Prize(s) Winners in Visitor Experience & Museum Exhibition
Lighting Design/Product Company Michael Grubb Studio
Lead Designers Rachael Flint
Other Designer's names Michael Grubb, Anna Freiesleben, Daniela Rendon
Interior Design Company Exhibition Designers: Ralph Applebaum Associates
Client Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Photo Credits Andrew Lee
Other Credits Barker Langham (Project Managers); Sysco (AV System); XYZ (Electrical Contractors)
Completion Date 22nd November 2024
Project Location Abu Dhabi, UAE
Entry DescriptionInspired by the Holy Qur’an’s verse: “God is the light of the heavens and the earth” the lighting design concept embodies the idea of Islam as the light that connects celestial and terrestrial realms. The design team utilised light as a unifying force throughout the exhibition. Through exhibition and architectural lighting, complemented by media elements, light creates an atmospheric space for visitors to explore, while accentuating particularly significant features within the exhibition.
A model of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one major feature, crowned by a dynamic custom pendant that interacts with the AV system through movement and colour. Comprised of 500 RGBW, DMX-controlled nodes, the pendant replicates sunrise, sunset, and the night sky over the Mosque. This innovative lighting design creates a powerful, immersive experience, celebrating the Grand Mosque with both artistic and technical precision.
Light is central to the narrative, yet we embraced darkness to enhance the impact of stories and artefacts. Swirls of the universe in the ceiling and sunrise/sunset tones at exhibit bases create a connection to light. Each of the 5 zones uses light strategically; cool white above and warm tones below form a balanced, cohesive environment. This interplay of light and dark works in harmony with the architecture, highlighting focal points and enhancing the overall impact.
Sustainability ApproachWe prioritised energy efficiency and sustainability by incorporating advanced lighting controls to minimise energy usage. All fittings were chosen with a circular economy approach, allowing for future retrofit and upgrades. We also considered the proximity of materials to the site, ensuring minimal environmental impact. This approach supports a sustainable, environmentally conscious lighting design.
To ensure longevity, our design features adjustable, retrofittable showcase lighting with space for future upgrades and flexible layout for changing artefacts. All fittings are lockable to maintain position and focus. We emphasised with clients the importance of fittings with lower embodied carbon and those supporting a circular economy. These measures ensure the design remains sustainable, adaptable, and environmentally responsible throughout its lifecycle.
