Pictured L-R: Josephine Evans (JPE Design Studio), Anthony Pemberton (WSP), Jason Hanoumis (Inlite), Wayne Shore (University of South Australia) and Teo Verbi (JPE Design Studio).
In collaboration with the architects, JPE Design Studio and Snøhetta, WSP created a unique and cost-effective lighting design, that overcame the challenge of achieving the university’s functional requirements and compliance, while still complementing the architectural form for Pridham Hall.
A significant development for the university, Pridham Hall creates a new hub for the university’s City West Campus. Spanning 7,400 m2, Pridham Hall incorporates a 25 m pool, two competition-sized basketball courts, rock climbing facilities, dance studio, gymnasium, function rooms and a 2500-seat capacity graduation/performance space.
It was this multipurpose use of the facility that created a design challenge; space was at a premium for the building services and there were several complexities to factor in, particularly in the pool area.
A multi-faceted lighting concept was developed that was based on seven key themes: atmosphere, architecture, functionality, flexibility, character, safety, and environmental impact. Minimising on-ceiling services over the pool was a key part of the architectural brief which required integrating lighting within the overhead exposed structural beams. Locating the fittings immediately over a swimming pool provided inherent challenges for access and the damp, corrosive atmosphere created further complexity to be addressed with the design solution.
It was the collaborative approach undertaken by WSP and the wider project team that became the critical success factor for the project. Our Adelaide electrical engineering team worked closely with the national specialist lighting team to develop a visually unique design which encompassed general, specialist and emergency lighting, ensuring that the fittings were constructible, accessible for future maintenance, rated for the pool environment and maintained the consistent, smooth and visual appearance of the architectural brief.
The outcome is an innovative lighting solution where the light source and diffuser have been integrated into the structural steel overhead, providing uniform lighting throughout the pool area, while still creating a striking architectural effect. Redundant LED strips were used to ensure compliant lighting levels were maintained even in the event of multiple failures and the drivers (control gear) were remotely-located for ease of access.
Anthony Pemberton, Senior Electrical Engineer said, “Working collaboratively enabled us to overcome the challenge of providing a functional solution which still complemented the architectural form.
“This project has truly demonstrated the benefits of working collectively with the wider project team to ensure the solution was compliant, safe and maintainable for the space, while visually unique.”
The IESANZ Lighting Awards provide an opportunity for public and industry recognition of professionalism, ingenuity and originality in lighting and luminaire design.
As a winner of the SA/NT Chapter Awards, Pridham Hall will now be automatically considered for a national IES award.
To stay abreast of our latest news, publications, videos and posts, please follow us on LinkedIn.
