On 1 November 2008, in collaboration with the Garden's landscape gardener, an illumination programme, Garden Play with Light commenced. Two concepts define this Japanese style of illumination: 'Static Vision' in which the Garden radiates a dreamy atmosphere, and 'Dynamic Vision', a series of colour changing programmes that shift with the season. Some programmes are synchronised to music and offered as an optional service to customers on special occasions like weddings or birthdays.
Lighting design is by Reiko Chikada of Reiko Chikada Lighting Design. Chikada and her team chose IP65-rated Exterior Series luminaires from Martin Professional to illuminate the Garden's three-story Pagoda and surrounding forest, as well as the entrance façade of the restaurant. All Martin lights were supplied through Martin Professional Japan.
The full colour mixing luminaires create a distinctive, visually expressive atmosphere in the Garden. Martin Exterior 200 LED fixtures highlight trees around a central pond area while Exterior 200 luminaires (21o lens) reveal the trees on the upper half of the mountain.
By using the Exterior 200 LED, power consumption for lighting of the Gardens has been reduced by half. Both luminaires are housed in attractive weatherproof casings that allow them to fit discreetly into the aesthetically tranquil environment.
The Pagoda that sits atop the mountain is 1000 years old and is the focal feature of the Gardens. It is illuminated using Martin 575 W Exterior 600 luminaires (8o lens) that are mounted on the roof of the restaurant. The Pagoda shows up vividly even at a projection distance of 100m.
The entrance of the Chinzan-so restaurant and banquet hall is illuminated using Exterior 200s (21o lens), some of which are mounted with extended snoots in order to reduce the glare for visitors exiting the building.
(Jim Evans)
