Date of Issue：March 19, 2019
・Activity 1 / Sea the Light @ Street of Clans （2019/03/08-03/10）
・Activity 2 / Night Walk vol. 63 ：Meguro River Cherry Blossom Illumination（2019/03/25）
・Activity 3 / Round Table Discussion vol. 61 （2019/04/17）
Sea the Light @ Street of Clans, Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore Design Week
8th-10th March 2019 | Sherri Goh, Niken Wulandari Sutanto, Quratuaini Bte Jamil, Tang Chia Xing
Back Alley connected to Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore Design Week was held on 4th-17th March with major highlights such as Brainstorm Design Forum, International Furniture Fair, Design and Heritage Trails, District Activation and Craft Markets. Street of Clans at Bukit Pasoh was part of the “Empower my Community” initiative that brings people, history and culture together. Majority of the clans in Singapore were set up long that road itself as part of the Straits Settlement that were there to support immigrants new to Singapore, like an extended family.
The lighting design concept for this event is inspired by the journey and experience of the people in the clans that travels to the unknown land by sailing through the deep water. “Sea the Light” is a lighting installation of being adrift in the tranquil dark blue of the sea. The relationship between human and nature is bridged by the warm lanterns that lit in the cool surrounding of the night.
Introduction to the Gan Clan
Located at the small alleyway at Bukit Pasoh Road, Lighting Detectives transformed thespace into an interactive and refreshing environment that invites people to use the space at night. The alley was immersed in sea-blue coloured lights that keeps moving as subtle as the movement of the waves. At the same time, the workshop engaged people to participate in the lighting installation by creating their own personal lanterns that was displayed together with others during the event. The lanterns decorated the space, creating a familiar warm feeling that welcomes people.
Programming of light with Martin
Hainging their works on display
In order to realise this concept, Lighting Detectives collaborated with lighting manufacturers in Singapore, who helped us throughout the whole preparation and installation process. Few weeks before the event, we started the coordination with Martin Lighting by Harman and ENDO Lighting to ensure the all of fixtures are available and ready to be used for the big day. Despite of the limited time and various restrictions on the venue, we managed to set up the installation successfully with our enthusiasm and excitement towards the event.
Lanterns in the sea
Light and shadow in the Water
Prior to the event, we had an internal session at the office to make 50 lanterns to create a base ambience for the set-up and preview of our installation. Mounting details for the fixtures were also made using unwanted stools in the office as affixed bases. These were all fabricated internally to support the upcycling spirit of the entire Design Festival.
Kids at the open workshop!
On the event day, we had kids workshop in which we encouraged locals around the neighborhood to do lantern making. We laid down a few craft items on the table; such as colored tracing paper, black construction paper, markers, color pencils and scissors. We had also prepared templates that we from the festival design for this event for them to use and draw. We noticed that participants preferred to be free and imaginative towards the subject or objects that they liked to draw. Although it slightly differed from our expected intentions and outcomes, the workshop was really popular and appreciated. Children were so impressed with what they made, that many of them wanted to bring it home for personal display. Instead, we had to request to display their lantern at the alley on staircases which glows in a golden hue against the sea blue background. To us, it still seems a success which represents the SEA OF IMAGINATION from our young local artists!
On the actual day, we had help from office staff and suppliers who volunteered for this event.
Participants started strolling in once the set-up was ready for the workshop. The workshop was well received by many, young and old, and at some point, the seats that we catered were not even enough to hold the number of participants. We had to stagger their visits so that everyone can work comfortably with the materials and help that we can provide them with. Although we had an online registration before the event, most of the participants that turned up were walk-ins, drawn by the crowd of the workshop and lighting setup. Participants get to design their own lanterns at the workshop and choose a location to place their lanterns at the back alley in collaboration with our lighting set up, and in line with the theme of ʻSea the Lightʼ .
Special thanks to Harman, Martin, ENDO, Kadampa Meditation Centre for the workshop venue as well as OuterEdit and Singapore Design Council for this opportunity to participate! （Sherri Goh）
Night Walk vol. 63：Meguro River Cherry Blossom Illumination
Let’s go see the cherry blossom illumination along the Meguro River!
2019.03.25 Naoko Oguchi + Takashi Ota + Arata Ishikawa + Noriko Higashi
The Meguro River is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. For this night walk survey, we divided into two routes—Nakameguro to Meguro and Gotanda to Meguro—to investigate how the cherry blossoms are illuminated in each area.
Cherry blossoms around Nakameguro illuminated by high-color-temperature white light
Team 1 (Tokyu Toyoko Line Nakameguro Station → JR Meguro Station)
Our night walk survey took us from Nakameguro to Meguro. Along the Meguro River near Nakameguro Station, the lighting went beyond simple illumination; the light from food stalls and restaurants created a lively atmosphere, and the cherry blossoms were powerfully lit with highcolor-temperature (6500K) floodlights. While there was some debate regarding this choice of color temperature, the high Kelvin value seemed to make the whiteness of the petals stand out impressively. However, depending on the installation points, some lights were at eye level for pedestrians, causing uncomfortable glare. Alongside the floodlights, countless lanterns stretched on endlessly, producing a bustling and festive cherry blossom season. In areas with few streetlights, these lanterns also served to ensure pedestrian safety. As we moved toward Meguro, past Komazawa-dori Street, the floodlight illumination ceased, leaving only lanterns and occasional independent lighting by adjacent restaurants. These shops showed various creative efforts, such as spotlights mounted on walls or portable floodlights, but those aimed upward from the ground still felt quite glaring.
If we consider the cherry blossom illumination as the protagonist, then permanent illuminations on shrubs, streetlights, high-brightness signage, and the white light from offices feel like villains. To counter this, while acknowledging the difficulties in terms of management and safety, suggestions were made to use timer controls during the illumination period or to give the streetlights themselves an illumination function. The Meguro River illumination carries a strong sense of anticipation and exclusivity for visitors, and there was an atmosphere where the mere sight of lit-up cherry blossoms was enough to create excitement. For that very reason, it became clear how much the appearance of the blossoms is affected by the surrounding environment, such as streetlight planning and nearby shops. While the lanterns are not particularly beautiful when viewed up close, the sight of them in a row is stunning. Furthermore, many shared the opinion that the reflection of these lanterns on the water’s surface was the most striking and beautiful sight, leading to the conclusion that the true hero might be the water surface itself. (Naoko Oguchi)
Members checking the light source of a paper lantern
Team 2 (Tokyu Toyoko Line Nakameguro Station → JR Meguro Station)
Team 2 discussed three main points: what color light should be used to illuminate the cherry blossoms, whether the prominent lanterns along the Meguro River are necessary, and what the “correct” way to light the blossoms is. Regarding the first point—color—opinions were divided on whether to use warm white with a low color temperature, daylight colors closer to natural light, or a slightly reddish-pink hue. Many seemed to prefer daylight colors with high color rendering, noting that warm white lacks the ability to accurately reproduce the blossoms’ natural color. However, some members preferred warm white, arguing that it provides a sense of unity when viewed from a distance, as the surrounding food stalls and lanterns are all warm-toned.
Regarding the second point—the lanterns—while they contribute to a sense of “Japanese-ness” and liveliness that foreign tourists might appreciate, some felt they were more prominent than the cherry blossoms themselves and were a bit too “noisy.” As for the third point—lighting techniques—near Nakameguro Station, rectangular fixtures mounted on railings on both sides of the river illuminated the tips of the cherry blossom branches over a wide area. There was a preference for this method of wide-area uplighting from a slightly higher position, as opposed to narrow-angle spotlights placed on the ground or side of shops, which tend to shine directly into people’s eyes.
Throughout the night walk survey, the most positive feedback was for the reflection of the lantern lights on the water’s surface. While it felt as though the water was overshadowing the blossoms, the mystical scenery created by the cherry blossoms together with the light reflecting off the water clearly moved those who saw it.
While cherry blossom illumination has its pros and cons, I concluded that for those who want to enjoy the fleeting blooming season with friends and family over drinks, the specific way the trees are lit might not matter as much as the creation of an overall extraordinary, festive space. (Noriko Higashi)
Lighting independently installed by shops along the Meguro River found everywhere
A spotlight far too glaring for passersby
Team 3 (JR Gotanda Station → JR Meguro Station)
Team 3 conducted their night walk survey from JR Gotanda Station toward Kamuro-zaka Hill and Meguro. Initially, we walked along the Meguro River through a residential area, but as the cherry blossoms were not illuminated and the surroundings were dark, we moved away from the river to appreciate the illumination of the fully bloomed cherry trees at Kamuro-zaka Hill. Each tree was lit from below with white LED light, creating a “cherry blossom tunnel” that was clearly recognizable and looked very beautiful even from a distance. However, upon closer inspection, we found that temporary supports for the lighting were leaned against the trees. Rather than protecting these delicate trees, the electrical wiring was strung across to neighboring trees, placing a significant load on them, which was very disappointing. Furthermore, the floodlights were poorly positioned, unnecessarily illuminating the trunks; unfortunately, this could not be called “Heroic” light. There is clearly much room for improvement in the illumination methods.
Near the Taiko-bashi Bridge, however, the cherry blossoms were illuminated by the warm light passing through the pink sides of the bonbori lanterns (20W incandescent lamps). The flowers glowed a modest, pale crimson against the darkness, creating a refined atmosphere. The swaying orange light of the lanterns reflected on the river’s surface was also incredibly beautiful and felt like a hero. Although it was difficult to tell since the blossoms were not in full bloom in this specific area, I suspect the lanterns play a significant role in making the blossoms look beautiful.
At Meguro Shin-bashi Bridge, toward the end of our night walk survey, we discovered many instances of glaring light. The retro-style bracket lights attached to the four sides of the main pillars were covered with opal glass, yet their high luminance caused uncomfortable glare. Along the sidewalk of the Gonnosuke-zaka Hill Shopping District leading to the bridge, opinions were split: some felt the white light from the arcade lighting—stylishly arranged on the ceiling—gave a rhythmic, bright energy to the restaurant district that still retains a traditional Showa-era atmosphere, while others found the sheer number of fluorescent lights to be quite glaring.
During this night walk survey, I felt there was less illumination than expected, resulting in many dark areas. Conversely, I felt that many “heroes in the making” exist within those spaces. (Takashi Ota)
View from Meguro toward Nakameguro; cherry blossoms are not illuminated
Lantern light reflected on the water’s surface – A Hero
Team 4（JR Gotanda Station → JR Meguro Station）
Like Team 3, Team 4 conducted a night walk survey along the Meguro River from JR Gotanda Station to Meguro Station. Shortly after leaving Gotanda Station, we saw rows of banners reading “Sakura Matsuri” (Cherry Blossom Festival). Rather than heading straight to the river, we followed the path of the cherry trees toward the Gakken Tokyo Headquarters. One specific light illuminating the trees in front of the building was a warm color, which sparked an excellent initial discussion among our team members.
Along the Meguro River near Gotanda, the cherry blossoms had not yet bloomed even in late March, and while lanterns were present, there was no active illumination of the trees. However, I believe this allowed us to notice things we might otherwise have missed. We observed that the permanent fixtures of riverside apartment buildings—which might typically be considered good lightings, heroes”—were bad lightings, villains in this context because they clashed with the warm glow of the lanterns. We also found instances where permanent lighting seemed to interfere with the cherry tree branches. This made me realize that lighting design does not end once a fixture is installed; it is crucial to observe how it interacts with people’s lives and the surrounding environment over time.
This was my first time participating in a night walk survey, and I truly enjoyed it. The participants came from various backgrounds, each offering unique perspectives and diverse impressions, and I was moved by how many different ways there are to view the same light. Not being a lighting professional or researcher myself, I felt a significant lack of technical knowledge. It was difficult to make quantitative judgments since I wasn’t familiar with specific illuminance levels, but I feel I was able to sense the light qualitatively and distinguish between heroes and villains. During the survey, I was particularly interested in lighting unity and environmental consideration. I intend to keep these points in mind the next time I walk through a city. (Arata Ishikawa)
A shopping street retaining its traditional atmosphere; an inviting place to stop by after flower viewing
A member taking notes enthusiastically
Round Table Discussion vol. 61 回
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Illumination Night Walk Review
2019.04.17 Erina Hosono
On April 17, as the cherry blossom season came to a close and the warmth finally arrived, a review session of the Meguro River cherry blossom illumination night walk survey was held.
The element that many members recognized as a hero was the water surface of the Meguro River, reflecting the rows of pink lanterns. Members shared that the sight was mystical and beautiful, with illuminated cherry branches and blossoms swaying above while the lights flickered on the water below. However, the discussions regarding the floodlights used to illuminate them, the color of the light, and the overall environment surrounding the illumination brought forth many conflicting opinions.
Heated debate over the ideal light color for cherry blossom illumination
The discussion regarding the color of the cherry blossom illumination—the centerpiece of the festival—was split into three main perspectives. Some argued that it should be lit with white light to meet the expectation that “Meguro River is all about white cherry blossoms,” while others preferred warm bulb-colored light. There was even a candid opinion suggesting that “since the goal of flower viewing is drinking, does it even matter?” However, everyone agreed with the suggestion to experiment with high-color-rendering light sources that enhance the delicate, pale pink hues of the blossoms.
Regarding the floodlights used to illuminate the trees, the vast majority pointed out issues with glare. villain designations were concentrated on examples where local shops had independently installed floodlights, such as those aimed horizontally that created intense glare for people on the opposite bank, or floor-mounted lights under eaves intended for the trees that instead mercilessly blinded pedestrians. Nevertheless, the group collectively praised the proactive spirit of these shops attempting to contribute to the illumination as “heroic” in itself.
Next, concerning the lanterns lining the Meguro River, some felt the pink hue was too intense compared to the delicacy of the blossoms. On the other hand, some argued they are indispensable for creating a festive atmosphere and for tinting the blossoms with a faint rosy glow. The light sources consisted of two types: 20W incandescent bulbs and LED bulbs. The incandescent bulbs received high praise for their warmth and the sense of traditional elegance they evoked. While the LED bulbs stood out negatively due to their stark whiteness and point-source brightness, some voiced that a shift to LED is necessary when considering energy efficiency. Regarding the sight of the members lining up to flip over lanterns and check the bulbs, a comment was made: “From an outsider’s perspective, didn’t we look like petty criminals?” As for the spacing of the lanterns, while some favored dense placement for the beautiful reflections on the water and the distant view, others pointed out that in areas where the blossoms had not yet opened, the lanterns looked like “construction cones or a highway traffic jam” from afar, earning them a villain label.
New members confidently presenting their independent survey findings
Chief Mende providing expert commentary
In the surrounding environment, high-brightness white streetlights and office lighting were criticized for disrupting the Cherry Blossom Festival’s atmosphere, with some members calling for measures such as shading during illumination hours. Since the level of interest in the illumination varies among local shops, it was suggested that further outreach to the community could improve the overall sense of unity.
Additionally, the team that traveled from Gotanda to Meguro introduced “Kamuro-zaka Hill,” famous for its “cherry blossom tunnel.” While some praised the glare-free experience of enjoying nighttime blossoms lit from above eye level, others pointed out significant room for improvement, noting that poorly positioned floodlights cast sharp light that seemed to visually sever the tree trunks.
Lighting environments beyond the cherry blossoms were also shared. In the Gonnosuke-zaka Hill Shopping District, some viewed the ceiling-mounted fluorescent lights as providing a rhythmic energy to the traditional street. In contrast, others gave the poignant feedback that the Tetris-like fluorescent tubes were so bright they felt unable to walk there late at night while wearing makeup.
Other highlights included a spherical lamp at a private residence beautifully shrouded by a weeping plum tree and the well-received bookshelf lighting in an office building. Furthermore, the lounge at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo (1F) received high praise for its layers of light, composed of various decorative and indirect fixtures and a fireplace within the dining area.
Following the team presentations, famous night-viewing spots across Japan, such as the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival and Chidorigafuchi, were introduced. A member participating from Kyoto shared images of the illuminations at Nijo Castle and Gion Shirakawa; the crowd cheered at the sight of warm lanterns functioning as streetlights and the perfectly harmonized, elegant townscape.
The session concluded with a mini-lecture by a member titled “Reflections on Lighting to Enhance Cherry Blossom Colors,” which derived a solution for the lighting techniques that make the blossoms appear most attractive.
Next time in July, we will conduct a night walk survey (or perhaps a “night drive survey”?) circling the Metropolitan Expressway on a double-decker bus. How will the nightscape look from the highway? Please look forward to it.
