Client:
Battersea Power Station
Designer:
Michael Grubb Studio
Project Team:
Ralph Appelbaum Associates | Michael Grubb Studio | Speirs & Major | Squint Opera | Wilkinson Eyre | Fraser Randall | Beck | Sutton Creative
Bespoke Lighting Innovation at Lift 109!
Studiotech was responsible for engineering and implementing the decorative lighting pendants and Oculi at the Lift 109 experience, designed by Michael Grubb Studio.
The ‘Oculi’ at the lift’s base feature infinity mirrors framed with pixelated RGBW ‘neon’ LED, imitating the lift’s movement. A custom fabricated retail pendant with 360° RGBW LED tubes is located above the customer service desk, yet most notable is the bespoke multi-ring pendant in the Lift 109 Experience.
The pendant’s light scenes react to visitor interactions with the exhibition table below, creating a captivating ‘chasing’ scene. Studiotech was responsible for the detailed design, fabrication, installation and programming of the immersive pendant feature.
Engineering Design
Supply
Fabrication
Installation
Control
Programming
Engineering design
Studiotech was responsible for the detailed engineering design, bespoke fabrication, installation, and programming of the multiring pendant suspended above the exhibition table.
On each ring there are 170 spokes, each spoke is capped with a single LED node diffused by an acrylic tab. These are powered and controlled over a specially designed, custom two-wired system to ensure cabling was kept to a minimum
Additionally, there are colour changing RGB+WW+CW light rings that are individually controlled to complete the aesthetic of a multi-ring feature
pendant.
Each ring forms part of the dramatic scene that is triggered by the data taken from the amount of people interacting with the exhibit. The table acts as a coal fire generator, ‘powering’ the pendant above. The higher the number of people that interact with the generator, the faster the light chases around and up each ring in the pendant until it reaches maximum capacity and ‘powers down’ showcasing a dropping effect of light down the feature.
Control
The lighting sequence again, echoes the movement of Lift 109.
Using Traxon e:cue Sympholight, Studiotech has used the single control system for controlling all DMX, DALI, SPI and Mains fixtures; Controlling the retail space, main exhibition space and integrating the Audio Visual, exhibition table, fire alarms and action pad/user interface, resulting in a seamless integration
between the control system and accomplishing a desired response from the lighting.
wider scheme
Other areas include the ‘Oculi’ at the base of the lift. The Oculi are fabricated from infinity mirrors, framed with pixelated RGBW ‘neon’ LED. Collaborating closely with Michael Grubb Studio to develop their concept, Studiotech carried out mock ups on site with the design team to test the optimum LED mounting position, thirteen Oculi were installed surrounding the lift and are mounted within the chimney. The effect of the light travelling up ‘through’ the infinity mirrors replicates the movement of the lift ascending the chimney.
The retail pendant carries the chimney branding through to the retail space, situated above the customer service desk the custom fabricated pendant consists of 360° RGBW LED tubes capable of being individually controlled to carry the immersive experience through to the retail area.
Experience
Each lighting feature is an important part of the immersive journey through this one-of-a-kind lift experience for the visitors, providing anticipation and excitement for the main Lift 109 attraction anchoring the branding throughout the space.
Studiotech worked closely with Michael Grubb Studio during each stage to ensure successful delivery of their concept throughout the space.
