GRADUS LIGHTS UP THE VUE AT THE O2 DOME

14 December 2007

Leisure sector lighting specialist Gradus has designed and installed a bespoke lighting scheme for the new, state-of-the-art 11-screen Vue cinema complex at the O2 Dome, including a host of special effects for London’s biggest cinema auditorium.

Working with Glasgow-based Unick Architects, Gradus supplied screen, foyer and step and aisle lighting for the Greenwich Vue cinema; one of the star attractions within the former Millennium Dome, which has been transformed into a major new entertainment venue.

The cinema’s 776-seater VIP screen (number 11) is the largest in London and Gradus’ innovative Decorflex lighting strip was used to create a soft, dimmable halo around the 25m x 10m screen, as well as dramatic lighting effects in three runs across the walls and ceiling. Similar effects were then created in the cinema’s two foyer areas to continue the contemporary theme.

All 11 screens were fitted with step and aisle LED lighting to aid wayfinding. Single channel PVC-u stair edgings with slip resistant white (Snowdrift) inserts, transparent risers and blue Interlok Advance pinpoint-effect lighting elements were used to illuminate the steps and create an additional design feature. Plus, blue LED floor looms were installed within PVC-u floor trims with smoked windows to highlight the aisles and walkways, and provide a safe transition between the carpet and vinyl floorcoverings.

Blue alphabetical row indicators were then fitted in the stair edgings on each tread to complete the step and aisle scheme.

Says James Earle of Gradus Lighting: “Lighting is increasingly being used to enhance the cinema ‘experience’. This is a great example of how Gradus can work with exhibitors to devise bespoke lighting solutions that will create the right ambience, as well as safely guide cinemagoers through stadium style multiplexes.”

Decorflex is an array of LEDs enclosed within a flexible material that offers an easy-to-handle alternative to neon, thanks to similar levels of output and brightness but with extra low voltage of 24v. Effective for up to 100,000 hours, the lighting strips can be cut, curved and shaped on-site into letters, logos or any linear design to create unique effects for auditoria walls and ceilings.

The O2 Dome houses a 23,000 capacity indoor arena and 1800 seat theatre along with a choice of bars and restaurants, and is expected to host a range of concerts, sporting events and film premieres.

Gradus Lighting is a two-part business offering specialist solutions for contract environments. A range of low voltage LED safety and decorative lighting systems is available, which is used extensively in leisure sector applications, such as cinemas, casinos, nightclubs and cruise liners. Gradus also offers a lighting design solutions service, employing a wide spectrum of lighting solutions to create effects tailored to individual applications. For further information, contact Gradus Lighting on 01625 428922.

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