Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company Lighting Design Alliance
Lead Designers Andy Powell
Other Designer's names Chris Bright, Megan Murphy-McLeod, Jason Stroebel, A.G. Dilshad Ahamath
Architecture Company Gensler & Aedas
Interior Design Company Gensler & Aedas
Client Las Vegas Sands
Photo Credits Grischa Rueschendorf and Lighting Design Alliance
Completion Date Fall 2023
Project Location Macao, China
Entry DescriptionTo revitalize this under-performing casino resort, the owner envisioned a bold London theme transformation. The project focused on two multi-story atrium spaces. The first, a 4-story atrium, was reimagined as "The Crystal Palace," the resort's grand entrance. This transformation featured a new skylight, themed facades, and a replica of Piccadilly Circus' Shaftesbury Fountain. The lighting design illuminated sculptures, columns, arches, cornices, the skylight, and two-story faux windows, all RGBW-enabled for a nightly theatrical show.
The skylight, with its dual glass shells, can glow any color via RGBW fixtures. Large faux windows, backlit with an RGBW LED dot grid, serve as low-resolution media screens displaying real-time outdoor images or show content.
"Shakespeare’s Hall," a 3-story atrium, was redesigned for themed displays and performances. A second skylight layer was added to obscure the existing glass, with perimeter illumination allowing color changes. The top level features columns, arches, drapes, and cornices accented by concealed linear LEDs. A perimeter ceiling trough on the second level houses theatrical fixtures, enhancing displays or performances, while small coves light balcony fascias with gold filigree accents.
Mock-up photos and sections of the Crystal Palace Skylight and Shakespeare Hall Level 3 illustrate how lighting effects were carefully coordinated.
Sustainability ApproachClient’s criteria requires LED sources for minimum energy, maximum life. For both spaces, DMX controls provide flexibility and integration into shows or special displays. ALL light fixtures are LED, with the majority of light fixtures are sourced in this region of China, reducing the carbon footprint of the project.
