When the blue planet in Kastrup, north of Copenhagen, was projected lighting was integrated as a central element of the architecture. The impressively lit exterior was created in a collaboration between lighting designer Jesper Kongshaug and Fagerhult. The aim was to use innovative lighting technology and turn it into an artform – with exceptional functionality.
Fagerhult’s lighting consultant Jeannett Kristjánsson tells the story of this intriguing project:
”It’s been a fantastic experience to work with this beautiful and demanding prestigious development. It’s been a long but exciting process and I’ve found the collaboration with Jesper Kongshaug Architectural Lighting most inspiring. The lighting plays an important role inside and outside the aquarium, an essential element in forming the overall impression and for the visitor’s experience – it sends a clear signal to the surroundings. But it also plays an important part in the building’s functionality and facilitates every day work.”
The 600 parking lots are illuminated by 3,5 metre high Column bollards from Italian brand SIMES, whose products Fagerhult represent in the Nordic countries.
”Bollards usually have the height of one metre. Here, to avoid glare, we have been forced to think differently. We didn’t want the masts to draw attention from the building. We have also provided a range of low bollards at knee height to the outdoor area. Along the access ramp to the main entrance, we have used built-in lighting fixtures in the low concrete walls”, continues Jeannett Kristjánsson.
”Finally, we have delivered lighting solutions to the four pylons that shower the Blue Planet in light during night time. It’s a special combination of blue and white light that enlightens the charismatic architecture and swirling geometry; creating an illusion of flowing water in blue and white. Without causing glare or being overwhelming. Here, we have used 400 watt metal halides and LED spotlights; 'Focus' also from SIMES.” advanced tools The entire exterior lighting was grounded in the lighting designer's creative vision. The solutions have been carefully evaluated in advance, in collaboration with Fagerhult – using powerful 3D visualization. For less complex projects it might sometimes be enough to make a simple light calculation, product selection and implementation”, explains Jeannett.
”The Blue Planet demanded very advanced tools, as we wanted to experiment with different ways to match the lighting designers desires and thoughts. We also needed these tools to come up with a solution that met the functional requirements and that did not bother the air traffic in the area or create light pollution in general.” Jeannett Kristjánsson, Lighting consult at Fagerhult
Good teamwork was required, within Fagerhult as well as with the lighting designer. Jesper Kongshaug has been deeply involved in the process, from planning to implementation.
”Indoors, Fagerhult supplied 'Ray', a luminaire in a customised design which is integrated into the beautiful lamella ceiling from Tripplex. In the corridors we have used downlight fixtures from our Pleiad series. The luminaires are invisible until the moment they are switched on.”
Jesper Kongshaug is focusing on architectural lighting, and in addition to the outdoor lighting design he created a variety of solutions and light experiences inside the aquarium:
”The developer and the architect made it clear from the start; this project was not to be visually compromised in any way”, he underlines.
”It has been a rewarding assignment and also one of my longest – stretching over four years. The developer prioritised costs in the lighting solution but without compromising on the way it combines sustainability with energy saving, functionality and expression. For example, in the middle of the process we realised just how expensive good quality lighting LED-fixtures are – they didn’t even exist when the project started. Anyway, the developer assigned the funds. The outdoor areas and the character of the building made it imperative for me to find non-glare luminaires. They should also be able to withstand the prevailing weather conditions and the salty sea air.
My lighting design for the facade is dedicated to shield off and to cut off the angles so that the curved shape and the whole dynamic of the architecture and the materials are highlighted and balanced. In this process it has been a pleasure to work with Fagerhult. It has added a lot of value and has improved the quality of both the process and outcome. It was a great help to be able to use their simulations and visualisations of my thoughts to the outdoor lighting. Actually, the outdoor lighting is planned in three different layers, following the different needs over a day.”
Indoor, Jesper Kongshaug created several exciting and dynamic light-oriented solutions. For instance, immediately after coming into the building you get the feeling of being deep under water. In the area of the puffin-experience a daylight scenario has been created which actually makes you believe that you are looking out over the Faroese mountains. Several sites are also using short films and lighting illusions on walls and floors.
