At Sandbox VR Dublin, the world of virtual reality comes to life with cutting-edge technology. Our lighting design team worked in close collaboration with the Sandbox VR team to craft an immersive environment that perfectly complements the thrill and excitement of this next-level VR experience.
Sandbox VR provides guests with a fully immersive experience where players can step into a virtual world that feels almost real. From the moment you step into the space, it’s essential for the lighting to set the tone. The goal was clear: create and execute a lighting design that provides a physical environment that feels dynamic, futuristic, and exciting.
The lighting needed to do more than just illuminate the space—it had to be part of the story. With a venue designed to cater to groups, families, and corporate teams, the space had to strike a balance between making users feel at ease while simultaneously creating a futuristic and engaging space.
Virtual reality thrives on the concept of immersion. One of the most important aspects of the design was making sure that the lighting did not distract users or break their sense of presence in the virtual worlds. To achieve this, we employed a variety of techniques to control light spill, minimize glare, and create a seamless transition between real and virtual spaces.
Key Elements of the Lighting Design
Dynamic Accent Lighting: Strategic accent lighting is used to create drama and interest in the main welcome space, while the VR Holodeck areas are more subtly illuminated. The lighting guides guests through their initial journey and to the post experience areas after their event is over.
RGB: RGB LED is used to great effect to provide the impact of colour that can change dynamically to suit individual events. RGB is used within bespoke tube luminaires and extensively throughout the space. Whether players are exploring futuristic cities or fighting space invaders, the lighting is geared to create mood and anticipation.
Animated Lighting: For added drama a transition tunnel that connects players to the VR gaming area features a sequence of LED arches which are triggered by motion sensors to pulse as the players progress through the tunnel.
Ambient Lighting: Soft ambient lighting in the VR Holodeck areas ensures the physical surroundings are just bright enough to keep users oriented but never so intrusive as to distract from the virtual experience. Carefully chosen colour temperatures provide a sense of warmth and openness, while the lighting levels stay discreet enough to maintain immersion.
Architectural Integration: Every lighting element was designed to integrate seamlessly into the architecture, ensuring that the lighting system feels like a natural extension of the building’s design. Whether it’s embedded lighting within skirtings and pelmets, or custom-designed fixtures that match the futuristic theme, every detail has been thoughtfully executed to bring the space to life.
Dynamic Light and Technology
The entire lighting system is wirelessly controlled with Casambi giving the Sandbox team total control of the colour and brightness of almost every area of the venue. The Prolight team worked closely with Sandbox to program a number of preset scenes for easy application day to day.
Enhancing the Guest Experience
Sandbox VR is not just about playing—it’s about creating memorable experiences, and the lighting plays an essential role in this. From the moment guests enter the venue to the second they take off their VR headsets, every lighting choice is aimed at creating a sense of wonder and excitement.
Whether you’re preparing for an intense action game or simply exploring new worlds, the lighting serves as a constant companion, enhancing the narrative without drawing attention away from the experience. The space is designed not only for functionality but also for pure enjoyment, making the user feel like they’ve stepped into a futuristic playground.
The lighting design for Sandbox VR Dublin represents the intersection of art, technology, and innovation. This is one of best examples where cutting-edge technology and expert lighting work together to transport you to new dimensions.
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Products used
TRON Linear
Crafted in-house, versatile and fulfils even the most ambitious design briefs.
Tech PTE Track Emergency
Track Mounted Emergency Luminaire, available in Black and White as standard.
Bing LED Track Light
Small compact cylinder shape with a small anti-glare baffle.