Overview
BL Lighting lit up the YVR Air Traffic Control Tower with a bright mosaic of colorful light, making an impressive statement whether viewed from the ground below, or the skies above.
ILLUMINATING SOLUTIONS
The client came to BL Lighting in search of a powerful and reliable luminaire to replace failing lights on the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATC) at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Fed up with outdated controls technology and repeated fixture replacements, YVR wanted a local solution, entrusting BL Lighting to deliver excellence in service, support, and quality.
Several stringent requirements needed to be met for a successful outcome. Programming was required to be independent of the YVR internet system, and precise beam angles and radio frequencies had to be met to avoid any interference with piloting aircraft and the ATC communications. From a small installation footprint, a light throw distance of several hundred feet was desired, and the fixtures had to be sturdy enough to hold up to vandalism, a common occurrence in this very high traffic area.
BL worked closely with the team including City Electric Supply and Young Electric Contractor, brainstorming and mocking up with samples on site, to choose the right product to overcome all of the specific challenges, BL areaLINEAR LN1312 RGBW, our robust LED linear facade light.
ADVANCED LED TECHNOLOGY
The desired effect was to flood even, colorful illumination vertically from the slender base to the tower top. A high performance light was needed to meet the stringent requirements set out by the airport, and with light projection of over 300ft, BL areaLINEAR LN1312 RGBW delivered on every point. On-site mock ups and samples helped the customer visualize the results and fine-tune the must-haves.
The facade is highlighted uniformly around the structure, creating a navigable reference point, and anchors the landmark tower on the instantly recognizable YVR skyline.
CUSTOM CONTROLS CAPABILITY
With 16 individually addressable LEDs, thousands of cool color changing and pixel chasing effects are achievable at the touch of a button. Initial lighting programs and settings were configured by BL Lighting technicians as part of our BL techPROGRAM package. In addition to the presets, close consultation with the airport determined a well thought out list of custom lighting displays. Luminaires are synchronized to a calendar and set to play different multi-colored themes for holidays and special observances, as well as a default 3000K Warm White scene play. All scenes are also efficiently scheduled to fade out and dim to off at sunrise, and slowly brighten to full illumination at sunset.
Lighting effects can also be set by the client as desired, using BL controls CATO touch screen + App. via the remote app, or the in-built intuitive touchscreen interface of the wall mount controller.
WORLD CLASS LIGHTING
Ultra-powerful and efficient, BL areaLINEAR LN1312 LED wall washers are durably constructed with anodized aluminum housing and shatter-resistant glass lens, are IP66 waterproof, and rated for -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C) temperatures, ideal for the pacific northwest climate. On board mounting brackets were used to securely install the lights directly to the tower base. The 180° adjustable mounting brackets ensure precise light placement, and illumination grazes the entire vertical surface from bottom to top.
In addition to a quality product and superior support, the clients were really searching for serious wow factor to light up the ATC, serving as a proud symbol of modernism at YVR, ranked as North America’s best airport for 12 consecutive years in a row. Travelers are greeted with world class views of the unmistakable monument as it merges with the surroundings to create a harmonious assemblage, while punctuating the landscape and providing a remarkable visual sense of direction with dynamic, vibrant illumination.
This project was completed in collaboration with City Electric Supply, Young Electric Contractor, and supported by Mac’s II Agencies.
