THE FIRS BASEMENT PARKING
ROSEBANK | GAUTENG
RLS was approached by Pamboukian Lightdesign to assist in the design, manufacture and supply of lights for the entry-level basement parking at The Firs and the Hyatt Hotel. As the first point of entry when parking in the building, the aim was to create a light effect that ‘welcomed’ visitors. Most basement parking areas are dark, unwelcoming and uninterestingly stark. The lighting at the escalator access and PayPoint area also had to be upgraded.
Pamboukian Lightdesign decided to wash the columns and perimeter walls with light and generally increase the light levels in the area. The columns were lit using bespoke designed frames that wrapped around the columns. These frames have hidden the source of the light that ‘washes’ down the columns. The big challenge was that very few of the columns were the same size, therefore each column had to be measured and the frame manufactured specifically for each column. The walls were lit with the R-line linear system lights with asymmetric lenses. A deep longitudinal recess in the ceiling above the escalator and PayPoint was lit with a 30m long Linear Mini fitting. In addition, above the escalator and PayPoint are 2m square recesses in a drop-down ceiling. The Linear Mini were manufactured to fit precisely into these recesses. As opposed to the norm of using high glare industrial lights to light the roadways, Pamboukian Lightdesign specified 2 by 300X1200mm Luxon panels positioned longitudinally to light up the roadways. This created an interesting, very low glare effect while at the same time ensuring high light levels. The bright and interesting lighting in this area sets it apart from most shopping centre and hotel basement parking areas.
Architect: Boogertman + Partners