The Festival of Lights, also called Day on December 8 or lights, is a popular event held each year around December 8 , the traditional date of the event, at Lyon ( France ).

Rendez-vous for designers, lighting designers , artists, sculptors, architects and other multimedia developers, the Festival of Lights offers visitors find landmarks in the city of Lyon converted for the occasion. Parmi eux, Marie-Jeanne Gauthé et Fabrice Chouillier font ainsi la pluie et le beau temps sur les façades de la place des Terreaux et les cours intérieures de l’Hôtel de ville pendant que Sébastien Lefèvre fait grimper son ‘ homme digital ‘ sur l’antenne TDF de Fourvière à plus de 80 mètres de haut. Among them, Marie-Jeanne Gauthé and Fabrice Chouillier are well rain or shine on the facades of the square of Soils and courtyards of the Hotel de Ville while Sebastien Lefevre pushed its’ digital rights ‘on TDF antenna Fourvière over 80 meters high. Sans oublier Yves Moreaux , qui emmène les noctambules dans un incroyable voyage lumino-sensoriel au fil du Rhône , des étudiants en écoles supérieures d’art , d’architecture et de design mais aussi au remarquable travail des associations de quartiers, des MJC et des habitants qui revisitent, pour l’occasion, places, façades et traboules.Not to mention Yves Moreaux , that takes an incredible journey into night owls lumino sensory over- Rhone , students in colleges of art , architecture and design but also the remarkable work of neighborhood associations, the MJC and people who revisit for the occasion, squares, facades and traboules. De plus l’espace public est le théâtre de rendez-vous uniques, de performances inédites, de vrais moments de complicité entre les spectateurs et les artistes de rue. Moreover, the public space is the theater rendezvous unique, unprecedented performance, real moments of complicity between the audience and street artists. La Fête des lumières est aussi l’occasion pour les professionnels internationaux de se retrouver autour du colloque ‘ Les rencontres de la lumière ‘. The Festival of Lights is also the opportunity for international professionals to come together around the conference ‘ The meetings of the light ‘.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdg0vd_retour-sur-la-fete-des-lumieres-200_creation#from=embed?start=21

Old Mark Square

Coat of arms of Nottingham City Council

Nottingham is a city and unitary authority area in the East Midlands region of the United Kingdom. It is located in the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire, and is one of eight members of the English Core Cities Group. Whilst the City of Nottingham has a historically tightly drawn boundary which accounts for its relatively small population of 288,700, the wider Nottingham Urban Area has a population of 667,000 and is the seventh-largest urban area in the United Kingdom, ranking between those of Liverpool and Sheffield.^[4] Eurostat’s Larger Urban Zone listed the areas population at 825,600 as of 2004. Nottingham is famed for its links with the Robin Hood legend and, during the Industrial Revolution, obtained worldwide recognition for its lace-making and bicycle industries. It was granted its city charter as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria in 1897 and has since been officially titled the City of Nottingham.

In Anglo-Saxon times, around 600 AD^{[citation needed]} the site formed part of the Kingdom of Mercia and was known in the Brythonic language as Tigguo Cobauc, meaning Place of Caves. In Welsh it is known poetically as Y Ty Ogofog, “The Cavey Dwelling”[1]. When it fell under the rule of a Saxon chieftain named Snot^[5] it became known as “Snotingaham”; the homestead of Snot’s people (Inga = the people of; Ham = homestead). Snot brought together his people in an area now know as the Lace Market.

Nottingham was captured in 867 by Danish Vikings^{[citation needed]} and later became one of the Five Burghs – or fortified towns – of The Danelaw.

In the 11th century Nottingham Castle was constructed on a sandstone outcrop by the River Leen. The Anglo-Saxon settlement developed into the English Borough of Nottingham and housed a Town Hall and Law Courts. A settlement also developed around the castle on the hill opposite and was the French borough supporting the Normans in the castle. Eventually, the space between was built on as the town grew and the Old Market Square became the focus of Nottingham several centuries later. On the return of Richard Coeur de Lion from the Crusades, the castle stood out in Prince John‘s favour. So, it was besieged by Richard, and after a sharp conflict, captured.^[6]

By the 15th century, Nottingham had established itself as the centre of a thriving export trade in religious sculpture made from alabaster^[7] The town became a county corporate in 1449^[8] giving it effective self-government, in the words of the charter, “for eternity”. The Castle and Shire Hall were expressly excluded and technically remained as detached Parishes of Nottinghamshire.

The Adams Building in the Lace Market – a former lace warehouse

During the Industrial Revolution, much of Nottingham’s prosperity was founded on the textile industry; in particular, Nottingham was an internationally important centre of lace manufacture. However, the rapid and poorly planned growth left Nottingham with the reputation of having the worst slums in the British Empire outside India.^{[citation needed]} Residents of these slums rioted in 1831, in protest against the Duke of Newcastle‘s opposition to the Reform Act 1832, setting fire to his residence, Nottingham Castle.

In common with the UK textile industry as a whole, Nottingham’s textile sector fell into headlong decline in the decades following World War II, as British manufacturers proved unable to compete on price or volume with the output of factories in the Far East and South Asia.^{[citation needed]} Very little textile manufacture now takes place in Nottingham, but the city’s heyday in this sector endowed it with some fine industrial buildings in the Lace Market district. Many of these have been restored and put to new uses.

Nottingham was one of the boroughs reformed by the Municipal Corporations Act 1835, and at that time consisted of the parishes of Nottingham St Mary, Nottingham St Nicholas and Nottingham St Peter. It was expanded in 1877 by adding the parishes of Basford, Brewhouse Yard, Bulwell, Radford, Sneinton, Standard Hill and parts of the parishes of West Bridgford, Carlton, Wilford (North Wilford). In 1889 Nottingham became a county borough under the Local Government Act 1888. City status was awarded as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria, being signified in a letter from the Prime Minister the Marquess of Salisbury to the Mayor, dated 18 June 1897. Nottingham was extended in 1933 by adding Bilborough and Wollaton, parts of the parishes of Bestwood Park and Colwick, and a recently developed part of the Beeston Urban District. A further boundary extension was granted in 1951 when Clifton and Wilford (south of the River Trent) were incorporated into the city.^[9][10]

^{From website:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nottingham}

We hold an exhibition with BA students in Waverlery building in early June. In the first place, it should be said that  the result was satisfied,though I  haven’t showed my finished individual project on that day.This event was in order to show the process of our work,let us know what need to modify and develop later.

As things are , the final effect what I want to approached was not faraway.But many places I need to develop.Such as the its appearance,meaning and research context…

Which I have learned from it was the practice of  the LED controlling , lighting and media systems.Furthermore, the extended design thinking in the process of my research was also one of my greatest harvest .

To sum up,I discovered some of my faults, and will correct them.In addition,continuing my second project and starting my final essay…

 Here are some new creations which are all made of  LEDs,showing lighting designers in pursuit  of  LED’s various forms and shapes.

Color Changing Frosted Solar Ice Lights For Your Garden

We all need to do our bit to salvage our Planet and investing in solar friendly products is a step in the right direction. Those who cannot invest large amount of money on Eco-friendly products can buy the super cute and Eco-chic, Color Changing Frosted Solar Ice Lights. Resembling frosted ice cubes, these color changing LEDs can be nestled among soil, stones or on grass. You can order them from Red Save.

Lucia Generative LED Light Box By Tangible Interaction

There are some projects that want to engage most of your senses and the Lucia Generative Light is one such multi-sensory project. A sound reactive LED matrix unit, Lucia has a 112×20 pixel LED light box that emits shapes and colors according to the sound around it. The pre-loaded generative patterns and animations are controllable so that you can enjoy the play of light and sound at your discretion. The Lucia project has been designed by Tangible Interaction and you can read about them here.

Big Belly LED Bulb By Pieke Bergmans

You thought only you were fighting the eternal Battle of the Bulge? Well, think again, as the A&D world is not oblivious to the size phenomena. Fortunately the bulb created by Pieke Bergmans is all about embracing its curve and has no qualms flaunting its big belly! The LED Bulb will make quite a statement don’t you think?

Says the designer:

“It is a light bulb that has gone way out of line. Infected by the dreaded Design Virus, these Bulbs have taken on all kinds of forms and sizes you wouldn’t expect from such well behaving and reliable little products.”

Swarovski Based Amplify Paper Lanterns

The diaphanous nature of the Amplify Paper Lanterns is what draws you instantly, that and its use of Swarovski crystals. Sophistication personified, the lanterns have been designed by the conscientious designer Yves B�har. Shaped like crystals, the lanterns are equipped with a LED light that refracts from real crystals to cast the myriad of stunning patterns on paper. The visual narrative of the patterns and the fluidity mirrored in each lantern leaves quite an impression, don’t you think?

Award Winning LED Lamp made from Wood

This simple lamp won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in March 2009 for its clever design. It is called the “LED Lamp”. This desk lamp is turned off and on using a concealed sensor at the base of the lamp. Perhaps the most amazing quality is how the lights themselves were so well blended into the thin strip of wood in the lamp’s arm. The end result is more like a wooden sculpture rather than a traditional lamp design. More information can be found here.

Touch Technology Vierti Dimmer Switches by Lutron

I like the innovative way that touch technology is worked into home products. Vierti dimmer switches by Lutron offer an exciting look at lighting controls in home or business settings. The switch plates feature an LED light in white, blue, or green that controls the light intensity. As you touch different areas of the LED light, the lighting effect in the room changes. Another added benefit is the ease of finding the light switches in the dark since they are illuminated. There is a nice demo on the Lutron website that can be found at this location: dimmer demo. Vierti dimmer switches have a price range from $150-$275 depending on needed options and can be found: here.

Calla Lily Decorative Solar Powered Outdoor Lights

Decorative outdoor lighting offers a relaxing glow to your own piece of the world. The Original Firefly Garden Stakes feature hand-blown glass and efficient solar powered LED lamps that shine for 6-8 hours. The beautiful “Calla Lily” solar powered outdoor lights look good at night or day thanks to natural colors that include Yellow, Plum and Coral. Includes Height Adjustable Stainless Steel Stake with Planting Tip & 2 AA Rechargeable Batteries Appx 3-4 Inches wide. $47 ea from puremodern.com

From website:http://www.furniturestoreblog.com/lamp_lighting/?page=10

Palimpsest- Pittsburgh Festival of Lights

In order to find out how is the Projection work achieved? Recently, I gathered much information about that. After that, my second project - a portfolio of designs for Waverley Building will be come out. So first I need to investigate the production process of the Projection. Through my research on the Projection Studio, I have got the following information：

overview

• Large format projection specialist The Projection Studio launched the revolutionary new Onlyview™ software for multi-screen format video projections in the UK.

• Produced by French large projection specialists The Projection Studio Audiovisuel, Onlyview is a tool for the easy, real-time creation of multi-screen video projections with automatic control of overlapping and soft edging.

• In addition to Onlyview, The Projection Studio will be offering a range of large scale high powered video projection alongside the traditional PIGI scrolling film projectors.

(Fromhttp://www.projecting.co.uk/ETC/Onlyview/onlyview.html)

SO,how is the Onlyview?Let’s make clear about it in advance.

About Onlyview

Onlyview is a fast, flexible, user-friendly interactive front-end for visual designers and artistic directors, allowing the conception and evolution of their shows before bringing them to site – where The Projection Studio’s teams can collaborate on the finalisation and fine tuning.

With many unique features, it’s an adaptable solution for events, conferences, spectaculars, TV production and fixed installations, harnessing the power of modern PC graphics cards and allowing the creation of stunning effects that can be seen immediately.

Quick Overview

• Soft edges together video projectors to create a totally seamless image.
• Unique to Onlyview is the ability to track real world objects completely live.
• Visual elements can be imported ‘into’ the screen and shown in windows on the background.
• Onlyview is very FAST! Changes can be made in real time without long rendering times. If show elements need to be repositioned, they can be moved instantly onscreen
• Onlyview is flexible. It can simultaneously show multiple live camera images alongside video playback and PC sources.
• Graphic files can be imported and animated. Photoshop files are imported as layers, so elements can be moved on screen without needing to re-import the image to make changes.
• Onlyview has its own text generator using true type fonts!
• Any source software, video or graphics can have the parameters (colour, transparency, etc) changed – and those changes will only affect the source file in that part of the show. i.e. cue specific changes, not global changes.
• Onlyview can use multiple timelines and cross-fade from any timeline to another in any order.

Onlyview can be synchronised with Onlycue, (The Projection Studio’s large format scrolling projection control software) for simple and seamless integration of both video and PIGI large format projection into the same show.

About PIGI

The PIGI Automated Rotating
Double Scroller (DDRA) projector,
designed by E\T\C Audiovisuel, is
the optimum solution for your giant
image projection.

This 5/7 kW Xenon projector
combines the techniques of scrolling
film with the facility of rotation of
images through 360° controlled by
Onlycue© software or DMX.

Automated Rotating Double Scroller

Characteristics :
Specifications :
The Pigi DDRA projector enables the simultaneous scrolling of
two independent films which can be continuously rotated through
360° at variable speeds.
The rotation is extremely precise because its programming is
determined by parameters of time and position.
The mechanical positioning system of the two superimposed
films is slaved by optical encoders with the precision of one 100th
of a millimetre. The very broad range of speeds allows scrolling
from one millimetre per minute to ultra-fast positioning of
approximately one metre per second, allowing practically
instantaneous changes of view.
Each scroller can carry up to 20 metres of film (40 metres in
total). The image has a usable format of 155mm x 155mm.
The lens holder, which accepts all current large-format lenses, is
slaved to and controlled by Onlycue software, allowing the
operator to pull focus from soft to sharp.
The Pigi power supply is a 5/7kW high-performance, compact
and lightweight, resonant electronic supply. It is programmable by
the 0-10 volt input in a range from 3000 to 8000 watts. Being able
to control the power of the projectors on-site (for rehearsals,
shows, different image sizes, etc.) can help to economize the life
of the lamp and film.
All functions of the Pigi DDRA are directly accessible on the
machine itself. A back-lit display, two lines of characters and a
keypad give access to a configuration menu and control of the
device.
The system inputs are compatible with both Pigi and DMX
signals. Multiple projectors work in perfect synchronisation via
the Pigi control software Onlycue©, or directly via DMX. The
user-friendly Onlycue© software can control up to 20 projectors
per standard PC serial port (RS 422). On DMX, the 16-bit control
maintains an extremely high precision of film positioning as well
as perfectly fluid scrolling. When using SMPTE or MIDI control
protocols, the Pigi DDRA reproduces meticulous performances
day after day when operating alongside other show elements.
It is possible to fit a controlled rear foot that is programmable by
Onlycue© software or DMX.

PIGI ‘S’ HMI Projectors

The PIGI S series allows the simultaneous scrolling of two independent films. The mechanical system for positioning the films is driven by motors slaved to optical encoders with a precision of up to one 100th of a millimetre (via OnlyCue Software protocol). All the functions of the system are directly accessible on the machine itself. A back-lit display, 2 lines of 40 characters and a keyboard give access to a configuration menu and control of the device.

http://www.projecting.co.uk/Pigi_S_500-700_uk1.pdf

The PIGI Control Software – OnlyCue Software

Designed with ease of use in mind, a maximum number of changes can be made ‘live’. Up to twenty PIGI units: double, single and rotating scrollers can be controlled from one computer. The software also accepts SMPTE & EBU Clocktrack.

Expo 2010 Shanghai China will be a great event to explore the full potential of urban life in the 21st century and a significant period in urban evolution. Fifty-five percent of the world population is expected to live in cities by the year 2010. The prospect of future urban life, a subject of global interest, concerns all nations, developed or less developed, and their people. Being the first World Exposition on the theme of city, Exposition 2010 will attract governments and people from across the world, focusing on the theme “Better City, Better Life.” For its 184 days, participants will display urban civilisation to the full extent, exchange their experiences of urban development, disseminate advanced notions on cities and explore new approaches to human habitat, lifestyle and working conditions in the new century. They will learn how to create an eco-friendly society and maintain the sustainable development of human beings.

Expo 2010 Shanghai China will centre on innovation and interaction. Innovation is the soul, while cultural interaction is an important mission of the World Expositions. In the new era, Expo 2010 Shanghai China will contribute to human-centred development, scientific and technological innovation, cultural diversity and win-win cooperation for a better future, thus composing a melody with the key notes of highlighting innovation and interaction in the new century.

Expo 2010 Shanghai China will also be a grand international gathering. On the one hand, we shall endeavour to attract about 200 nations and international organisations to take part in the exhibition as well as 70 million visitors from home and abroad, ensuring the widest possible participation in the history of the World Expositions. On the other hand, we will put Expo 2010 Shanghai China in a global perspective and do our best to encourage the participation and gain the understanding and support of various countries and peoples, in order to turn Expo 2010 Shanghai China into a happy reunion of people from all over the world.

In addition, Expo 2010 Shanghai China will offer a wonderful opportunity for cross-culture dialogues. Before the conclusion of the Exposition, a “Shanghai Declaration” will be issued. This declaration, hopefully a milestone in the history of the World Expositions, will epitomise the insights to be offered by the participants and embody people’s ideas for future cooperation and development and extensive common aspirations, thereby leaving a rich spiritual legacy of urban development to people throughout the world.

The Chinese Government will go to great lengths to make Expo 2010 Shanghai China a special event that carries on traditions and opens a new vista into the future. Our motto is: “Keeping in mind the next 60 years’ development while preparing for the six months’ Exposition.” We count on the continuing attention, support and participation of all the peace-loving countries.

From: www.en.expo2010.cn

UK pavilion at shanghai world expo 2010

(I really like the architecture design of  UK pavilion)

The concept behind thomas heatherwick‘s UK pavilion at shanghai expo 2010,
is an enclosure that throws outwards from all sides, a mass of long radiating cilia.

the centerpiece of the pavilion is the seed cathedral, a six storey high cube-like structure,
pierced by approximately 60 000 x 7.5m long slim transparent acrylic rods which sway gently
in response to any wind movement. during the day each of these rods act like fibre
optic filaments, drawing on daylight in order to illuminate the interior. at night, light sources
at the interior end of each rod allow the whole structure to glow from the outside.

the pavilion is situated on a landscape which resembles paper which once wrapped
the building, but now lies unfolded on the site. the surrounding space provides an open
venue for public events and along with shelter for visitors.

Some lighting design projects for World Expo Shanghai

Chilean Pavilion at 2010 Shanghai World Expo, Shanghai, China

AECOM has been appointed in two phases by the Chilean government to provide the pre-construction services (phase 1) and project management and construction management services (phase 2) for the Chilean Pavilion, the first Latin American country to be represented, at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo in China. The 2,000 square meters Chilean Pavilion will showcase Chile and the country’s prowess in science and technology. 

AECOM was selected to ensure an international standard of project and construction management as well as bridge the cultural difference between the Chilean government and Chinese design and construction firms. The contract was awarded in May and has been commenced in June. It is expected to be completed in April 2010.

The Projection Studio equips the France Pavilion at the Expo 2010 Shanghai China

The Projection Studio has been awarded a prestigious contract for the supply, installation and operation of the audio-visual and multimedia systems for the France Pavilion by COFRES (Compagnie Française pour l’Exposition Universelle de Shanghai) at the 2010 World Expo to be held in Shanghai from May to October.

The 6,000m² France Pavilion, whose theme is “la Ville Sensuelle” (the Sensuous City), was designed by architect Jacques Ferrier. The Pavilion’s scenography will utilize the latest technology to present the country to visitors by way of the five senses: taste, sight, touch, smell and hearing. A wide range of AV equipment including video projectors, plasma screens and sound systems, all operated via Onlyview®, ETC’s flexible multimedia control platform, will be installed throughout the Pavilion, and will run 15 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the 6 months of the Expo.

ETC will deploy a team of 10 technicians and engineers (who will collaborate with 10 other crew members from local partners) to undertake the installation, programming, commissioning and operation of some 80 video projectors, 45 plasma screens and an Onlyview® system comprised of more than 40 media servers. One of the Pavilion’s highlights will be the Odorama, where olfactory equipment will automatically detect passing visitors and diffuse various odours around them throughout the visit.

To discover the France Pavilion: http://www.pavillon-france.fr/?lang=en

To find out more about the Expo 2010: http://en.expo2010.cn

 http://en.expo2010.cn/sr/node2292/indexn.htm

Panoramic view of Shanghai Expo：http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/h-6Iv1hJJwU/

（LEDs+Recycled wine bottles =new lamps）

（Green glow-RAYS OF HOPE）

Test (1)–3DS Max Generated video

Test (2)–color bottles

Detailed Description

In these more conservation driven times incorporating some green elements into home decorating is in. This project proves that even recycled materials can be used to create fantastic looking decor. Energy efficient LED lights and reused wine bottles become stylish lamps that are controlled and changed via a movement sensor and other equipments.

The whole of project is constructed of green resources. In addition to the reused wine bottles, using the LEDS is also an energy-saving light source.As you can see from the pictures，the emitted bright green lights inside the wine bottles are in order to show a color of green symbolizes the hope, like a source of their strength. The much deeper perceived is to seek a breath of spring by the natural color, giving the viewers a sense of coming back to the nature. This idea is called “RAYS OF HOPE “, the theme of this project is ”City-Nature”. Let us use green resources instead of other things with high energy consumption to much closer to nature！

This piece of work looks simple enough for someone with a working knowledge of circuitry, and it deduces a kind of modern art through the use of Acousto-optic technology.

Instructions for use of the project：

Work system

Plan (1)

There is a movement sensor at the top of these bottles, it will work automatically when visitors through it. At the meantime, one group of LED bottle lamps(5 bottles) are turning into green light gradually. (It was like you were passing through a grassland) Then the electricity will be cut off automatically if the visitors are away from this area.

Among others, except for the interaction of this pieces of work and visitors, it has a power saving function.

Plan(2)

When people approach these lamps that emitted green lights, one group lights of LED lamps above them will change from green to color. The meaning of this idea is in order to achieve visual effects that like you are walking in the grass, then suddenly it appears a sea of flower in front of your eyes…

To manufacture the lights themselves, I will need（materials）:

• Wine bottles
• 2 core electrical cable
• LEDs（Pulsar ChromaPoint）
• Resistors
• Solder
• Heat shrink tubing
• Zip ties
• Solid core bell wire
• Braided copper wire

I have been beset by problems during this process：

•        The 3DS MAX version is different between my laptop and the computer in school
•        The video of my computer-generated can not upload to my blog, because of the file format was not supported
•       The high price of the LEDS led to my project can not be perfectly achieved
•       I am worried the progress of my project due to the slow deliver of LEDS

Cambridge 800

For its 800th Anniversary, the University of Cambridge commissioned a projection artwork to reflect on the myriad achievements and world-changing ideas born within its walls, from the establishment of the fundamentals of physics to the discovery of the structure of DNA; from the transformative thinking of great Cambridge philosophers, poets and artists; to the groundbreaking work of its many Nobel Prize winners.

“I was very excited to be involved with this opening event for the year of celebrations surrounding the 800th anniversary of the University of Cambridge.  The ideas, concepts and inventions that have flowed from Cambridge have changed the world. I wanted to give the viewer a glimpse of the depth and breadth of this incredible body of work and to show that this same innovative genius will continue to shape our world in the future.”

Ross Ashton Acquires E/T/C UK

A specialist high-power projection company has decided to divide the
ir company into two separate entities.

 ETC UK Ltd., a subsidiary of E/T/C has been acquired by Projection Artist
 and Designer Ross Ashton.

Ashton is now operating as an independent company called The Projection Studio, and plans to develop its creative strengths by further expanding into large scale artistic and projection projects.



E/T/C Paris will continue being involved in major international projects, headed up by the same skilled teams that have worked on high-profile shows around the world for many years.

The two companies look forward to a continuing collaboration on selected 
projects in the UK.

From the website：http://www.rossashton.com/Timeline/timeline.html

http://www.projecting.co.uk/ETC/home.html

I need to learn more knowledge and broaden my skills for my research from now on.So except  the Expo Project, I will find more  theoretical knowledge and  develop my ability of  practice in lighting operation,then using this technology to create a new appearance for Waverley building.It is important for me to bring these knowledges towards to a higher level in MA phase,so I have seen  clearly about my trend of this term now.I really very much appreciate Christine’s  guidance and help.

Natural History Museum Illuminated with new LED technology

AECOM and Royal Philips Electronics and have designed a ground breaking LED lighting solution for London’s world famous Natural History Museum.

Replacing the aging floodlight system, Philips state-of- the art ColorReach™ Powercore technology demonstrates the flexibility and unprecedented light output of LED exterior floodlighting for signature façades today. Combine this with its unparalleled light projection of up to 500 feet, and it is easy to see why ColorReach™ Powercore was the ideal choice to illuminate this beautiful structure.

Visitors to the Natural History Museum cannot fail to be impressed by the grand entrance and rounded arch of one of Britain’s most striking examples of Romanesque architecture. Named after the architect who designed it, The Waterhouse Building’s rounded arches and grand entrance takes inspiration from the natural beauty of Fingal’s Cave in Scotland. The magnificence of the structure at night, however, was not being optimised by the existing lighting solution, which used inefficient metal halide floodlights. Switching to an LED alternative offered multiple benefits including benefitting from significantly lower annual running costs, as well as the opportunity to truly bring out the aesthetic quality of the building.

For general use a white LED setting has been used to complement the colour and textural qualities of the grey and terracotta stone details. The programmability of ColorReach™ also means that flexible ambiances can be created to reflect the season, special dates or corporate events, providing added drama and movement via a myriad of colour variations. All this is easily achieved by wireless programming system with a remote controller which the Natural History Museum’s events team can operate simply and effectively for evening events.

Ultilising the existing fixing positions, in all, just 32 ColorReach™ projectors were needed – half the number of the former metal halide floodlights – to light up the broad sweep of the arched entrance and flanking walls.

As Glynnan Barham, energy manager for the Natural History Museum states, “We were quickly won over by ColorReach’s superb projection capability and flexibility. More than this however, the Natural History Museum is focused on minimising its emissions through all activities and one of the key areas that we can achieve this is through our lighting. What impressed us was the dramatic impact we could make to our energy and maintenance costs compared with the traditional light sources we had been using. “

Indeed, the total electrical load has been reduced by 75% in normal operation. Added to this, LEDs are virtually maintenance free and have a useful life of approximately 50,000 hours. This means that the Museum will not need to replace the LED modules for at least 30 years under normal usage conditions. This compares with an average of 3 years for conventional metal halide lamps.

Overall, calculations show that the install cost of the LED solution would have a payback of just 4 years with accumulative savings year on year thereafter.

Without doubt, Philips ColorReach™ Powercore has given the Natural History Museum even greater scope to integrate stunning lighting effects within its architectural environment and, in so doing, brings even greater pleasure and enjoyment to its millions of visitors each year.

As Martin Valentine, Head of AECOM’s Lighting Group, said, “The Waterhouse Building is one of the most iconic and beautiful buildings in Britain, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to create a lighting design that will make it even more visually stunning.”

White Light at the Natural History Museum

Leading corporate events specialist, White Light marked its recent appointment as an Approved Supplier to London’s historic and beautiful Natural History Museum by creating a stunning scheme for the venue, showing the possibilities of some of the very latest visual technology, transforming a space in support of corporate events, awards ceremonies and corporate hospitality.

White Light’s Creative Designer Jason Larcombe for this event explains, “the Natural History Museum’s interior is very responsive to light, and the architecture gives it a great sense of presence. With this in mind guests will feel that they are an important part of a dramatic event.”

Of course for events, merely creating atmosphere is no longer enough, especially as corporate buyers in this climate need to see even more return on investment. By using technology that is responsive, flexible and contemporary, we are able to clearly re-enforce a brand and deliver promotional messages, a strength that give us a unique edge.

For this event, the design made use of the remarkable new flat Fusion 672 panel in conjunction with other LED products from White Light’s comprehensive inventory.

“While the theatrical look created by our visual products is, of course, a primary importance to an event, it is not the only consideration,” notes White Light’s Richard Wilson. “Ease of delivery is also vital: being able to create these stunning environments within short deadlines was not previously possible.”

All of these factors have particularly impressed the team at the NHM. “I was so impressed by the speed,” comments the museum‘s Operations Manager, Nigel Mullins, “it was a first for the Natural History Museum.” The end result also impressed the museum’s Event Manager, Janet Staines. “We are so excited to be able to offer these visual products to our corporate clients”.

White Light’s Live Event Production team handles the technical delivery of events from beginning-to-end, from concept to creation. We have specialist teams delivering conferences, awards presentations, corporate hospitality and private events, and we are proud to be approved suppliers to The Natural History Museum and many of the country’s leading venues.

Further information about White Light, complete with a Portfolio featuring many of the company’s projects, including the lighting scheme for the Natural History Museum, can be found on-line at www.WhiteLight.Ltd.uk.

For more details about the Natural History Museum, please go to www.nhm.ac.uk/exclusive-events/

Photo courtesy of James McKenzie

From this website:http://www.despoke.com/2009/10/29/natural-history-museum-illuminated-with-new-led-technology/

http://www.techietalk.co.uk/news/white-light-natural-history-museum/

Last week, I talked about my 4 plans of my Expo project with Adam and showed some prototypes to him. After discussing with Shine and Adam, they gave me some advises and results.

The first design – ”water drip” that someone had done that already, so it has become stale. Besides it, the LED Strips were difficult to make.

The second one–”free style” was a creative design; it was a beautiful in its effect. But in practice it would have problems arise. Such as: how to arrange these crosses LED lights, choosing Series or Parallel Circuits? If chose Parallel Circuits, the making process was complex. So Adam gave me an advice that we can divided these LED lights into several groups, this was an easy way to control them. Yes, that was good idea, I accepted it.

The third plan was a “loving heart” LED sculpture. Thought it looked very nice, it was the most difficult plan for us to attain. Because it would cost a lot to buy these LED resources. So we had to give up in present conditions.

Finally, the fourth one was determined. Because of the feasibility of this plan was much more likely to practice. In fact, this design was also I’ve looked forward to most. So I would take a lively interest in it.

The ideal effect of my Expo project

To use 15 wine bottles as lampshades, with LED lights inside. Grouping 5 lights together into three leagues. The purpose of this project is that to take full advantage of expertise in using Environment-friendly materials. Furthermore, in order to highlight the aesthetic feeling, I want to put some pieces of colored plastics/glass and a roughened glass at the bottom of these bottles, letting them make some dramatic visual effects to audiences.

On the other hand, I will do an experiment of interactive design as an example of music bottles; the idea is to put a motion sensor and speaker at the neck of the bottle. When the bottles moving, it will make a sound like the light sharp ringing sound of glasses being tapped. I named it:” Wind-bell”.

List execution condition:

Equipments: 15 LED lights, 15 clear-glass bottles,15 roughened glasses, a sound generator, a balance Sensor, a speaker, some pieces of coloured plastics/glass,CD player, PC,AMP,DMX,ligthing desk.

Exhibition Location: Waverley TV studio.