A moribund shopping center at the intersection of three major thoroughfares has been brought to new life through contemporary architectural features and a visually aggressive lighting design. With outdated, inefficient, and poorly maintained light fixtures, the center was dark and uninviting at night. With new, sleek, minimalist light fixtures with energy-efficient and low-maintenance lamping, the center has become a vibrant destination within its community.

A strong rhythm of sleek linear light column fixtures provides much-needed vertical illumination for the center’s massive facades - which loomed darkly in the past - as well as the pedestrian walkways. The fixtures also serve as beacons, drawing the attention of the hundreds of thousands of visitors who pass the center daily.

The unusual layout of minimalist fluorescent light fixtures in the garage makes the statement of playfulness – befitting an entertainment center –and provides a sense of high visual security.

Strong colors predominate throughout the center, even at the valet desk. In addition, red LED strip-lighting enhances the red acrylic at the entry and in coves throughout the project.

The formerly under lit escalator rotunda is now bright and opens through a combination of up and downlighting. Fixtures throughout the project are simple and elemental in shape – square and cylindrical – a stark reaction to the antique-looking fixtures that defined the facility’s previous incarnation.

Long-life and energy-efficient LED, fluorescent, and metal halide sources are used throughout the project to minimize the impact on a limited electrical infrastructure while providing higher foot candle levels with lower maintenance. Despite a very restricted budget, limited electrical capacity, and an aggressive schedule, the project demonstrates how solid and straightforward gestures can create a sense of energy and invitation.

We brought this older retail environment to new life with an aggressive lighting aesthetic that optimized the architectural features of this unique facility—architecture by KAA Design Group, with electrical engineering by tk1sc.