CATENARIES, PEDESTRIAN
Elevated horizons: A modern catenary solution fit for Microsoft Square
- Completed2022
- ClientMicrosoft, 151 Property
- Sales PartnerMHL
- ArchitectWarren & Mahoney
- Landscape ArchitectLandlab
- Lighting DesignerMesh
- Electrical EngineerMesh
- Photography and VideographyIP Media
Microsoft Square, located at Microsoft House in Auckland’s CBD and also part of the vibrant Viaduct Harbour precinct, is a public plaza designed to encourage openness, connection and innovation. To complement this space, the lighting solution, devised thoughtfully by Landscape Architects Landlab, Lighting Designers/Engineers at Mesh, together with Architects Warren & Mahoney, needed to be visually unobtrusive, aligning with the plaza’s minimalist architecture while offering optimal lighting quality.
Key Considerations
The lighting design needed to preserve the square’s open visual environment without adding any intrusive elements, such as poles or bulky fixtures, while providing reliable illumination in Auckland’s demanding climate. Additionally, it was essential that the lighting solution balanced brightness with a soft, glare-free effect to enhance the square’s inviting atmosphere.
Challenges
• Avoiding visual intrusion: A solution was required that would illuminate the space effectively without disrupting sightlines or the plaza’s architectural openness – as a part of the brief, poles were to be avoided.
• Weather durability: The lighting system had to be robust enough to handle Auckland’s coastal weather conditions.
• Glare control: A balance was needed between adequate illumination and glare reduction to maintain the square’s welcoming environment.
“WE-EF holds a proven track record for durability across New Zealand’s harsh environments.”
Solution
• Catenary lighting installation: WE-EF’s DAS120 luminaires were selected and installed via a catenary system, providing broad, effective lighting without introducing visual obstacles.
• Durability and quality: The DAS120 and ETC330-FS luminaires were specifically chosen for their urban resilience, ensuring long-term reliability under challenging environmental conditions.
Results
According to Mark Kirkham of MHL, the “plaza could have been lit with conventional lights on poles, but the careful creative consideration from Landlab meant an intentional design approach for lighting – a catenary lighting system from WE-EF, which holds a proven track record for durability across New Zealand’s harsh environments”.
The discreet, catenary-mounted DAS120 and ETC330-FS inground luminaires illuminate Microsoft Square without obstructing its openness, delivering ambient and safe lighting for public use. WE-EF’s quality ensures enduring performance, enhancing visitor experience in an attractive, unobtrusive manner.
