In the 776-seater VIP screen (number 11), Gradus’ Decorflex LED lighting strip has been used to create a soft, dimmable halo around the 25m x 10m screen, as well as dramatic lighting effects in three runs across the walls and ceiling. Similar effects were also created in the cinema’s two foyer areas.
Meanwhile, all 11 screens were fitted with step and aisle LED lighting to assist wayfinding. Single channel PVC-u stair edgings with slip resistant white (Snowdrift) inserts, transparent risers and blue Interlok Advance pinpoint-effect lighting elements were used to illuminate the steps and create an additional design feature. Additionally, blue LED floor looms were installed within PVC-u floor trims with smoked windows to highlight the aisles and walkways, and provide a safe transition between the carpet and vinyl floor-coverings.
Blue alphabetical row indicators were then fitted in the stair edgings on each tread to complete the step and aisle scheme.
“Lighting is increasingly being used to enhance the cinema ‘experience’,” commented Gradus Lighting’s James Earle. “This is a great example of how Gradus can work with exhibitors to devise bespoke lighting solutions that will create the right ambience, as well as safely guide cinemagoers through stadium-style multiplexes.”
“Our brief was to create the wow factor but the solution also needed to offer lower running costs than neon to help the environment,” Gradus lighting manager Rory Marr told II. “Decorflex is easy to use and install, plus it has a long life expectancy, helping to minimise maintenance costs. The LEDs are surrounded by a flexible PVC casing, as opposed to glass, which means Decorflex isn’t breakable, like neon or fluorescent lighting methods. It also has lower running costs than more traditional forms of lighting and the visual effects are stunning. The overall simplicity of Decorflex, taking into account the ease of installation and low maintenance and running costs, makes it a hassle-free choice for applications such as this.”
