Lighting the way for a merry festive season

“This year's Illumination Project, which will extend into 2008, was inspired by the success of other international illumination projects and the first SCMD Illumination Project in 2006. When designing the lighting display we took the current power problems South Africa is experiencing into serious consideration and adapted the design accordingly. The installation is nonetheless, exciting, playful and appropriate for a festive season tribute in an urban environment such as Sandton Central,” says Cara Reilly, marketing manager of SCMD, a section 21 company mandated by commercial property owners to manage all public space in Sandton Central.

“The Illumination Project is an inspiring and colourful addition to the Sandton Central Art's Programme that aims to transform public space and bring soul to the area through a diverse range of arts disciplines. Apart from the Illumination Project, live performances, a History Project, an Exhibition Programme and a seating initiative are being used to create exceptional spaces throughout Sandton Central.”

Green theme

The street light element of this year's Illumination Project has been themed green in line with the SCMD's drive to maintain and develop green spaces in the area. “Green also symbolises new beginnings always poignant with the New Year around the corner, and of course it's a subtle reference to the green and gold of the Springboks' IRB World Cup Rugby win,” adds Reilly.

“The light bulbs that will be used are coloured metal halide lamps with energy efficiency similar to compact fluorescent lamps,” says James Jooste, CEO of Light BE, the company that will install the green light bulbs. “This will not place any pressure on Eskom's power supplies.”

“The green light bulbs will be installed in new luminaries at key intersections throughout Sandton Central and will replace the yellow lights that exist in those areas. After the festive season the green lamps will be replaced with white metal halide lamps. The white lamps will not only enhance visibility for pedestrians and motorists, but will also create a prestigious atmosphere similar to mega cities like New York,” says Jooste.

“This change will mark the start of 2008 lighting plan where the SCMD hopes to change all yellow street lights in Sandton Central to clean white light.”

Create a fantastical atmosphere

In Maude Street the SCMD has commissioned well-known South African artist Usha Seejarim to create a fantastical atmosphere in the area using rope lights. Seerjarim has designed figures made of wire and the white rope light. Fifty fanciful figures designed and erected in specific locations along Maude Street will create a magical scene which visitors to the area can identify with.

“The whimsical theme is driven by notions of happiness, love and freedom. Everybody, whether an art lover or not, will relate to the figures as they represent the spirit of the festive season,” says Seejarim

“There are plans in the pipeline to expand the Illumination Project to other areas of Sandton Central and to use this years' installation as a foundation to grow the project in 2008 and beyond,” says Reilly. “Future plans will depend on a number of challenges including power supply, budgetary constraints and public perception. If these plans are successful stakeholders and visitors in Sandton Central could follow a walk of lighting scenes extending from Nelson Mandela Square down Burgher's Walk and along Maude Street. “

“We aim to create an atmosphere over the festive season that draws people to the area and gives them a unique experience that embraces the holiday season spirit.” says Reilly. “We want them to relive their festive season experiences in public places such as Joubert Park, the Joburg City Hall and many other places throughout the country.”