PWL lights up Belgian Parliament with acoustic chandelier
Energy efficient light installation optimizes light and sound
Genk, 7 November 2022 - In cooperation with Amptec, PWL designed an energy efficient and broadcast compliant lighting installation with acoustic optimization for the Belgian Chamber of Representatives in Brussels. Amptec developed the sound system and optimization of the acoustics. PWL created a concept with integrated lighting, a three-layered cloud structure that perfectly harmonizes with the round shape of the space.
Architectural limitations of the building, like the glass-topped dome that caused reflections into the centre of the room, caused a bad acoustic experience for the many politicians. Amptec defined the sound system and the absorbing acoustic panels needed for this area. Luc Peumans, CEO van PWL, comments: "Our mission was to improve acoustics without altering the building charachteristics. With this in mind, the design team of PWL created a chandelier with integrated lighting. In this way the room’s harsh and inefficient halogen lighting could be replaced by a more energy-efficient LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption. We are very proud of this final result!"
Amptec developed the sound system and the required absorbent acoustic panels for the entire area. PWL performed a comprehensive light study to create a light design with a natural feeling and overall reduction of energy consumption. The sound system and the acoustic panels were the basis for a multifunctional chandelier design which improves both the lighting as well as the acoustics and general atmosphere of the entire area.
The chandelier's cloud structure has three levels that harmonize with the round structure of the room. The clouds of the lowest level hold the inside lighting for general lighting and on top to light up the upper clouds. The two highest levels contain uplighters to illuminate the clouds above and the ceiling. PWL also replaced the lights in the side of the dome with energy efficient LEDs to mimic natural sunlight.
"The new lighting meets the requirements for TV recording as well as modern soft light standards for illuminating architecture buildings. Moreover, the communication between the politicians is now far smoother and more pleasant. This amazing project is the result of our complementary partnerships with Lux Lumen and Amptec." concludes Peumans.
