Published on: June 29, 2011

Point of View recently completed the lighting for Epping to Chatswood Rail Link Stations in Sydney/Australia.

The design is based on linear fluorescent fixtures uplighting the stations.

More info below:

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Lighting design for the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link stations was subcontracted by Lincolne Scott. The project was delivered as a joint venture between PointOfView and Vision Design, where POV were responsible for the design phases and Vision managed the process through construction. POV also received IES Award of Commendation in 2009 for this project.

The project was comprised of 4 railway stations; this article is about the two Macquarie Stations.

The primary consideration for the design was public safety. Light levels were very specific to task and function, and notwithstanding the technical provisions, the stations were to feel bright. We were driven to meet these stipulations without lighting being obtrusive. Minimisation of lamp types, longevity and durability were also high priorities. Light was very carefully integrated into the architectural detail with an absolute minimal palate of fittings to create luminous, welcoming volumes. The lighting design supports the project ambitions through the balanced application of indirect and direct lighting, using high colour rendering, high output fluorescent sources housed in dust tight fixtures.

Indirect up-lighting was implemented to give the illusion of light ‘coming from above’ – as with daylight. This method under-pinned the lighting philosophy throughout the project, inside and out. Key light fittings were custom products specifically designed and developed for this project. These fixtures were created to meet the unique technical and aesthetic objectives of the stations. High quality optics were utilised to satisfy the vital performance requirements, whilst sympathetically illuminating the architectural form. The station grid was incorporated into the lighting module so that bracket spacings and set-outs harmonise with the exposed structural rhythm. The base lighting module uses either 80w or 35w fluorescent sources with bi-symmetric or asymmetric reflectors, depending on aspect.

At night time up lighting of the fritted glass canopy creates a beacon in the urban setting, and also bright ceiling, subliminally replacing the day time sky. This reflected light helps remove the sense of entering a cave environment, and provides useful extra functional light. The exterior presentation is also enhanced by up lighting to perimeter walls that lights the paving, as well as contributing to the canopy illumination.

Inside, 100lux on the escalator treads was a prerequisite. Integrated skirting light provided the base illumination to the treads, augmented by the canopy reflected light mentioned above, as well as direct light from IP65 exposed down lights mounted inside the canopy structure. General illumination is supplemented by feature column lights between the escalators. Maintenance of the spotlights was carefully considered, as with all other aspects of serviceability. Maintenance from the escalators is avoided by incorporating a removable exterior panel which allows access to the fittings without expensive lifting equipment, or scaffolding.

The application of light in this large volume is asymmetric in the space in order to describe the physical form. The custom linear fixture (IP65; 80w T5; asymmetric back to back optics) is mounted to suit the location and geometry of the architecture. It up lights the ceiling and washes the walls. As the light fades across the ceiling, it describes the tear-drop shape of the cabin. A minimum number of downlights are used simply to elevate illuminance to the required level. These are visually low impact, so the impression is the cabin is lit from one side only.

The designed provided for illuminance in the region of 100lux, with higher levels at the ticketing window. Again the application of light creates a brighter impression by virtue of the up lighting and vertical washes. The fare gates turnstile tunnel is lit using continuous linear fluorescent fixtures integrated into the slatted ceiling (T5 35w). Illuminance in this area is higher than adjacent spaces to assist with orientation; level modulate across the span of the connecting passage in the range of 200lux to 300lux. This area incorporates both up and down lighting. The principal illumination of the space is by continuous 80w T5 suspended up lighting using the same custom bracketed IP65 product as in the ticketing cabin. This ‘indirect’ lighting is augmented by downlights at stairs and escalators to assist with orientation, and enhance safety. The illumination of the ceiling was designed to be dramatic; the brightness tapers from the wall off to the centre of the cavern in order to describe the architectural form, consistent with the approach in the ticketing cabin. On the floor, light levels vary in the 100lux range. However, the space feels much brighter and welcoming, again because of the high vertical and ceiling illuminance. Lighting is extremely critical in this area, and consequently the custom fluorescent module is modified to a direct application, especially as the light throw is considerable in some aspects.

At high level, continuous 2 x 80w T5 fluorescents with bi-symmetric distribution light the platform edge. At low level the other platform edge is lit by continuous 1 x 80w T5 with asymmetric distribution, mounted under the paid concourse slab. These custom fixtures are rated at IP65 to eliminate dust.

Linear light in the platform cabin have cross blade louvres to reduce glare to the train drivers, and cut down the visual impact to passengers in the space. Light levels vary gently to respond to use, but at platform edge 200lux was the minimum maintained requirement.

Long lamp life and a consistent lamp inventory was a focus of attention in the design. Consequently there are very few lamp types used, and mostly fluorescent in a limited range of outputs. Also pivotal to maintenance and running costs was the containment of lighting to a minimum necessary to satisfy the Brief and functional tasks, without appearing mean or frugal. Careful location of fittings was centre stage regarding maintenance. As mentioned above, the entry cabin down lights were developed alongside architectural detailing to enable equipment free access. Fittings in the un paid concourse are easily accessible at the wall whilst being out of reach of mischief; likewise on the paid concourse. Lighting over the platforms was located so that access is achieved from platform level, even the high mounted fixtures.

Credits:
Client: Federal Hotels & Resorts
Architecture: Hassell
Electrical engineer consultant: Lincolne Scott
Interior Design: Hassel
Landscape Design: Inspiring Place
Lighting Design: PointOfView
Building Services: Wood & Grieve Engineers
Artists collaboration: Futago & Diffuse
Photography; David Becker, Peter Wood