Science World, Vancouver

Lead Designers Patrick Smith

Entry Description

The new lighting system at Science World Vancouver employs an ingenious design utilizing a single fixture type, the ColorKinetics Archipoint. This fixture yields 3 distinctly unique results through strategic mounting positions and lens selections. This unified design yields significant advantages in terms of system serviceability, maintenance, and programming. Meticulous layout planning allows for the consolidation of all power and data supplies into 2 centralized locations at the dome's top and bottom, facilitating easy access. The system comprises 5 universes of direct, indirect, and accent lighting, creating 3 layers of lighting possibilities which are programmed using dynamic generative lighting scenes, providing a rich and enduring experience. The design process involved the development of a digital twin within Unreal Engine, enabling programming in a virtual environment and direct uploading of final shows to the lighting controller.The lighting system is designed to maximize community engagement. Nonprofits, charities, and events have the opportunity to submit their causes to Science World who then illuminates the dome each evening with a variety of representative colours and designs. The lighting on the dome becomes an integral part of the city's discourse, projecting the community's values, concerns, and care into the night sky through the universal language of light.

Sustainability Approach

The Telus World of Science was upgraded from 291 fixtures to 651 ColorKinetics Archipoint fixtures. The design optimizes surface use with inward-facing wash lighting and reduces reliance on outward-facing RGB Nodes. The new Archipoint boasts a lumen-to-watt efficiency rating nearly double the original fixture. Reducing maximum fixture output by 20% achieved an overall installation lumen-to-watt ratio almost 20% below the initial design while extending the life of the fixtures with an L70 rating of 70,000 hours. Science World's proximity to the Pacific Ocean produces harsh marine conditions. Careful installation methodologies were used to restrict galvanic corrosion and reduce future maintenance.Astronomical time clocks in the control system maximize optimal viewing hours and gracefully shut down the lighting system when the visual impact is low, saving energy and increasing the lifespan.