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Public space · Transport
A lighting solution as innovative as the architecture itself.
Architect
Henry J Lyons
Canopy
Octatube
Programme
BusConnects
Location
Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Dublin
The brief
Guiding the curve: shaping journeys with light
The Liffey Valley Bus Plaza, part of the BusConnects programme, was envisioned as a striking new transport hub that would make a bold first impression on visitors arriving at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre.
With its sculptural, meandering canopy and transparent glazed roof, the project demanded a lighting solution as innovative as the architecture itself.
The soffit
A central illuminated soffit
The edge beam
A seamless line of light
The plaza
Better wayfinding and safety
01 · Discovery & concept
Light and a transparent roof
The canopy’s complex curved form and extensive glazing posed unique lighting challenges. A bespoke survey helped us understand how light would interact with the transparent roof and how to integrate it subtly within the architecture.
Early engagement with the wider design and construction teams helped identify the key technical constraints and opportunities.
02 · Design & technical planning
A hidden detail along the edge
Extensive mock-up testing guided the lighting approach, including glass and luminaire selection.
A custom hidden detail was developed to create a seamless line of light along the curved edge beam, balancing performance with architectural intent.
03 · Construction & procurement
Built into the structure
We worked closely with canopy fabricator Octatube, the contractor and project stakeholders to integrate the lighting within the structural system.
Driver locations, circuiting and switching strategies were all developed to keep the canopy looking seamless. Despite tight programme constraints, the lighting was delivered on time and within budget.
04 + 05 · Refinement to handover
A tapering glow, soffit to edge
During commissioning, light levels were precisely calibrated to create a tapering effect from the central illuminated soffit to the glowing edge beam, with consistent brightness and uniformity.
The result reinforces the sculptural form, enhances visibility and safety, improves wayfinding and sets a new standard for public transport plazas.
Gallery
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Public spaces and transport
Planning a public space or transport project? Talk to our design team about light that guides people safely after dark.
What lighting did Willie Duggan Lighting design at the Liffey Valley Bus Connect Plaza?
We designed the lighting for the plaza’s sculptural, meandering canopy and glazed roof, from the central illuminated soffit to a seamless line of light along the curved edge beam.
How is the canopy lighting hidden?
A custom hidden detail creates a seamless line of light along the curved edge beam, and driver locations, circuiting and switching were planned so the canopy keeps its clean, seamless look.
How was the lighting tested before installation?
Extensive mock-up testing guided the lighting approach, including the selection of glass and luminaires.
Who made the canopy?
The canopy was fabricated by Octatube. We worked closely with Octatube, the contractor and project stakeholders to integrate the lighting within the structural system.
Is the plaza part of BusConnects?
Yes. The Liffey Valley Bus Plaza is part of the BusConnects programme, at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre in Dublin.
Who was the architect?
The architect was Henry J Lyons.
