The World TradeCenter Oculus

Designed RGB Color Changing System

Project Summary:

The Oculus opened in March 2016, the centerpiece of the World Trade Center Complex and a Transportation Hub.  Designed by a world-renowned architect and lighting designer, the complex is a unique blend of a transportation hub, pedestrian plaza, retail shops, and restaurants.  The lighting design was initially developed long before LED lighting solutions could achieve the design intent and performance for complex architectural applications.  The lighting is an integral element of reinforcing the dramatic visual statement of the architectural features of the space.  With the advancement of solid-state technology in recent years, the client wanted to take advantage of the LED’s ability to maintain the original design intent, introduce color with light, lower energy consumption, and ease of maintenance.  Since its initial opening, with the grandeur and magnificence of the space, the client has seen the use of the space evolve (pre-COVID) and has been highly requested for social functions and receptions where ‘color’ has been requested.  The design parameters for this project consisted of using the existing fixture locations, retrofitting with LED fixtures that fit within the enclosure with no significant re-wiring, and maintaining the lighting performance – lighting distribution and lighting levels.  The RGBW LEDs were programmable and could achieve various colored lighting scenes/effects. The shift in light sources was able to provide an energy reduction of over 80% from the original lighting system and provide the flexibility that the owner requested to meet the additional demands of the space.  In such an iconic and socially important landmark, creating a color-changing programmable RGB solution was challenging and rewarding, yet it still maintained the design integrity.