Apex Plaza

Apex Plaza – Multi-faceted LED solution encompassing the integration LED lighting with glass and acrylic

The Challenge: to completely refurbish the colossal rectangular atrium of the Apex Plaza complex in the centre of Reading (UK).
Design: although the atrium is an impressive space, it needs creative design to achieve a balance between its constituent parts.

View of the complete Atrium

Solution: part of the solution was to create two "teardrop" seating areas at either end of the atrium. Public Screen's task was to illuminate the boundaries of each area, which was done by creating five sheets of curved, toughened, illuminated glass, each printed with a graduated frit pattern to ensure consistent LED light levels across each balustrade. In another part of the atrium, the creation of four removable illuminated palm tree surrounds using OSRAM LED System LINEARlight Flex, was relatively straightforward when compared with designing a set of tables that would have a light output similar to the palm tree surrounds, but with no exterior frame. Colour output had to be matched even though the task required using different types of LEDs to be incorporated in both, both glass and acrylic substrates.

Result: a technically complex job had an impressive final result that gave striking shape and definition to the space.

Balustrade, planters & tables all LED illuminated

Client	Prudential Property Management
Architect	Architects Design Partnership
Designer	Hoare Lea, Bristol
Contractor	Benson Construction
Solution	Multifaceted LED solution encompassing the integration of glass and acrylic
Location	Reading (UK)