Concept
The Ian Potter Centre Southbank, the new home of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music celebrates the activities of music rehearsal and practice. Outwardly focused and inviting, the building balances the concentration required of students with the camaraderie of engaging with others.
Electrolight was engaged by the University of Melbourne to undertake specialist lighting design for the Conservatorium of Music project designed by John Wardle Architects (JWA) and constructed by Lend Lease. Electrolight’s scope was all front of house areas which included three significant performing art spaces, circulation and exterior.
The brief called for an innovative approach to support the provocative design by JWA. Driven by a desire to depart from the bright and even lighting approach typical for many institutions, the lighting supports the architectural aspirations of an environment that encourages curiosity and interaction.
Solution
The lighting supports the architectural concept of curiosity and interaction. Numerous vantage points in the conservatorium allow for appreciating the inner workings of music teaching. The user experience is one where there are excellent sight lines, such as being able to look through voids and apertures, the oculus, through stair glazing or into teaching rooms. Lighting was used to capture attention, create intrigue and draw people through the diverse range of spaces.
The lighting became a carefully considered part of the interior. Often discreet and always integrated within the architecture, the lighting is warm, inviting and, at times theatrical.
A diverse range of lighting objectives including performance space lighting (excellent colour rendering, dimming and the avoidance of flicker, strobing or acoustic interference) and strong ESD requirements were achieved with a lighting strategy that often utilised customised or bespoke luminaires.
The Conservatorium of Music is the centrepiece of the University of Melbourne’s major Southbank campus redevelopment. With cutting-edge facilities, it will allow the University to provide expanded music education of the highest quality for future generations.
Architects: John Wardle Architects
Client: University of Melbourne
