07/28/2006 - Sports City Tower, Doha Qatar is one of the most prominent projects currently under construction in the Middle East. Kevan Shaw Lighting Design were awarded this project in November 2005 following an international competition in June 2005.
The 1000 ft (300 metre) tower is an iconic building in the Sports City Complex that will support the highest ever Olympic flame for the Asian Games this November. In the long term this building will host a hotel, sports museum, presidential apartment, revolving restaurant and have a viewing gallery with a bar at the top. Construction started in September 2005 on a very fast track programme and the lighting design will be achieved through close integration with the building construction.
The concept is to provide an icon for the Sports City complex with lighting that can adopt the character of specific events starting with the Asian Games. The principal element is a state of the art lighting skin composed of individually addressable LED elements. A combined lighting and media controller allows an infinite variety of colours, patterns and simple graphics to be played across the skin. For added variety the structural core of the tower will also be illuminated by colour change fittings that create a distinctly different architectural representation of the tower.
The crown of the tower is illuminated to express it’s structure and after the world record breaking Olympic flame is extinguished further lighting elements will be introduced to create a simulated flame using theatrical lighting and a misting system. There will also be a pattern of 9 searchlights extending the form of the building into the night sky each with controllable shutters to provide fading and dynamic effects. KSLD have responded to the fast track construction process by developing relationships with key members of the construction team. KSLD have used their established contacts in the lighting world to ensure that programmed deliveries of materials and equipment will be met and that the installation process is planned to achieve the necessary tight schedule. As this tower forms the highest point on land in the state of Qatar the visibility of the project is guaranteed over a wide area. KSLD are very excited by the project and the design team are eagerly anticipating the setting up and switch on in October.

About KLSD
KLSD was formed in 1989 and based in Edinburgh, the international design team has established a reputation for the delivery of quality lighting design solutions for architecture, exteriors, museums and exhibitions. This has been recognised in awards, election of team members to the International Association of Lighting Designers, the European Lighting Designers Association and the Lighting Society and finally and most significantly, in continuing relationships with key clients over numerous projects.