The monumental scale of the architecture at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is reflected in the ceiling height of Hakkasan’s recently-opened modern-Cantonese restaurant. This created an interesting challenge for London-based Isometrix Lighting + Design, which specified Remote Controlled Lighting (RCL)‘s DR2 LED spotlights for the project.
Comprising a restaurant, lounge and nightclub, Hakkasan covers 7000m² over five levels. The restaurant provides a central focal point at the venue, described by Hakkasan as “a dramatic culinary theatre helmed by Michelin-starred chef, Ho Chee Boon, and his team of highly-skilled wok and dim sum chefs”. The restaurant has a relaxed yet upscale feel, with lattice woodwork to separate intimate areas from the main dining space. A private dining area is also featured.
Designed by Isometrix, the lighting scheme at Hakkasan has been shortlisted for a 2014 Lighting Design Award, and plays an integral part in the overall ambiance of the restaurant. Isometrix selected RCL’s DR2 LED spotlights to create lighting in the restaurant booths which is highly versatile, providing mood lighting for dining and carefully-directed task lighting when the bill arrives.
RCL supplied a total of 65 DR2 LED spotlights with a warm colour temperature of 2700K, which are spread throughout the restaurant and nightclub area.
The Monopoint luminaires can be adjusted in pan and tilt using RCL’s patented Select & Direct system, which uses a simple hand-held controller to select individual lights and focus them from floor level. In addition, restaurant staff can adjust the dimming of the laser-controlled DR2s via DMX to create lighting zones for dining parties or group events.
Isometrix lighting designer, Althea de St Croix, says: “We have used RCL’s DR2 luminaire before in areas that are inaccessible, and they were ideal for the triple-height ceilings at Hakkasan, Las Vegas, where we needed to light individual booths. One of the advantages of the RCL equipment is that it is very quick to set up.”
RCL sales director, Spencer Baxter, adds: “Remote controlled lighting is essential in areas where you need to set up or reposition the lighting, while avoiding the risks and complications of bringing in ladders such as dining areas, hotel ballrooms and nightclubs. Pre-programming some lighting scenes is especially helpful in that respect.”
