Target Field Metro Transit Station in downtown Minneapolis represents a whole new concept in public transit. Located adjacent to Target Field — home to Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins — the open-air, 60-acre, multi-modal transportation hub is becoming a communal backyard for the Twin Cities.
This urban gathering space uniquely integrates commuter trains, a light rail station, bus service, and parking with green space, retailers, an amphitheater, and more.
The first hint of the unexpected occurs upon entering the space via an underpass. Overhead, the color-changing effects of iLight Hypnotica (RGB) fixtures provide a dynamic display, plus a preview of the sights — and vibe — to come. Read on to find out how this unique lighting visual was achieved.
The Design Challenge
Perkins Eastman Architects’ vision for Target Field Station extended well beyond transit. The goal was an iconic destination for game-day activities, as well as year-round activities and events like movie nights, festivals, and concerts.
Senior Lighting Designer at Minneapolis-based Schuler Shook Paul Whitaker had used iLight Plexineon LED fixtures many times before with great success. On this project, he chose to use Hypnotica to illuminate the underpass. “Hypnotica was the perfect fit for this application,” says Whitaker. “Its compact size, the look of the product when lit, and its programmability help make this project a success.”
By day the fixtures nearly disappear into custom channels designed by Perkins Eastman. And, Hypnotica is limitlessly programmable.
“It’s programmed in very small increments,” Whitaker says. “It’s amazing how many different possibilities there are. Even though the fixtures are laid out in an irregular pattern, we were able to get many different effects with them.”
The “go-to” program revolves around red, white and blue — a nod to the Twins and Target Corp. On game days, the effects are more robust, with side-to-side, strobe-like sweeps of color.
Schuler Shook also mounted Plexineon White 2X 2800 fixtures under benches to provide a soft glow for adjacent walking surfaces. The glow gives the paths a soft, romantic feel — in contrast to the bold, direct view of Hypnotica.
Schuler Shook earned an IES Illumination Award of Merit for the project.
To learn more, view a video of the project.
