget, and need for durable solutions. In addition, there were limitations to the available mounting positions and solutions needed to address the limited maintenance plan available, durability to failures, vibration or small roadway debris. The innovative solution was to find standard equipment and materials and utilize them in a unique way while activating the space.

 

3 SeaChange 807.013

Consideration of visual comfort, minimizing direct view to sources, was achieved by reflecting light to create comfortable pools of illumination to wash the walls.

The team explored reflecting light on of various materials as a gentle reference to the organic refraction of light through water. This was achieved by light reflecting off of bumpy and textured stainless steel mirror, illuminating the adjacent wall and spilling into the ceiling above in curved wave-like patterns. Exterior color changing luminaires were selected, with a multi-diode array, to allow for additional texture in the effects. Occupancy sensors trigger individual ripples of colors for pedestrians and cyclists, while scenes sit in a lower energy use “resting state” during less active times.

 

4 SeaChange 807.016

Luminaires were modified to eliminate the red diodes to enhance the green, blue and white effects in the water-esque palette.

 

5 SeaChange 807.010

Short throw proximity sensors purposefully activate the scene, to free the light to ripple and move with the pedestrians and cyclists.

 

6 SeaChange 807.009

Careful modelling, analysis, mock-ups and testing informed the spacing and optic distribution and beam sharpening accessory selection to create soft overlapping layers.

 

7 SeaChange 807.002

Responsive to human movement, various specialty short throw exterior occupancy sensors generate different looks highlighting path of travel via a simple DMX show controller.

 

8 SeaChange 807.017

Various lighting experiments. carried out by all members of the team, determined the material to reflect the light achieving the broadest organic patterns and textures.

Source

 

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDucation 2024 – Concluded with Record-Breaking Attendance

    The LEDucation Trade Show and Conference, organized by the Designers Lighting Forum New York, wrapped 2024 with record-breaking attendance, welcoming more than 10,000 registrants from all aspects of the lighting industry. LEDucation celebrated its 18th year in New York City March 19–20 at the New York Hilton Midtown, becoming North America’s largest annual lighting industry… Read More…

  • Part 1: How Many Studies Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb?

    March 18, 2024 How studies in vision inform lighting standards at Night By Noah Sabatier Changing a light bulb in our home is perhaps the most simple task in which we can still credit ourselves for performing household maintenance. The amount of thought such an operation receives rarely extends beyond looking for the most efficient… Read More…


Design

  • Case Study: Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) with Salex SW

    Case Study: Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) with Salex SW

    February 6, 2024 Since 1940, WFCU Credit Union is a prominent and forward-thinking financial institution based in Windsor and Essex County. For over 80 years, WFCU has been dedicated to serving Ontario residents, community, organizations, small businesses, commercial entities, and public institutions. Their new headquarters in Kitchener was created as they continue to grow their… Read More…

  • Coaticook Suspended Footbridge: An Ever-Changing Luminous Canvas, Painted by Nature

    Coaticook Suspended Footbridge: An Ever-Changing Luminous Canvas, Painted by Nature

    December 5, 2023 At 170 m (554 ft) long and 50 m (160 ft) high, the Coaticook Canyon Bridge at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is one of the longest suspension footbridges in North America and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Eastern Townships. For several years, the Parc de la… Read More…


New Products

  • Liteline ORBIT 2″ Gimbal Recessed Fixture

    The ORBIT is a 5 watt 2″ gimbal recessed light fixture for retrofit applications, with 360° rotation and 80° tilt. It is a high-performance, easy to install downlight solution that offers good light output, energy-efficiency and streamlined design. Suitable for wet locations and ideal for vaulted ceiling and soffit installations. BodyDurable aluminum body with 360°… Read More…

  • Acclaim Lighting Introduces All-Weather Terra Drum with Multiple Color Options

    Acclaim Lighting introduces the Terra Drum series, rugged, all-weather inground, drive-over ready rated fixtures designed for recessed façade and tree lighting applications.  Available in 15-, 30- and 60-watt versions, Terra Drums have a drive-over rating of up to 6,000 lbs. (2,721kg). They are offered in 2400K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, Dynamic White (2700K-6000K), Quad Spectrum… Read More…