design et al are delighted to announce that Point of View PTY LTD have been shortlisted for Lighting Scheme Award within The International Design and Architecture Awards 2018.
A new addition to the eastern side of the Darling Harbour Precinct is the Hyatt Regency Sydney, a new Hotel created from the bones of a Four Points Sheraton property that was constructed in the 1980’s. Point of View’s (POV) engagement was for the front of house public and hotel guest areas of the new hotel. The interior design & consequently the lighting design, is influenced through this location. The client’s aspirations were for the hotel to have an international impression that would compare favourably with the best international hotels have to offer. The lighting design goals were to create drama & evoke an experience that will genuinely delight cultured travellers.
These goals are achieved through the enhancement of feature surfaces and application of light only to certain areas. Discretely located functional luminaires are supplemented with feature lighting elements, designed and selected to complement the interior design scheme. The lighting design for the front of house areas of the property has a direct relationship to the interior design/planning of each space, including the main lobby, reception, lobby bar, function rooms, executive lounge and rooftop bar. During the initial design meetings with the interior designers it was clear that a modern interpretation of a nautical theme was being considered. The lighting expression was to be used as means of defining interior elements & as a means of reinforcing & responding to the interior language.
The luminaire selection was intentionally nominated to fulfil both a performance criterion and to reinforce the intended ambience of the spaces, where exceptional detailing regarding concealing light sources results in a perfect subliminal feeling of presence. The guest experience is enhanced by the use of “warm-dim” LED technology throughout the hotel. Humans are accustomed to colour temperatures, shifting to warmer tones with diminishing light. As halogen was used to replicate this, so too does the “warm-dim” LED, allowing for warmer, more intimate environments to be achieved, synchronously responding to the diminishing exterior daylight.
The experience begins at street level where light was used to assist and guide guests to the hotel. The staircase, located within the double height space, was considered as a feature node which was to be defined with ‘something of visual interest’. A series of cascading small clear spheres, on a geometric frame was eventually selected as s strong solution to the visual interest requirement. The lobby and reception are treated using strategically located spotlighting techniques from light track and discrete downlights integrated into the ceiling design. The general design philosophy is applied to the lobby bar, specific integrated lighting is utilised in the shelving as a backdrop to a linear bar defined with concealed linear systems. Overhead lighting comprises specific downlighters & decorative cut glass orbs.
Point of View’s style of design was to layer the technical and aesthetic lighting elements as follows; the functional/task light: concealed spotlighting, gimbal downlighters and accent light to the artworks. Secondary ambience: strategically located fixtures to highlight architectural features and integrated systems such as joinery, screens and coves. Feature: the application of bespoke feature fittings to make a statement in feature zones. The majority of other lighting is shielded and mounted at low level, ensuring unimpeded views of Sydney Harbour beyond. Referencing the sparkling harbour water from a setting sun, concealed linear lighting to the bar interplays with the movement of liquids within the display bottles.
The sophisticated nautical theme continues to the Rooftop Bar, with the centrepiece a long gleaming curved bar. A backlit lustrous top to the bar radiates warm light onto the awning above, where it is reflected into the space. Very warm white light emanates from behind the curved banquettes, while the polished chrome light fittings, splash light across the deck, anchoring the furniture. Narrow spots highlight the textures of the ropes screening the amenities. Light levels are restrained with exquisite table lamps, inviting the guests to gather in a comfortable and intimate atmosphere. The overall effect takes the guests on a fantastical harbour cruise aboard a luxury super yacht. The crowning jewel of the hotel is the rooftop bar. With sweeping views of the beautiful harbour, it was vital that space provided the level of luxury and sophistication which its location deserved. The low-level lighting offers uninterrupted views and while the space is open, the beautiful table lights offer a degree of intimacy to the furniture arrangement.