Sitting close to the MCG, Rod Laver Arena and Olympic Park, AAMI Park is the latest addition to Melbourne’s elite sport and entertainment precinct. The design of the stadium by Cox Architects is unique in every way imaginable, with the lightweight steel bioframe design a real highlight. The design also incorporates the latest environmentally-efficient features, including maximum natural ventilation and light, low water use fittings, rainwater collection from the roof and the use of low energy light fittings.
However, it is the combination of energy efficiency and impressive aesthetic on the stadium roof that is the real standout feature of this new stadium. A stunning light show illuminates the roof every night from dusk with colours and patterns specially designed for the stadium by renowned multimedia artists Alexander Knox and Bruce Ramus, creating a visual landmark to match the Victorian Arts Centre spire. Content for the LEDs is programmed using pixel mapping via Coolux Pandora’s Box, effectively treating the LEDs as a low-resolution video screen.
From the early stages of the project, Lightmoves worked very closely with Major Projects Victoria and lighting consultants Electrolight to come up with a solution for the proposed roof feature lighting scheme. Teaming with another local company – Space Cannon Australia – Lightmoves created a custom solution that managed to fit within the unique roof structure. The 1544 colour-changing and weatherproof LED fittings act like a low resolution video screen and are controlled by video content that was especially commissioned by the artists. The long-life, energy-efficient fittings have been designed to withstand the harsh Australian climate and include built-in intelligence that reduce the light output on days of extreme heat in order to protect the fittings from irreparable damage.
A simple control widget, which triggers the specially commissioned video content, controls the LED system in the stadium’s central control room. The control room is connected to plant rooms located in all four corners of stadium, which each contain an Enttec Datagate II as well as a number of Enttec RD88 RDM data splitters.
Lightmoves also supplied the Philips Dynalite lighting control system to the stadium, which has complete control of all stadium and function lighting within the venue. The system also compliments the energy-conscious design of the entire stadium.
For more information on LED & Feature Lighting contact Lightmoves on (03) 9701 2500
Photography by Sandra Davis
