Lighting Transformation at Midland Railway Precinct: Bringing History to Life:
The Midland Railway Precinct, home to the Workers’ Wall, has recently undergone a stunning lighting upgrade. The Workers’ Wall memorial celebrates the hardworking individuals who contributed to the Midland Railway Workshops over their 90 years of operation. Our goal was to enhance the artwork’s presence at night, ensuring that it remains a striking feature of the precinct while showcasing its intricate details.
Highlighting the Workers’ Wall Memorial:
The Workers’ Wall is a powerful tribute to the workers who played a vital role in building and maintaining Western Australia’s railway network. The memorial includes several brick walls framed in steel, with sculptures made of metal representing both workers and railway equipment. The bricks are engraved with the names and roles of the workers, creating a personal connection to the area’s history. Surrounding the wall is an olive grove and garden, offering a peaceful space for reflection.
To ensure the memorial remained visible and impactful at night, we used IP67-rated strip lighting and profile fittings. These durable, weather-resistant lights were carefully placed to highlight the memorial’s key features. The strip lighting was used along the steel frames and the edges of the brickwork, providing an even and soft glow that accentuates the names and sculptures. This allowed the memorial to shine after dark while maintaining a subtle, respectful aesthetic.
Shining a Spotlight on the Details:
The sculptures and engraved bricks are the heart of the Workers’ Wall, and it was important that they stood out against the surrounding space. We used profile fittings to direct light on these intricate details. These fittings were strategically installed to focus attention on the sculptures and the names of the workers engraved on the bricks, adding depth and clarity to the artwork without overpowering it.
Effective Illumination for the Memorial:
Given that the Workers’ Wall is an outdoor installation, it was crucial that it remained visible at night. The IP67-rated lighting we used provided consistent, even illumination across the entire memorial, ensuring every detail was well-lit. The lights highlighted the key elements of the wall, such as the steel frames, sculptures, and engraved names, allowing visitors to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship even after sunset.
The lighting’s design also ensured that the memorial precinct felt safe and welcoming at night. With the soft glow of the lighting, visitors can easily navigate the space, and the memorial becomes a focal point that invites reflection and admiration.
Tailored Lighting for the Entire Space:
The lighting design was carefully tailored to suit the various areas of the Midland Railway Precinct. Profile fittings were used to cast focused light on specific sections of the memorial, drawing attention to the names of workers and the sculptures. Strip lighting was placed along the edges of the brick walls and steel frames, ensuring that the entire memorial was uniformly lit. This combination of lighting solutions ensured a balanced and cohesive look, with every corner of the precinct illuminated in a way that brought out its best features.
A New Light on Midland Railway History:
The lighting upgrade at the Midland Railway Precinct has successfully transformed the Workers’ Wall into a captivating visual experience. Through the use of strip lighting and profile fittings, we have highlighted the artwork’s key features and brought the history of the Midland Railway Workshops to life. The lighting has created an inviting, well-lit space that showcases the memorial beautifully, even after dark.
This project demonstrates the power of well-thought-out lighting to enhance an outdoor space. By focusing on the details and highlighting the unique features of the Workers’ Wall, we have not only brought attention to this important piece of Western Australian history but also ensured that it will continue to inspire and educate visitors for years to come. The lighting transformation has made the Midland Railway Precinct a brighter, more welcoming place, honouring the workers’ legacy in a meaningful way.