Yokohama BUNTAI

The building’s curved exterior is inspired by the sails of a ship catching Yokohama’s sea breeze. Projecting the image of sails billowing in the breeze, the dual-layered exterior comprises aluminum sheets with an 80 mm hole to create a moiré effect. As the viewer’s perspective shifts, the appearance of the facade changes. A new cityscape has been created that enhances and complements the stunning night views of Yokohama.

Archiline lighting equipment has been incorporated into the underside of the exterior paneling to create lighting effects, with color variations depending on the season or event. The software, real-time lighting simulation, is used to create lighting designs, and the AREAS controller for the lighting effects can be remotely operated from a PC to adjust settings on-site in real time. This allows for quick adjustments while monitoring the effects, reducing the burden of on-site adjustments in outdoor settings.

Because the height between the positions of the lighting fixtures and the ceiling varies depending of the location within the structure, the illuminance from each position had to be verified. Based on the verification results, lighting effects were designed using real-time lighting simulation. The light spread was adjusted to suit the tall exterior, and the facade was illuminated using the Archiline lighting fixtures, which provide beautifully blended, uniform colors.

Using real time lighting simulation, the lighting design was finalized and verified on-site through instant playback while observing the effects on the building. Final adjustments to the illumination colors and timing were made in real time. Correction and adjustment that conventionally is carried out later (taking from days to weeks) can be completed on-site on-the-day in less than an hour. This system also makes it easier to compare changes before and after adjustments.

The main arena has a lighting system that can be used for both sporting events and stage performances. Since Yokohama BUNTAI is the home stadium of the YOKOHAMA B-CORSAIRS professional basketball team, we have not only ensured that illuminance meets the B League’s standard specifications but also created 14 preset lighting patterns for a range of sporting events and lighting scenarios. The necessary illuminance for sporting events expected to be held at the facility has been secured. Because the facility is also expected to be used for stage performances, the lights can be dimmed from 0 to 100%.

The main arena’s ceiling lighting system can be operated via DMX signals from the lighting console in the 2F broadcasting room. The operating system enables switching between sporting event and stage performance modes from both the 1F office and the 2F broadcasting room, shortening the time required for switching/adjusting lighting modes.

For lighting inside the facility, balance has been created that ensures illuminance along the aisles while still enabling spectators/audience members to concentrate on watching the sporting event or stage performance. The ceiling replicates the design concept of the building’s exterior, which evokes the image of a ship’s sail, with small ceiling lights inserted between the aluminum panels. These compact lights, among the smallest in the industry, are designed to preserve the aesthetic appeal of the space, yet they can suppress glare with a 30° cut-off, creating a comfortable space.

VIP Room
Cove lighting using seamless architectural lighting fixtures has been installed in the ceiling. In addition to providing a sense of elegance, luminance is reduced so that the space is enveloped in soft light, which reduces reflections in the glass and ensures good visibility when the room’s occupants are watching a sporting event.

Lounge
We used black-framed TOLSO downlights that blend into the black ceiling. These glare-cutting lights tone down the brightness and create a relaxed atmosphere.