Skyline to be all lit up

Source : Today - 19 Sep 2008

STB, URA and building owners making plans for special lighting

WITH the world’s first Formula 1 night race to be beamed to350 million fans globally, Singapore authorities are pulling out the stops to ensure the downtown skyline forms a blazing backdrop.

The reason why that will be a challenge: The race circuit’s 1,500 light projectors, which are four times brighter than average stadium floodlights, so as to simulate daylight, could easily wash out the normal Singapore nightscape.

That is why the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority are working closely with trackside building owners to install special lighting during the race weekend of Sept 26 to 28.

Some, like Marina Mandarin Hotel, even have their own fancy lighting arrangements to add spice to the razzle dazzle.

The hotel will be projecting nine slides of race-related artistic works by German architectural projection specialists Casa Magica onto the building’s facade on the three race nights, a spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, five key landmarks along the race circuit ˜ Anderson Bridge, City Hall, The Esplanade, Old Supreme Court and the Victoria Theatre Clock Tower ˜ that will be featured prominently by the race cameras will be specially lit up, STB’s assistant chief executive (Brand and Communications) Ken Low told Today.

Other downtown buildings in the Marina Centre area and Central Business District, such as Raffles City, Maybank Tower and UOB Plaza, have also been encouraged to keep their building lights on during the race weekend.

“Because it is a race held at night, Singapore’s cityscape around the Marina Centre area needs to be made visible in order to showcase itself to the world,” said Mr Low. “Lighting of the skyline is an integral part of the event, and will help create a vibrant and dynamic night race atmosphere, and experience for spectators and television broadcast globally.”

The Singapore Flyer will also have 15 different lighting patterns for the races, said a spokesperson.

For instance, the giant observation wheel will be illuminated in red and white to represent our national colours before each race. Additional floodlights will also be mounted on the Flyer to make it more prominent.

The crowns of the 50- and 28-storey towers of One Raffles Quay will also be lit up ˜ similar to what was done during National Day ˜ to mark the occasion.

Said its asset management general manager, Mr Wilson Kwong: “With F1 in the city, the eyes of the world will be on Singapore. As building owners, we want to help make sure the view is a spectacular one. We’re doing our part to make sure there is a great backdrop for the race.”