The lighting scheme has been designed to support the Architectural and Landscape Design direction and aspirations, to create an important tourist destination and loved community asset.
Emphasising the architectural and landscape expression: the lighting design complements the organic form of the Pier from landside end, to where it narrows along the main Pier length, and expands to the open circulation area, pavilion and penguin viewing boardwalk. The functional pole lighting creates a continuous spine that leads pedestrians along the length of the project to create a unified experience. In addition the poles incorporate a colour-selectable lantern top inspired by boat masts which reinforces the promenade feel to the Precinct.
Functional requirements: The light poles and optics have been carefully selected to illuminate the Pier, with minimal light spill to the water or the sky. The functional lighting requirements were developed with Parks Victoria to create a number of different Australian Standards P Category light levels that would suit the different zones in the project. The key requirement was to maintain safe pedestrian lighting, while at the same time balance impacts to wildlife. The resulting lighting is one where the light level feels balanced and safe, and reduces in light level as the user moves towards the Penguin viewing area.
Creating an inviting atmosphere: lighting elements are integrated within pavilion structures, seating and handrails to softly illuminate areas of respite, observation and contemplation. The lighting is layered and restrained to support a relaxed feel at night while maintaining lighting compliance.
Adopting a sensitive approach to wildlife: the project includes an important upgrade to the Penguin viewing area in the form of a generous curving timber boardwalk. From previous experience on the Penguin Parade project at Phillip Island, we tested and validated that extra warm white colour temperature light had the smallest impacts on Penguins. Using this knowledge for St Kilda Pier, and referencing the National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife, we designed concealed lighting integrated to the boardwalk and handrails with 2200K extra warm white lighting to the Penguin areas and 2700K warm white for all other areas, with programmable lighting control and dimming.
One of the key project challenges was in how to create a unified lighting scheme that met durability and ongoing maintenance requirements in what is an exceptionally harsh environment with salt water corrosion, wind and vandalism concerns. Each lighting element was selected based on meeting all criteria to ensure the lighting installation could be maintained by Parks Victoria and would be reliable into the future.
Architect: JCB Architects
Landscape Architect: Site Office Landscape Architects
Client: AW Maritime and Parks Victoria
Photos: Peter Clarke and Hygge Photography
