commARCH - June 2018

PROJECT

lighting

Large-Scale Solution For Ballroom Lighting Dimming-and-control systems serve grand functions in a hotel event space.

H

otel Nikko, located in the Union Square district of down-

As with any event space, lighting is key to creating the desired atmo-

town San Francisco, reopened in early spring 2017 after

sphere and mood. Taking into account a new lighting design, the ex-

a three-month renovation. At a cost of $60 million, and

isting and decades-old dimming system needed to be replaced with

in tribute to the hotel’s 30th anniversary, major improvements were

one that could handle high-level, decorative LED lighting and incor-

made in infrastructure and technology. Renovations included those

porate dimming protocols such as DMX to accommodate RGB light-

to public spaces, the grand ballroom, meeting spaces, and a majority

ing brought in for special events. Hotel management also required a

of guestrooms and suites, in addition to seismic and structural up-

system to integrate with the stage/dimmer lighting console that was

grades to the building itself.

intuitive enough for people renting the space to use. Besides having to

The 6,652-sq.-ft. grand ballroom on the hotel’s third floor serves

meet various lighting requirements, another challenge was the limited

large-scale functions such as weddings and private corporate events.

access to the ceiling and walls that could slow installation. Other projcommercialarchitecturemagazine.com

Hotel Nikko’s 6,652-sq.-ft. grand ballroom serves large-scale functions such as weddings and corporate events. Lighting is key to creating the desired atmosphere and mood.

JUNE 2018

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