hkskyline
March 25th, 2005, 10:52 PM
Background on the Symphony of Lights
http://www.laservision.com.au/hongkong/
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/sol2.jpg
Tourism forms a vital part of Hong Kong's economy. The Hong Kong Tourism Commission engaged Laservision as their consultants with a brief to develop the idea of creating a permanent 'light show' based on the illumination of significant buildings in Hong Kong.
These buildings overlook the city's famous Victoria Harbour. The harbour is possibly the most significant natural asset for the 18 million tourists that currently visit Hong Kong each year.
January has seen the first of three stages of the Harbour Lighting Plan become a reality. The outcome represents an integration of architectural lighting, laser effects and pyrotechnics. 18 buildings are currently involved in the AUD 15.5 million dollar Harbour Lighting Plan. Shows run 14 minutes in duration and will run once nightly with a greater concentration over national celebrations and public holidays.
The study undertaken by Laservision represents the first time consideration was given to exploiting the asset in a highly visible and coordinated way. The objectives of Laservision's final consultancy report, formally known as the 'Harbour Lighting Plan' included the selection of suitable buildings and key viewing areas. A draft design for each chosen structure was completed which took account of energy efficiency and light pollution issues.
Shows are accompanied by a sound simulcast which is broadcasted from popular viewing locations including ferries travelling to and from the city. The simulcast can also be dialled into via mobile phone.
Building Selection Strategy...
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/closeupcity.jpg
Defining the most suitable buildings in a city as overwhelming as Hong Kong was a consuming process. The Laservision team individually examined each building from a variety of angles to stimulate viewing from popular locations. The most prominent of these viewing locations is the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade which is located directly opposite the city. A priority list of highly visible structures that present well was then compiled.
Lastly, the form, texture, architectural merit and significance of each structure was then prioritised. Audiences enjoying 'The Symphony Of Lights' will notice that some sections of the city remain dark intentionally. This only improves the impression of the buildings that are lit. The buildings incorporated are well spaced for the most part and generally do not crowd each other.
Permanent Illumination...
The overall installation is massive in contemporary context. Hong Kong Island is populated with a fantastic diversity of architecture. Due to the individual characteristics of the structures chosen, many of the effects incorporated onto individual buildings such as HSBC, Central Barracks, Jardine House and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre can be marvelled as individual triumphs. Yet these marvels play a fundamental role in the overall scheme.
The first stage of the Harbour Lighting Plan has ensured the night scape of Hong Kong has and will continue to achieve its deserved status and recognition. The dramatic harbour location affords a tranquil and endless reflection of the effects incorporated into the 'new look' Hong Kong. Before the application of the Harbour Lighting Plan there were many buildings competing with each other in an uncoordinated fashion that ultimately led to overwhelming cases of light pollution.
The main players in Harbour Lighting Plan stand excitingly apart yet gather together to create one of the most prominent skylines of the world. Many of these dominant buildings have had searchlights incorporated into their lighting. This effect has created an 'extension' effect which reaches above the city and into the night.
Hong Kong Shanghai Bank (HSBC)...
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/hsbc/HSBC_StreetLevel.jpg
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/hsbc/hsbc_green.jpghttp://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/hsbc/hsbc_red.jpghttp://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/hsbc/hsbc_multi.jpg
The Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) has incorporated 716 intelligent lights including 450 Colour changing fluorescent fixtures in the glass stairwells.
Martin Exterior 600's and 200 fixtures on five levels, 8 Search lights and over one kilometre of LED lighting around the top of the building.
The incorporation of the above fixtures make HSBC one of the most visually impressive buildings in the 'Symphony Of Lights' spectacular.
City Hall...
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/cityhall/multi.jpghttp://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/cityhall/bluepurple.jpghttp://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/cityhall/blueorange.jpg
HLP Installation Phase...
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/HLP/install1.jpg
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/HLP/install2.jpg
[Installation of fixtures and search light testing]
Pyrotechnics...
Stage one of the Harbour Lighting Plan has included Pyrotechnics on 10 selected rooftops. These will be fired nightly for the first month after the official opening. The integration of Pyrotechnics into the Harbour Lighting Plan included interviews with the Leisure and Cultural Services department, Marine department, The Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, The Hong Kong Fire Department and the Hong Kong Police.
Although Victoria Harbour is a great asset for fireworks, it is a significantly larger body of water than most other Harbours Laservision has conducted projects on or around.
The fireworks incorporated are viewed from a greater distance than would be the case at the other venues, diminishing the scale of the effects as viewed from any of the typical viewing positions, such as Tsim Sha Tsui. To combat such a potential problem the number of buildings incorporating fireworks was been increased.
Lasers...
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/HLP/laser_thecentre.jpg
Lasers have been incorporated into the Harbour Lighting Plan to increase the use of airborne special effects. Laservision originally demonstrated lasers in Hong Kong during Laservision's CLP Lights up Hong Kong, during Chinese New Year of 2003.
Lasers were used to project information onto the façade of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Certain buildings within the harbour including International Finance Centre 1 (IFC1), IFC2 and Central Plaza were chosen for projection via laser light.
High Powered 50 watt Stella ~ Ray Lasers were installed onto these buildings. The Laser systems added to the rooftops of prominent Hong Kong skyline buildings enable animated beams of light to span the harbour connecting the audience on the Tsim Sha Tsui with the show opposite them.
Many implementation issues had to be overcome before Laservision could incorporate Lasers into the Harbour Lighting Plan. These issues included the potential hazard to either marine navigation or to aircraft in the vicinity. The type of lasers that would be required for theme shows within the harbour whilst extremely bright, do have a relatively high beam divergence.
Best vantage point...
Among other key factors came the issue of best placement for the audience. Without parallel the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is the most significant viewing area of all, due to its prominent position and the proximity to Central and Wan Chai. Hong Kong is blessed with a harbour fit for the purpose of large scale mediums although the best viewing areas are limited and problematic under stress of high patronage (Tsim Sha Tsui).
The future development of the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade will improve pedestrian capacity in that area.
How are the Buildings and Show Coordinated?
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/hsbc/HSBCDDP.jpg
The control systems used to coordinate the whole of the Lighting Plan have been engineered, manufactured and shipped from Laservision's Sydney studios.
Stage one of the Harbour Lighting Plan has seen 19 Digital Data ~ Pumps installed into participating buildings for the purpose of coordinating the show. Laservision's 'Digital Data ~ Pumps' are specifically designed to coordinate usually incompatible elements of the macro media industry.
Macro mediums are high powered, high impact mediums used to entertain the masses. These mediums include Lasers, Architectural Lighting, Surround Sound, Fountains, Aqua Screens, Large Format Projection, Pyrotechnics and Special FX. Laservision's proprietary show control systems allow these mediums to be perfectly synchronised.
Laservision Electronics Engineer, Brett Slattery said "operation skills are easily acquired due to the focus on reliability and ease of use. Meaning, non-technical personnel are able to operate Digital Data ~ Pumps via a touch screen".
As a result of this export into Hong Kong, Laservision has recently been awarded the prestigious 'NSW Exporter of the Year' in the category of 'Arts and Entertainment'. This award was presented by Austrade and the Australian Institute of Export. Other awards won by Laservision this year include 'Creative Small to Medium Enterprise', presented by the Hong Kong Australian Business Association and the Australian Chamber of Commerce's 'Innovation Award'. This award was presented in Hong Kong.
Laservision represents a world renowned pioneer of creative, high impact solutions for the attractions, advertising, and special events industries. Our creations are projected to targeted, large scale audiences, where the audience becomes an integral part of the experience. These creations include permanently installed entertainment for theme parks, tourist attractions and other special venues and secondly, themed celebrations, presentations both corporate and public, which range in scope from private "launch", to a national celebration.
http://www.laservision.com.au/hongkong/
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/sol2.jpg
Tourism forms a vital part of Hong Kong's economy. The Hong Kong Tourism Commission engaged Laservision as their consultants with a brief to develop the idea of creating a permanent 'light show' based on the illumination of significant buildings in Hong Kong.
These buildings overlook the city's famous Victoria Harbour. The harbour is possibly the most significant natural asset for the 18 million tourists that currently visit Hong Kong each year.
January has seen the first of three stages of the Harbour Lighting Plan become a reality. The outcome represents an integration of architectural lighting, laser effects and pyrotechnics. 18 buildings are currently involved in the AUD 15.5 million dollar Harbour Lighting Plan. Shows run 14 minutes in duration and will run once nightly with a greater concentration over national celebrations and public holidays.
The study undertaken by Laservision represents the first time consideration was given to exploiting the asset in a highly visible and coordinated way. The objectives of Laservision's final consultancy report, formally known as the 'Harbour Lighting Plan' included the selection of suitable buildings and key viewing areas. A draft design for each chosen structure was completed which took account of energy efficiency and light pollution issues.
Shows are accompanied by a sound simulcast which is broadcasted from popular viewing locations including ferries travelling to and from the city. The simulcast can also be dialled into via mobile phone.
Building Selection Strategy...
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/closeupcity.jpg
Defining the most suitable buildings in a city as overwhelming as Hong Kong was a consuming process. The Laservision team individually examined each building from a variety of angles to stimulate viewing from popular locations. The most prominent of these viewing locations is the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade which is located directly opposite the city. A priority list of highly visible structures that present well was then compiled.
Lastly, the form, texture, architectural merit and significance of each structure was then prioritised. Audiences enjoying 'The Symphony Of Lights' will notice that some sections of the city remain dark intentionally. This only improves the impression of the buildings that are lit. The buildings incorporated are well spaced for the most part and generally do not crowd each other.
Permanent Illumination...
The overall installation is massive in contemporary context. Hong Kong Island is populated with a fantastic diversity of architecture. Due to the individual characteristics of the structures chosen, many of the effects incorporated onto individual buildings such as HSBC, Central Barracks, Jardine House and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre can be marvelled as individual triumphs. Yet these marvels play a fundamental role in the overall scheme.
The first stage of the Harbour Lighting Plan has ensured the night scape of Hong Kong has and will continue to achieve its deserved status and recognition. The dramatic harbour location affords a tranquil and endless reflection of the effects incorporated into the 'new look' Hong Kong. Before the application of the Harbour Lighting Plan there were many buildings competing with each other in an uncoordinated fashion that ultimately led to overwhelming cases of light pollution.
The main players in Harbour Lighting Plan stand excitingly apart yet gather together to create one of the most prominent skylines of the world. Many of these dominant buildings have had searchlights incorporated into their lighting. This effect has created an 'extension' effect which reaches above the city and into the night.
Hong Kong Shanghai Bank (HSBC)...
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/hsbc/HSBC_StreetLevel.jpg
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/hsbc/hsbc_green.jpghttp://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/hsbc/hsbc_red.jpghttp://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/hsbc/hsbc_multi.jpg
The Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) has incorporated 716 intelligent lights including 450 Colour changing fluorescent fixtures in the glass stairwells.
Martin Exterior 600's and 200 fixtures on five levels, 8 Search lights and over one kilometre of LED lighting around the top of the building.
The incorporation of the above fixtures make HSBC one of the most visually impressive buildings in the 'Symphony Of Lights' spectacular.
City Hall...
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/cityhall/multi.jpghttp://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/cityhall/bluepurple.jpghttp://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/cityhall/blueorange.jpg
HLP Installation Phase...
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/HLP/install1.jpg
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/HLP/install2.jpg
[Installation of fixtures and search light testing]
Pyrotechnics...
Stage one of the Harbour Lighting Plan has included Pyrotechnics on 10 selected rooftops. These will be fired nightly for the first month after the official opening. The integration of Pyrotechnics into the Harbour Lighting Plan included interviews with the Leisure and Cultural Services department, Marine department, The Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, The Hong Kong Fire Department and the Hong Kong Police.
Although Victoria Harbour is a great asset for fireworks, it is a significantly larger body of water than most other Harbours Laservision has conducted projects on or around.
The fireworks incorporated are viewed from a greater distance than would be the case at the other venues, diminishing the scale of the effects as viewed from any of the typical viewing positions, such as Tsim Sha Tsui. To combat such a potential problem the number of buildings incorporating fireworks was been increased.
Lasers...
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/HLP/laser_thecentre.jpg
Lasers have been incorporated into the Harbour Lighting Plan to increase the use of airborne special effects. Laservision originally demonstrated lasers in Hong Kong during Laservision's CLP Lights up Hong Kong, during Chinese New Year of 2003.
Lasers were used to project information onto the façade of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Certain buildings within the harbour including International Finance Centre 1 (IFC1), IFC2 and Central Plaza were chosen for projection via laser light.
High Powered 50 watt Stella ~ Ray Lasers were installed onto these buildings. The Laser systems added to the rooftops of prominent Hong Kong skyline buildings enable animated beams of light to span the harbour connecting the audience on the Tsim Sha Tsui with the show opposite them.
Many implementation issues had to be overcome before Laservision could incorporate Lasers into the Harbour Lighting Plan. These issues included the potential hazard to either marine navigation or to aircraft in the vicinity. The type of lasers that would be required for theme shows within the harbour whilst extremely bright, do have a relatively high beam divergence.
Best vantage point...
Among other key factors came the issue of best placement for the audience. Without parallel the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is the most significant viewing area of all, due to its prominent position and the proximity to Central and Wan Chai. Hong Kong is blessed with a harbour fit for the purpose of large scale mediums although the best viewing areas are limited and problematic under stress of high patronage (Tsim Sha Tsui).
The future development of the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade will improve pedestrian capacity in that area.
How are the Buildings and Show Coordinated?
http://www.laservision.com.au/pix/hk/hsbc/HSBCDDP.jpg
The control systems used to coordinate the whole of the Lighting Plan have been engineered, manufactured and shipped from Laservision's Sydney studios.
Stage one of the Harbour Lighting Plan has seen 19 Digital Data ~ Pumps installed into participating buildings for the purpose of coordinating the show. Laservision's 'Digital Data ~ Pumps' are specifically designed to coordinate usually incompatible elements of the macro media industry.
Macro mediums are high powered, high impact mediums used to entertain the masses. These mediums include Lasers, Architectural Lighting, Surround Sound, Fountains, Aqua Screens, Large Format Projection, Pyrotechnics and Special FX. Laservision's proprietary show control systems allow these mediums to be perfectly synchronised.
Laservision Electronics Engineer, Brett Slattery said "operation skills are easily acquired due to the focus on reliability and ease of use. Meaning, non-technical personnel are able to operate Digital Data ~ Pumps via a touch screen".
As a result of this export into Hong Kong, Laservision has recently been awarded the prestigious 'NSW Exporter of the Year' in the category of 'Arts and Entertainment'. This award was presented by Austrade and the Australian Institute of Export. Other awards won by Laservision this year include 'Creative Small to Medium Enterprise', presented by the Hong Kong Australian Business Association and the Australian Chamber of Commerce's 'Innovation Award'. This award was presented in Hong Kong.
Laservision represents a world renowned pioneer of creative, high impact solutions for the attractions, advertising, and special events industries. Our creations are projected to targeted, large scale audiences, where the audience becomes an integral part of the experience. These creations include permanently installed entertainment for theme parks, tourist attractions and other special venues and secondly, themed celebrations, presentations both corporate and public, which range in scope from private "launch", to a national celebration.