A recessed screen surface is softly framed by a carefully detailed knife-edge cove, hiding the light source from view even at the shallowest viewing angles.
Nacása & Partners A recessed screen surface is softly framed by a carefully detailed knife-edge cove, hiding the light source from view even at the shallowest viewing angles.
Stage lights in the front most cove, directional downlights, ambient covelighting and linear accents on walls provide layers of light for a dynamic experience.
Nacása & Partners Stage lights in the front most cove, directional downlights, ambient covelighting and linear accents on walls provide layers of light for a dynamic experience.

The Hyundai Capital Convention Hall in Seoul, South Korea, is a multipurpose space used for presentations, training, the showing of videos, and other special events. Completed in September 2016 by the London office of global architecture firm Gensler, the project was conceived as a flexible envelope “to provide a modern, dynamic-looking space,” with multiple layers of illumination.

Out of sight stagelights provide 50 vertical footcandles. A line of light aroudn the stage emphasizes the ethereal feel of the space.
Nacása & Partners Out of sight stagelights provide 50 vertical footcandles. A line of light aroudn the stage emphasizes the ethereal feel of the space.

KGM Architectural Lighting developed a lighting scheme that enhances the “clean aesthetic” of the space and enables flexibility of use—all without visible light sources. To achieve the desired aesthetic and ambiance, the team selected DALI-dimmable 4000K LED fixtures with fade-to-black drivers to provide “a highly adaptable and adjustable dimming system accommodating the various lighting needs” of the conference center.

Downlights are concealed in light coves to provide 30 footcandles on the tables. Mock-ups and details were studied to determine the best placement for fixtures.
Nacása & Partners Downlights are concealed in light coves to provide 30 footcandles on the tables. Mock-ups and details were studied to determine the best placement for fixtures.

A 6W-per-foot LED knife-edge cove fixture illuminates the perimeter of a recessed projection screen at the front of the auditorium while 23W LED downlights paired with 16W-per-foot fixtures concealed in the recurring ceiling coves taper in length toward the back of the hall to give a sense of forced perspective and depth. KGM developed mock-ups for cove and luminaire placement to determine the best layout prior to installation. Elsewhere, linear 10W-per-foot LED wall grazers highlight the texture of the felt side walls and a recessed 5W-per-foot LED strip outlines the stage floor. An adjacent black box screening room is illuminated by 15W downlights with accents at the bench risers to enhance the minimalist but powerful design.

A screening room adjacent to the hall is designed as a black box with a minimum number of downlights and accents at the bench risers to enhance the design.
Nacása & Partners A screening room adjacent to the hall is designed as a black box with a minimum number of downlights and accents at the bench risers to enhance the design.

Although there were no specific governing lighting codes given the international location, the project does meet California Title 24 requirements. The end result is coordinated layers of illumination that create an adaptable, yet striking, environment for this convention hall.

Linear accents enhance the "shell" idea and bring out the wall texture. Ceiling gradients focus the view towards teh stage and heighten the spatial experience.
Nacása & Partners Linear accents enhance the "shell" idea and bring out the wall texture. Ceiling gradients focus the view towards teh stage and heighten the spatial experience.

Jury Comments
The light makes the space. • Beautifully detailed. • Artful.

Details
Project: Hyundai Capital Convention Hall, Seoul, South Korea • Client: Hyundai Capital Services and Hyundai Card Co. • Architect: Gensler, London office • Lighting Designer: KGM Architectural Lighting, Los Angeles • Lighting Team Members: Martin van Koolbergen, Moritz Hammer, Charlotte Cantillon • Photographer: Nacása & Partners • Project Size: 6,250 square feet • Project and Lighting Costs: Withheld • Watts per Square Foot: 1.1 • Code Compliance: Not Applicable (although meets Title 24 requirements) • Manufacturers: iGuzzini, LED Linear, Philips Color Kinetics, Zumtobel