As part of the centenary celebrations of the world-famous Copacabana Palace, a Belmond Hotel, a system from Pharos Architectural Controls is being used for lighting control on the renovation on the façade.
The hotel, which adorns the lively Copacabana beachfront in the Brazilian Capital city of Rio de Janeiro, has been a feature of the area since opening in 1923. With a large swimming pool, plush bedrooms, and plenty of places to dine and drink, it is no surprise that visitors flock to the Copacabana Palace Hotel to soak up the Brazilian sun and enjoy the area.
Award-winning design and lighting company LD Studio was commissioned to deliver the redevelopment of the façade lighting. The project was led by architect and certified lighting designer Monica Luz Lobo. It was important to the owners of the hotel that the project brought together the tradition of the famed hotspot, with a contemporary feel. Monica has been able to achieve this through her unique vision.
A two-universe Designer LPC (Lighting Playback Controller) from Pharos has been specified to fulfil the lighting control requirements, with the control system commissioned by ECS. The LPC 2 is being used to control a range of architectural linear solutions from LED lighting manufacturer, Tryka. DMX technology enables the façade to be changed to different colours, patterns and themes when required, triggered by a web interface hosted by the LPC.
The LPC features individually controllable and independently running timelines and scenes. It offers the freedom of real-time manual overrides, with the versatility of powerful show control and integration features. With a compact form and minimal power requirements, the LPC can be installed anywhere.
This customisation allows for the hotel to celebrate days of special significance through a visual display using the façade as the canvas. These include international holidays such as Christmas and New Year and national events including Carnival.
By illuminating the façade with LEDs, the hotel can be appreciated during hours of darkness, with its architecture and striking nature now being explored through energy-efficient light. To work in harmony with the new lighting, the façade has been restored; painted in a unique shade of pearly white to showcase its century-old beauty.
Monica Luz Lobo said: “The Copacabana Palace Hotel is undoubtedly glamorous and sophisticated, yet it represents a piece of all of us. It celebrates Rio as a city, the Brazilian way of life, our history, and our future. As a must-see destination for visitors to Rio, we are thrilled to have been part of this beautiful project. The success of The Copacabana Palace Hotel, especially given the short deadline, relied on all partners working symbiotically.”
Ryan Sainsbury, Regional Sales Manager for UK and Ireland at Pharos Architectural Controls, said: “We’re always thrilled to be asked to work on iconic projects, and the Copacabana Palace Hotel is just that. From its enviable position on the beachfront, to the glitz and glamour that surrounds it, the hotel is a star on the Rio skyline. The Designer LPC 2 is a great addition to ensure the hotel’s façade can play a leading role in celebrating a huge array of events, including Carnival.”
Project Credits:
Client: Belmond
Lighting Design: LD Studio
Lighting: Tryka
Controls Commissioning & Programming: ECS
Architect: Tah Arquitetura E Consultoria
Installation: Baggio
Distributor: goelight e:light
Control: Pharos Architectural Controls
