The external lighting strategy, devised by Arup, of the new Park Square development in Umhlanga was shortlisted in the SPACES category in the international [d]arc awards. Created by two of the most widely read and respected lighting design publications in the world, arc and darc magazines, the awards are a chance for lighting designers, architects, interior designers or manufacturers alike to gain recognition for their work. The shortlist is chosen by an international jury of independent architectural lighting designers, after which over 1,400 lighting design practices and their designers vote on their favourite projects.
The overall external lighting strategy for the mixed-use development was to create a rich new public space and a new landmark for the community, as well as using lighting to draw people to and through the development. The lighting for the piazza, the public realm and the building facades, developed in conjunction with MAP Architects, all work together to achieve this.
“Park Square showcases how various street-and-landscapes as well as architectural features can transform public environments through their careful integration of light” explains Shikar Takurpersad, Associate at Arup and electrical lead on the project. “That visitors and tenants experienced a quality experience in the public spaces was a key consideration in the design for the external lighting for Park Square”.
Arup was also shortlisted for the King’s College Science Gallery Courtyard in London and the new Cityringen Metro line in Copenhagen, both also in SPACES, as well as the University of Sheffield concourse in the category STRUCTURES.