Set within the historic fabric of The Rocks, Foundation Park is a carefully layered public space where landscape and contemporary urban life converge. The lighting design plays a quiet but critical role in shaping the park’s night-time identity, responding to both the heritage sensitivity of the site and the technical demands of an open public environment with very low ambient light levels.
We worked closely with the team at FPOV to ensure the luminaires selected met the performance, aesthetic and control requirements of the scheme. The lighting needed to deliver strong technical outcomes without visual intrusion, ensuring that the park remained welcoming and legible after dark while preserving its understated character.
A selection of architectural luminaires from Ligman formed the backbone of the solution, including the Ligman Edinburgh and Odessa families. These fittings were selected for their robust construction, refined form and integrated DALI control capability, allowing seamless connection to the broader lighting control system while maintaining a clean architectural outcome.
Given the extremely low surrounding light levels, glare control was paramount. The majority of the Ligman fittings were specified with anti-glare visors and honeycomb louvres to carefully manage high-angle light and ensure visual comfort for visitors moving through the space. This level of optical control was essential in maintaining safety and amenity without introducing harshness or distraction. A predominantly 2700K colour temperature was adopted throughout the project, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the site’s textures and reinforces a sense of calm within the historic precinct.
The luminaires were integrated across a variety of mounting conditions, including surface mounting to poles, fixing to columns and walls, and installation beneath overhangs. This layered positioning approach provides balanced vertical and horizontal illumination, enhancing spatial definition while remaining visually discreet within the architecture.
In two key areas, dynamic accent lighting introduces a subtle narrative. Coolon Plume RGBW projectors were programmed to a specific red tone to create a controlled fire-like effect, adding depth and visual interest without overwhelming the space. The restrained application of colour demonstrates how RGBW technology can be used with precision in heritage settings, contributing atmosphere while respecting context.
The result is a technically resolved lighting scheme that prioritises comfort, control and cohesion, enhancing the experience of the park after dark while allowing its history and architecture to remain central.
Photography by Jackie Chan.