Dark Sky Initiative for The Red Sea Project

Cundall was engaged on this giga-project to develop a lighting strategy that provides enough lighting for safe movement, whilst meeting stringent International Dark Sky criteria. This never-before-accomplished Dark Sky certification sets a new benchmark within the industry. TRSDC is also seeking an accreditation that recognises areas with an exceptional quality of starry nights and a commitment to protecting the nocturnal environment.

Cundall’s role included surveying the existing lighting equipment and installation details on all assets throughout the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). These assets included building mounted general, feature, landscape and street lighting. The lighting design for each asset was reviewed against dark sky design criteria. This is considerably more onerous than current standards to deliver buildings that do not impact the brightness of the night sky, the appearance of darkness and wildlife.

Richard Stratton, Partner and Managing Director, MENA commented "This unique project demonstrates that through ambition, careful coordinated design and a passion for the environment, new developments of an unprecedented scale can be built which protect the quality of the night sky. Achieving this will be the evidence that is needed to show that no building in any location whether that be rural, or a capital city need have an impact on the night sky."