HSBC Casino

As part of a modernization project, a staff restaurant and associated kitchen 1970s were to be architecturally renovated, including the lighting. The daylight deprived spaces are located in the basement and feature a interior design and lighting typical of the 1970’s. An essential part of the design task was to introduce daylight and a visual relation to the exterior by building a new light well. For structural reasons, only a confined shaft geometry with small windows could be realized.

Comprehensive studies demonstrated that the daylight intake was only minimal and the positive effects of natural light and views to the exterior are not noticeable. The added value for the users was therefore only attainable by means of artificial illumination imitating natural light with its daily and annual variations, dynamics, light color, light direction, and light intensity, thus supporting the occupant's individual circadian rhythm. A floor-to-ceiling, more than 20m long artificial panorama window wall compensates for the lack of daylight and thus emulates a relation to the outdoor environment.

Behind the glazing, linear LED luminaires are concealed in the floor and ceiling. Their light intensity and color are automatically adapted to the time of day by means of an intelligent control system. The dining area is organized in various seating clusters with a light colored design and nearly all black self service zone. Some seating areas are accentuated by pendant luminaires, while the large, multi-use table cluster at the center is uniformly lit by a lattice-like light structure. The vibrant accent illumination above the buffets is supplemented by discreet ceiling recessed luminaires in the circulation zones. The color temperature of the aisle access illumination and the lighting of the adjacent open kitchen is equally variable and is controlled in sync with the luminous wall.

With this extraordinary project, Licht Kunst Licht presents the achievement of human centric illumination in a daylight deprived space that respects and supports the occupant's circadian rhythm.