Australia-based lighting specialist, PointOfView (POV),”has completed work on Jimbo & Rex, a pub bar located at the Crown Casino complex in Melbourne. The venue is a redevelopment of an existing pub, with new interiors designed by Mim Design for Crown. Located nearby the new West End gaming area and cinema complex, Jimbo & Rex needed to be inviting and accessible for a range of visitors.
The decorative lighting style takes its cue from Mim Design‘s interior design, which is characterised by the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, ceramic tiles, cotton canvas and copper. Pale materials, such as grey marble and washed timber, contribute to a neutral palette of finishes. Accents of darker timbers echo structural support beams, and copper is used as an accent material in walls and window framings.
The feature lighting by POV includes bespoke contemporary chandeliers crafted from glass and copper. Being able to see the light source in this way gives the lighting a traditional feel. Mirror finishes around the bar and seating areas reflect light throughout the space. Custom pendants above the boomerang-shaped bar and in the dining area were created with a copper finish, to complement copper accents elsewhere in the interior.
Concealed lighting is used to illuminate vertical surfaces – a choice was made to wash the light to increase brightness in the space, without the excessive use of ambient lighting. Other vertical surfaces, such as bottle displays and artworks, are accented either by integral lighting or concealed customized spotlights. Other features that are accent lit include porcelain plates, trees, pot plants and a double-height art wall made from recycled timber. Allowing contrasts was important for the display of these elements.
Sara McClintock, senior lighting designer at POV, comments: “The client wanted the new venue to retain the relaxed atmosphere of a pub, but to offer a fresh take on casual dining, late night bar and weekend snack service.”
Linked to one of the main interior promenades in the Crown Casino complex, Jimbo & Rex opens up visually to a brightly-lit walkway through a full height window. The bar of Jimbo & Rex is visible through the window to visitors walking through the complex. One of the main lighting challenges was to compete visually with the light that penetrates from the promenade, while allowing a comfortable ambient level within the bar and restaurant.
It was important that the venue offered a comfortable and open environment. Lighting levels needed to create an inviting and family-friendly setting for lunch and dinner.
Lighting suppliers
Decorative Ricardo Lighting, Roll & Hill
Architectural Masson Lighting, Inlite, ECC, Litesource
