Changi Airport, Singapore – Sustainable lighting with ERCO downlights
The Compar linear downlights from ERCO have been instrumental in the renewal and enlargement of Terminal 2 at Singapore’s Changi Airport. This ambitious endeavour has contributed to the extension of 15,500 square meters within the terminal structure, thereby augmenting the airport’s capacity by five million passengers annually, reaching a total of 90 million passengers.
In total, approximately 5500 Compar fittings were successfully integrated into critical locations, offering cost-effective ambient lighting solutions for the departure and arrival areas, baggage claim belts, & transit halls. The Changi airport’s distinctive garden theme is prominently reflected in the modern design approach of T2, characterised by abundant vegetation and elements inspired by nature, including a 14m tall and 17m wide digital waterfall. Furthermore, the extensive application of natural materials for wall cladding and flooring further enhances the ‘green’ aesthetic. The commitment to sustainability is not merely symbolic. The Changi Airport Group has pledged to achieve zero carbon growth by 2030, with emissions to be capped at the levels recorded in 2018.
In the context of the intricate demands imposed by such a multifaceted public setting, sustainability emerged as a paramount consideration in the design of the lighting system. Philippe Almon, the lighting designer at PhA Concepteurs lumiere, was particularly committed to minimizing the unnecessary consumption of materials. Consequently, the lighting solution chosen was characterized by its high efficiency LED Compar downlights, which had been specifically adapted for the project. Typically installed recessed, these Compar linear fittings are equipped with a mounting trim and a clip designed for effortless installation. To further reduce material usage, PhA Concepteurs lumiere proposed the elimination of the trim, necessitating the development of an innovative method for its attachment to the ceiling.
The ERCO design team introduced the concept of embedding a hole into the heat sink to accommodate the hanging system, thereby creating a hook to support the suspended structure. This innovative approach was executed in a manner that did not compromise the heat management of the component, preserved the integrity of the manufacturing warranty, and still ensured easy and swift installation. The suspended ceiling element incorporates precisely placed linear slots, allowing the fitting to align seamlessly with the surface, creating a flawlessly integrated design.
The airport environment is characterized by expansive areas and lofty ceilings, necessitating elevated levels of illumination and uniformity in lighting. This requirement is balanced by the need for both visual and psychological comfort, characterized by a glare-free, high-quality, and soothing light. The Compar downlight offers a unique advantage in this regard. Despite its robustness, it is compact and inconspicuous, seamlessly integrating with the architectural design. Equipped with an anti-glare louvre that can be adorned with various finishes, it becomes an almost imperceptible light source from multiple perspectives. Furthermore, the luminaires not only achieve double the target light levels on the floor surface but accomplish this with a reduced number of fittings and lower wattage compared to alternative solutions.
The future maintenance and durability of luminaires represent a critical factor in the context of an airport setting, characterized by round-the-clock operations, high-traffic areas, and ceilings that are challenging to access. Downlights, in general, such as those produced by ERCO, are of a notably superior technical quality, engineered and produced to endure for several decades. This significantly diminishes the necessity for maintenance, thereby reducing operational expenses. ERCO’s emphasis is placed on the development of luminaires that offer sustainable lighting solutions. Through the in-house design and manufacturing of optics, electronics, and heat management systems, along with the creation of a timeless design and light distribution that is tailored to specific applications, the Compar downlight embodies the essence of ERCO’s commitment to ‘lighting durability’.
The world’s most awarded airport, Changi Airport links Singapore to some 140 cities globally, with over 100 airlines operating more than 6000 weekly flights. The expansion scheme, which took more than three years, also supported additional infrastructure, provided new systems and increased retail and F&B offerings. ‘We hope T2 will set a new benchmark for customer service and delight among airports,’ said Tan Lye Teck, CAG’s programme director for the Terminal 2 Expansion Project.
- Project: Changi Airport, Terminal 2, Singapore
- Architecture: JH Boiffils, Paris, France / RSP, Singapore
- Lighting design: PhA Concepteurs Lumière, Paris, France
- Photo Credits: ERCO www.erco.com
- Photography: Finbarr Fallon