Big Screen Success for Gradus Lighting at Vue Westfield

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Gradus lighting has proved to be a star of the silver screen after supplying its state-of-the-art LED lighting for the UK’s biggest and most technologically advanced, fully digital cinema at London’s Westfield shopping centre.

Situated in Europe’s largest retail complex, the 14-screen Vue cinema was officially opened by British actress Anna Friel at a celebrity launch party. The cinema features a whole host of new cinematic experiences, including five 3D enabled screens, VueXtreme – two supersize screens each equivalent in size to four double-decker buses and Vue Scene – three screens of premium luxury with private lounge and bar facilities.

Gradus’ LED step lighting and row indicators were used throughout the cinema to aid wayfinding and enhance the cinema-goer experience, plus Decorflex rope lighting was used to illuminate side tables in the three exclusive Vue Scene screens, to create attractive and bespoke lighting effects.

Safety and peace of mind are at the forefront of all Gradus products and the newly improved Continuity range of step lighting delivers on both points. Continuity lights in blue were chosen to define the edge of all the steps, providing a continuous and consistent light across the length of the step, helping customers and staff to identify changes in level.

To provide easy navigation to seats, Gradus LED alphabetical row indicators were used on each step, complementing the cinema’s wayfinding system. In the luxury auditoriums, Gradus’ blue Decorflex was used creatively to illuminate side tables and rests in between seats.

Michael Gallon, Head of Construction for Vue Entertainment, comments: “Being part of such a prestigious shopping and entertainment venue, it is crucial that our cinema complex meets the high expectations of Westfield customers. The lighting scheme from Gradus delivers on all fronts. It not only creates a safe environment, it also contributes towards the cinema’s atmosphere and customers’ enjoyment.”

Steve Gallagher of Gradus Lighting says: “Lighting has become an integral part of the cinema-going experience, and whilst it is required for safety it should not detract from the primary function of cinemas. The lighting installed at the Vue cinema in Westfield shopping centre is a great example of the bespoke lighting systems offered by Gradus, and how they can be used to create a safe but visually appealing environment.

“Gradus Continuity step lighting also has the added benefit of a modular format which allows for easy maintenance or refurbishment work.”

Gradus’ Continuity stair edgings are available in both aluminium or clear PVC-u. Clear PVC-u profiles allow the illuminated stair edging to be visible whilst ascending and descending the stairs, enhancing the safety of customers.

LEDs are available in a wide choice of colours and can be housed in standard, ramp or slim-line profiles that incorporate a superior slip resistant surface, important in areas where drink spillages are likely to occur.

Gradus is the market leader in supplying safety products for dark environments and has a wide range of lighting products to suit most applications, whilst complementing aesthetic designs.

With over 25 years experience, Gradus has provided lighting solutions for clients Warner Bros, Odeon, Everyman and Vue Cinemas amongst others and offers full project management service, site installation and management through maintenance and after care.

For further information, contact Gradus Lighting on 01625 428922 or visit www.gradusworld.com.