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. In the award’s second year (2012), 13 projects were recognized with an Award of Merit.
This month, we will explore how the lighting control scheme for the British Columbia Pavilion Corporation’s iconic BC Place, designed by C. M. Kling & Associates, Inc. and Stantec Architecture Ltd. Lighting designers: David C. Ghatan, Candace M. Kling, Laurenz Kosichek and Doug Hamming. Photography by Michael Elkan. Lighting products by Lumenpulse and EnGroup. Lighting controls by Pharos.
Since 1983 BC Place has been an icon in the Vancouver skyline. A roof replacement project triggered a complete transformation of the stadium. Challenged to create a vibrant beacon while being a good neighbor, new feature lighting required careful design and programming. The new transparent ETFE façade and retractable roof insure that the viewer experience, both inside and outside, is always engaging.
The lighting design focused on the façade, the roof, and support structure. Using a sophisticated computer controls system capable of processing color and sequenced lighting shows the design provided preprogrammed and live control of the building façade and roof with the ability to change its appearance both statically and dynamically.
Content was divided into three categories–static, slow, and fully dynamic. Static: the colors of each team to create patterns on the façade and roof. Slow: abstracted content on the façade with fixed roof colors are played before and during the games. Dynamic: fast paced shows, triggered when a team scores or for fan interaction (“the wave”), generate fan engagement both inside and out.
Home to the CFL and MLS teams, BC Place wanted unique signature looks for each team and major event.
Lighting is strategically used for event and seasonal displays while respecting the neighbors. The stadium lights were programmed for event days and duration only.
Lighting Controls manage 35,000 DMX channels and over 5 kms of control/data wiring to seamlessly control the lighting and allow for live interaction.
Routine system maintenance programs were developed to reset the system as needed and monitor the performance of the LED lighting.
Creative use of LED lighting with proper controls enables BC Place to change the look and feel of the stadium, promote events, engage fans and once again glow as an eminent icon in the Vancouver skyline.
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