Telus World of Science, Dome Lighting

Products:
Lumenpulse: Lumendome RGB  
Interactive Technologies: Cue Server Pro 

Project Team:
TELUS World of Science: Owner
NEMETZ+ Associates: Luminaire Specification
EOS LIGHTMEDIA: Show and Interactive Design + Programming
SASCO : Electrical Contractor
LIGHTWORKS: Equipment Supply + Project Management

Photo Credits:
ED White, Steve Bedard

Project Description:

The Telus World of Science Dome has been a Vancouver landmark since it started life as the Expo’86 Preview Centre. The dome is recognized at night by its 260 points of light and flashing strobes.

In 2009 Science World management wanted to update the dome with sustainable LED technology. This initiative also gave them an opportunity to make the dome an interactive display much like the exhibits inside. LIGHTWORKS offered a new fully integrated RGB LED lighting system that retained the landmark legacy appearance of the original system while giving Science World the ability to display dynamic colour changing shows that could be prompted by public interaction.

NEMETZ engineering defined the luminaire performance requirement. The final specification was a custom product which became the Lumenpulse LumenDome incorporating a 15W RGB LED Light Engine within an IP66 housing with sealed diffusing optics. The system is programmed via DMX512 received from a pair of Interactive Technologies Cue Servers. LIGHTWORKS contracted EOS LIGHTMEDIA to develop and program the various user defined shows and create an interactive smart phone application to engage the public.

The daily normal show is the static warm white legacy look that we all know and love. On Halloween the dome is transformed into the Great Pumpkin. On Earth Day the dome glows green. On New Year’s Eve the dome is the life of the party. Keep watching you never know what new personality the dome will surprise you with.