This 170.000m² extension of Khalifa University was designed to house Abu Dhabi’s first medical school, an integrated engineering college and R+D Facilities. The architectural and interior design is an expression of digital and scientific technology in design, referring back to the great scientists of the Middle  East. The new campus serves a total of 3000 students and includes world-class facilities like an auditorium, students centre, discovery center and sports centre.

The internal lighting design scheme for this project was based on the following principles:

01. Complementation: Light should complement and enhance the architecture. It should be designed to reveal the beauty of the space and flatter its unique features and materials. Light must stress the main design intent and assist in telling the story behind the building.

02. Integration: Technical lighting fixtures should ideally be integrated into the space and architecture. Light should become part of the building and not estranged elements mounted onto it. Architecture is much more powerful when light becomes part of it.

03. Communication: Lighting should be used as a means of communication. Consistent strategies throughout the building ensure users identify and relate different spaces and experiences. Light should be used as a language for way finding and identification.

04. Efficiency: Above all a lighting scheme needs to be rational and efficient. Refining target illuminations, using efficient and long lasting light sources, proposing appropriate light fixtures and planning a sensible control scheme are the main strategies to achieve this.

The façade lighting scheme focused mainly on the two main entrances. The spikes projecting out of the building were equipped with custom-made Led sources, converting these areas into huge urban screens, capable of playing abstract animations throughout the day.

Finally, the landscape lighting was developed as a sum of individual lighting strategies, as a way of reducing the installed load and providing a balanced atmosphere. A unified lighting language was utilized throughout the outdoor areas to achieve higher impact and consistency. Light was used to create more intimate sub-spaces in the overall landscape to promote its use and contemplation.