University of Sydney – The Great Hall - Upgrade Brief
The Project
The University of Sydney ‘Great Hall’ was designed by Sir Edmund Thomas Blacket ( modelled on Westminster Hall ) and officially opened to the public on the 18 July
1859. The Great Hall is an iconic building of Sydney which is used for various functions for 352 days of the year.
This project incorporates the lighting refurbishment of the space by the provision of additional lighting to enhance the lighting from the existing heritage fittings, theatrical lighting for events, together with the refurbishment of the existing heritage luminaires. The project also includes the provision of new emergency & exit lighting, new lighting controls which interface to the existing AV system.
A preliminary costing will include and estimate of costs including supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, testing, of the electrical and lighting services systems.
1859. The Great Hall is an iconic building of Sydney which is used for various functions for 352 days of the year.
This project incorporates the lighting refurbishment of the space by the provision of additional lighting to enhance the lighting from the existing heritage fittings, theatrical lighting for events, together with the refurbishment of the existing heritage luminaires. The project also includes the provision of new emergency & exit lighting, new lighting controls which interface to the existing AV system.
A preliminary costing will include and estimate of costs including supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, testing, of the electrical and lighting services systems.
Scope of Works
*House Lighting:
- Upgrade of existing heritage House Light
- House Lighting technology upgrade.
- Surface and mounted house lightsabovedias and at entry
- Upgrade of existing heritage House Light
- House Lighting technology upgrade.
- Surface and mounted house lightsabovedias and at entry
*Theatrical luminaires to provide events lighting
*Illumination of Angels
*Illumination of Coat of Arms
*Illumination of Paintings within conservation allowances
*Illumination of statues
*Illumination of organ
*Enhancement of visibility of roof timber structure
*Emergency and Exit lighting
*Controls
The current achievable average lighting lux levels in the seating region of the Great Hall are considered unacceptable by the University of Sydney. The lighting designer is to provide a design that will bring these average lux levels up to an average 300lux without adversely affecting the maximum lux levels for light sensitive objects. To achieve this the lighting designer is to undertake measurements within the Great Hall to confirm the existing lighting levels. The lighting system should be fully dimmable. Events Scenes to direct the theatrical luminaire design will include the following. These events are expected to be:
-Graduation and Processionals.
-Weddings
-Dinners
-Cocktail parties
-Trade Shows
Recommendations for the lighting to accommodate these scenes are sought from the lighting designer.
Recommendations for the lighting to accommodate these scenes are sought from the lighting designer.
General Requirements
-University Audio Visual Requirements
The universities AV department have requested that there is enough control over stage lighting that they will have control over illuminance ratios for projections. The lighting design is to consider these requirements.
-Heritage Requirements
The existing building and site have heritage value. This is a key design and construction consideration for the Principal and the design. The Contractor is required to fully inform themselves of the heritage requirements and to carry out the works in accordance with these requirements, including incorporation of the requirements in protocols, procedures and management methods. These requirements are further outlined in the University Heritage Management Plan.
Key relevant clause of the Heritage Management Plan are listed but not limited to the following.
-The Great Hall
Policy 64 – Existing spaces of considerable significance and spaces, which will have been resorted in a way which recovers that level of significance, should be equipped with light fittings of a form, which will best suit the architectural character of the particular space. If
Policy 64 – Existing spaces of considerable significance and spaces, which will have been resorted in a way which recovers that level of significance, should be equipped with light fittings of a form, which will best suit the architectural character of the particular space. If
necessary to meet required light levels, such fittings may be supplemented by concealed or unobtrusive lighting which can be installed without damaging significant fabric or the character of the space.
Policy 66 – Surviving gas fittings, such as wall brackets, should be left intact as a reminder of things past.
Policy 69 – The Great Hall should be conserved in as near to its original form as possible and particular care should be taken to re-join original details of the floor tiles, stonework, joinery, painted finishes, fittings, stained glass, paintings, antiques and busts. Missing or damaged original or early features in the Hall, including material, finishes and decorative schemes, should be restored and reconstructed.
Policy 71 – The existing Lanterns should be re-used as part of any new lighting scheme. The colour and amount of light should display the interior surfaces to advantage while ensuring that they remain merely a setting to the activity within. Lighting levels should be able to be varied to suit different activities.
-Preventative Conservation
The illumination of paintings will be required to be within CIE International conservation guidelines.
There are objects located within the Great Hall that are of a high to medium light sensitivity, damage from optical radiation, resulting in fading of pigments, may degrade these items over a long period of time. The description for fading of materials due to light exposure is photo-degradation; a process that is irreversible.
There are objects located within the Great Hall that are of a high to medium light sensitivity, damage from optical radiation, resulting in fading of pigments, may degrade these items over a long period of time. The description for fading of materials due to light exposure is photo-degradation; a process that is irreversible.
Since light is a destructive force which can harm sensitive objects, it is recommended that this should be controlled and filtered to avoid IR-exposure (heat) and UV-exposure where necessary.
The following measures are proposed to be considered in the lighting design.
Electric Lighting
Electric light sources chosen must minimises photo-degradation.
Light Exposure and Lux Levels
Light levels should always be determined by the nature of the objects which allows the assessing of appropriate exposure limits.
The CIE (Commission International De L’Eclairage) Code (CIE 157:2004) identifies four lighting categories and provides guidance on exposure rates and lux levels. These include Irresponsive, Low Responsivity, Medium Responsivity, High Responsivity.
*Oil Paintings- Low Responsivity
The annual exposure should be limited to a maximum illumination level of 200lux.
The annual exposure should be limited to a maximum illumination level of 200lux.
*Tapestry- High Responsivity
The annual exposure should be limited to a maximum illumination level of 50lux. Due to these strict requirements, the general lighting conservation strategy should be based on overall exposure values rather than maximum light levels:High level exposure should be avoided and the time of exposure reduced.
The annual exposure should be limited to a maximum illumination level of 50lux. Due to these strict requirements, the general lighting conservation strategy should be based on overall exposure values rather than maximum light levels:High level exposure should be avoided and the time of exposure reduced.
It is noted that the tapestry currently has a curtain cover to prevent direct lighting when not required.
Exit and Emergency Evacuation Lighting
The emergency and emergency exit lighting system will be provided in accordance with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standard AS/NZS 2293.
The lighting control system will be in accordance with the CIS University electrical design standards and consist of either of the following manufacturer systems.
-Related Documents
The University of Sydney CIS Electrical Services Standard The University of Sydney CIS AUMS Standard
The University of Sydney CIS Lighting Standard –
The University of Sydney Communications Cabling Standard The University of Sydney Conservation Management Plan
The University of Sydney CIS Lighting Standard –
The University of Sydney Communications Cabling Standard The University of Sydney Conservation Management Plan
