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.
This month, we explore a large-scale complex lighting control system installed at a major new multi-use complex in Mumbia, India. Lighting design by the Lighting Design Alliance. Photography by Harshan Thomson.
At 8.5 million sq.ft., this is India’s largest, private, multi-use complex, encompassing a 2,000-seat grand theatre, 250-seat theatre, 150-Seat Blackbox theater, 1.6 million sq.ft. of exhibition space, India’s largest upscale mall, an office, and an apartment tower.
All luminaires and zones are controlled by a single master control system, while each theatre has its own stand-alone connected system. The lighting control system helped the project achieve LEED Platinum with a documented and published 40% energy savings.
Design challenges included meeting the owner’s request for the project to be a “Technology Showcase.” Every light fixture was individually controlled and programmed with a modern DALI control system, the largest ever built by the vendor. Dynamic lighting included 4-channel RGBA DMX controlled LEDs. All combined, there are more than 14,500 unique control zones.
Photocells for the daylit areas and occupancy sensors in all non-performance spaces meet conservation goals. Each fixture was purchased and tested to ensure dimming compatibility along with longevity, resulting in an extended warranty. As the technology was ever-changing over the decade long design and construction period, the specifications were continually updated. Even the parking garage, the largest in the world, was specified for each fixture to have full dimming and connectivity with integral occupancy sensors.
To match the client’s–not code–advanced control mandate, all DALI luminaires are fully dimmable and controlled via a time clock with afterhour setbacks. Fixtures are preset to underdrive current and meet a 100,000 hour expected life. For flexibility in exhibit areas, each fixture is individually addressed. And critical areas have 0.01% dimming ranges.
The facade also demonstrated great artistry by replacing traditional general floodlighting techniques with concealed RGBA fittings to uplight the multiple architectural features and fountain. Even the “bracelet” ornament on the entry façade has dynamic color and programmed pop-strobe effects, matching the dynamic fountain below.
Fountain, oval “bracelet” and lotus canopy all have RGBA lighting discreetly hidden, but individually controlled with a series of presets set for events and holidays.
Each high-powered cylinder downlight is individually dimmed and controlled for maximum flexibility and full color changing for uplighting to enhance the structural column system.
Unlike most exhibit spaces, these large rooms offer full theatrical infrastructure for unlimited flexibility and ease of use or programming.
Large meeting spaces include chrome 0.01% dimming cylinders designed to disappear and a Jali drop ceiling with dynamic RGBA uplighting, all preset to functional needs.
Ceiling Jali with 12” programmability creates a textured effect, while a full theatrical DMX system provides concealed infrastructure for various effects like orchid chandelier or stage lights.
Ballroom controls include RGBA dimming coves, 0.01% dimming wall screens, and chandeliers. Robotic downlights, swivel, tilt, adjust beam spreads, and intensity with 16 presets.
Small theatres utilize tunable white downlights that dim to 0.01% and a full theatrical DMX system for fixed and moving lighting systems.
The 2,000-seat theatre uses DMX for optimal controllability of theatrical and architectural lighting. All lighting uses 0.01% drivers, remotely installed for acoustical isolation.
Architectural lighting, ceiling and walls, are tied into the theatrical system so performance effects on the stage can flow across entire ceiling for full audience immersion.
Example of one of the many presets showing dynamic patterning on the lotus-shaped ceiling pedals with 2,800 crystals, each individually controlled.
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