Together with Stiff + Trevillion architects, LAPD have created a retail lighting design in the form of a large scale piece of light art for Costa Coffee. It is the first sight to welcome passengers into the Arrivals hall at Heathrow Terminal 5 in London.
Concept and Functionality
The floating structure creates a canopy over the newly refurbished Costa Coffee store. As well as a series of effects that generate impact on a world class level, it also supports an environment that creates comfort and a desire to linger. We achieved this through subtle lighting effects and considerate lighting design.
Bespoke aluminium extruded fins comprise the structure. Within each fin there is a channel, sized to accommodate a continuous line of warm white light. This line sits flush with the lower face of alternate fins. The light from these fins produces a soft, warm glow to the tables and seating below. Accent light is provided from various table, wall and floor lamps.
Additional accent lighting is provided to the curved walls of the coffee shop so as to increase its visual appeal. A flexible line of light, recessed into the back of the curved seating, provides a delicate upward glow.
All the fins are individually controlled using a Madrix control system. They are able to dim above or below their functional ambient level. This allows a series of dynamic scenes, while still maintaining a comfortable environment suitable for relaxing and spending time in.
We created 5 separate 20-minute scenes, interspersed by a 20-second ‘refresh’ scene. This short, vibrant scene briefly draws attention to the canopy, so customers observe the following scene. The scenes move at a subtle tempo, much more noticeable to those sitting and relaxing than the hurrying passers-by.
