Public Space— The Jem Southbank, QLD
Project name: The Jem, Southbank
Completed: 2024
Client: South Bank Corporation
Background
Located in the heart of Brisbane’s cultural and entertainment precinct, South Bank Parklands is one of the city’s most iconic destinations — a lively hub filled with restaurants, bars, and public spaces that come alive after dark.
We were engaged to replace the original, failing lighting system with a new solution that would integrate seamlessly with the existing control infrastructure, ensuring minimal disruption while breathing new life into the space.
The original lighting, installed in 2008, was part of an internationally acclaimed interactive lighting experience that defined South Bank’s visual identity for over a decade. However, after years of exposure and continuous operation, the system had deteriorated significantly — causing frequent faults, inconsistent colour output, and maintenance issues.
Our mission was to restore and enhance the original experience without the need for a full system replacement, which would have been complex and costly. The goal was to upgrade performance and reliability using modern technology while preserving the artistic intent and energy that made the installation so unique.
Challenge
This project presented several technical and logistical challenges:
• The existing control system was entirely custom-built, with limited documentation and no off-the-shelf replacement parts.
• Each fixture needed to replicate the original form and behaviour while delivering modern efficiency and long-term reliability.
• Integration had to be seamless and precise, avoiding any need for reprogramming or rewiring.
• The site remained fully operational and open to the public, requiring careful coordination and strict scheduling during installation.
Solution
To meet these challenges, we combined technical innovation with hands-on problem-solving:
• We reverse-engineered the original lighting and control systems to fully understand their behaviour and communication protocols.
• Using advanced LED chipsets and custom engineering, we manufactured new fixtures that matched the existing design and achieved plug-and-play compatibility with the old infrastructure.
• We improved the control system for easier maintenance and long-term dependability.
• Our team worked closely with contractors, conducting on-site testing, calibration, and system verification to ensure flawless integration.
Over a concentrated three-week period, we removed the old fixtures, installed the new system, and refined the setup for optimal performance — all while maintaining minimal disruption to the public environment.
Result
The outcome is a revitalised lighting installation that celebrates the artistic spirit of South Bank while ensuring durability and ease of maintenance.
The new system delivers:
• Reliable, long-lasting performance with advanced LED technology.
• Seamless integration with the existing control system, preserving the original
creative concept.
• Dynamic colour-changing illumination that enhances the area’s lively and
welcoming atmosphere.
This project highlights our dedication to craftsmanship, collaboration, and technical excellence — proving that even the most complex legacy systems can be transformed through thoughtful design and effort.
Testimonial
“Lightcore exceeded expectations, delivering a solution others could not which saved us significant time and money.”
👤 Zoe Bayer, Project Manager, South Bank Corporation
★★★★★
