Lighting a historical landmark
Lighting a historical landmark
Creation’s recent highlight is the honour it received for playing an integral role in the construction of the landmark Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple. This temple gained global attention as the first temple in the United Arab Emirates built strictly according to the guidelines prescribed in ancient Indian texts, the ‘Shilpa and Sthapathya Shastras.’
While the temple’s structure is rooted in instructions from these ancient texts, our expertise at Creation shines through in the integration of the latest technology, particularly in the realm of modern lighting and illumination techniques. This contribution has propelled the temple to be recognized among the world’s most stunningly beautiful buildings in modern times.
Lighting a historical landmark
Project: Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
Lead Consultant: Capital Engineering Consultancy
Lighting Consultant: Studio Lumen Lighting Design and Consultancy
Main Contractor: Shapoorji Pallonji Middle East LLC
MEP Contractor: Bahrain & Emirates Electrical & Mechanical Contracting LLC
BAPS Abu Dhabi is like a dream that blossomed due to the large-heartedness of the Rulers of the United Arab Emirates. HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, along with the unalloyed efforts of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. It is the synergy among these two world-renowned leaders that has presented Hindus worldwide with the historic BAPS Mandir Abu Dhabi, rising magnificently from the sands of the peaceful desert expanse in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha district.
“We feel honored and privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility for illuminating the splendid structure and breathing life into every nook and corner of this outstanding place of worship,” says Mr. Dharmendra Patel, MD of Creation Gulf. “Our scope of work included the supply of light fixtures, supply of lighting control system, full project management, testing, and commissioning for the entire lighting control system for the Mandir, as well as part of the surrounding landscape.”
There is no doubt that BAPS Abu Dhabi is already being hailed as an architectural wonder. As the very first stone temple in the region, it is now the largest in West Asia. BAPS Abu Dhabi stands as a magnificent icon representing the deep esteem and close cultural bonds that India and the UAE share, bonds that have been nurtured for centuries.
Woven into the striking, intricately designed, and chiselled pink sandstone and marble façade are seven majestic spires, each representing one of the Emirates of the host country. This unique touch symbolizes the mutual respect and regard both countries share, transcending borders and distances.
“Creation is deeply humbled to be associated with such a historic construction, and for all of history, we will be grateful for the opportunity we were given to be a part of this rare and incredible achievement,” says Mr. Patel.
Doing justice to illuminating an exceptional monument posed a challenge that #TeamCreation faced with panache. Years of experience in lighting have endowed Creation with a portfolio of partners. Together, they have achieved the seemingly impossible through adept teamwork and coordination.
At the forefront as the lighting designer, Studio Lumen brought an artistic touch and technical brilliance to the project, playing a pivotal role in achieving the seemingly impossible. Given the scale and grandeur of the structure, the lighting for the project had to be exceptionally unique to fully complement the complex architecture and outstanding design. Achieving this posed a task in itself, as each partner in the team was committed to ensuring that their design intent for the illumination of each area was realized.
An additional enormous challenge was the crucial requirement for flexibility in the lighting controls. Due to the project’s nature, numerous changes were anticipated as construction progressed. The system had to be sufficiently flexible and adaptable to manage and accommodate these changes seamlessly as the construction advanced.
The completed ‘Mandir’ predominantly utilises DALI and DMX for its lighting. DMX controls were implemented for areas like the façade, where dynamic effects are desired, while DALI systems were employed for general interiors, landscapes, and other areas.
“In areas using DALI-Helvar-based control systems were applied. We harnessed specific features and functionalities unique to Helvar. For instance, the system architecture offers remarkable flexibility and scalability by utilizing DALI-based sensors/keypads, enabling the addition of field devices without the need for additional cable installations beyond the existing DALI cables. Furthermore, the system seamlessly integrates with Pharos (for DMX) and AV.”
“For DMX requirements, we opted for Pharos, one of the premier DMX control systems widely recognized in iconic projects globally. The Pharos designer software provided us with significant programming freedom for DMX elements, including the Tunable white facade Lights, enabling the creation of unique effects. The adaptable software facilitates easy tweaking of effects, providing clients with flexibility for future changes. In areas involving pixel-controlled LED sheet installations to achieve a river-flow effect on the floor, we employed Madrix systems by NGA.” reveals Mr. Dharmendra Patel, MD of Creation Gulf.
The Mandir’s architectural complexity demanded extraordinary detailing to showcase the unbelievable beauty of every carving and geometric design. This uniqueness led to the implementation of different lighting control concepts for various areas. Some areas have automated illumination based on timers, while others rely on sensors, keypads, or AV controls.
The project involved multiple consultants, client representatives, suppliers, manufacturers, etc. From a coordination and integration perspective, project management emerged as the most significant challenge. Mr. Patel explains, “We were tasked with creating control system solutions for challenges arising from design changes, site conditions, etc. Thanks to a dynamic team, each challenge was met with successful adaptation and implementation.”
“Addressing the fundamental challenges of a project with such physical, spiritual, and historical significance required us to find unique solutions. Given the project’s unique nature, both architecturally and in terms of design, we had to think outside the box to achieve the desired intent. With the unwavering support of our partners and a culture of coordinated teamwork within our company, we successfully completed the project to the world’s admiration within the eight-month deadline.”
The project involved multiple consultants, client representatives, suppliers, manufacturers, etc. From a coordination and integration perspective, project management emerged as the most significant challenge. Mr. Patel explains, “We were tasked with creating control system solutions for challenges arising from design changes, site conditions, etc. Thanks to a dynamic team, each challenge was met with successful adaptation and implementation.”
“Addressing the fundamental challenges of a project with such physical, spiritual, and historical significance required us to find unique solutions. Given the project’s unique nature, both architecturally and in terms of design, we had to think outside the box to achieve the desired intent. With the unwavering support of our partners and a culture of coordinated teamwork within our company, we successfully completed the project to the world’s admiration within the eight-month deadline.”
- Lighting : OneEightyOne, Neko Lighting, NGA, Linealight, Enigma Lighting, Tryka, Simes, UFO
- Lighting Control System: Helvar & Pharos Controls
Find the right partner
In undertaking architecturally challenging projects, it is crucial to collaborate with a lighting partner who comprehends the intricacies from the beginning. Moreover, lighting is a personal experience, and a close partnership with clients and other stakeholders is essential for ensuring customer satisfaction in the realms of lighting installation, design, and control.
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