Darling on Drake

By Lightplan

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Location
Auckland Central, Auckland
Year of completion
2024

The hip new bar and restaurant in Auckland CBD is inspired by the culture and vibe of the vibrant cities of New York, Chicago, and Melbourne's’ hospitality scene. The architect's selection of an elegant interior palette of crimson, black, and cream reflected in capturing these tones through the red neon in the bathrooms and cream neon's around the bar.

With its sprawling interior and exterior, the Lightplan team created different moods throughout the lighting in the restaurant, bar and rooftop areas.

The Darling Bar called for a great deal of sound technical knowledge for both its multi-layered lighting and surrounding control system. Mitchell Addison Architects ensured all lighting incorporated was unobtrusive but served an important purpose. A careful selection of spotlights, downlights, and multi-functional strip lights provided the space with a myriad of atmospheres, all controlled through Darling Bar’s seamless DMX automation system.

Working closely with Level Electrical, we worked to ensure the most practical but effective luminaires were selected. Our flexible Neon strip was carefully tucked away in and around many parts of the space, following the winding curvature of the dining booths and bar shelving. With DMX employed to control these fittings, the client was able to turn the strips from their warm-white glow to transitioning RGB colours with a click of a button.

Electrician: Level Electrical
Architect: Mitchell Addison Architects
Images: Jono Parker

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About the
Professional

Lightplan was established in 2004 to supply innovative, affordable, energy-efficient, reliable lighting products. Our in-house lighting design team offer comprehensive solutions for architects, interior designers and property owners who desire exceptional results.

WHAT WE OFFER
At Lightplan our team has a strong emphasis on customer service; we strive for perfection in every project we complete, from the design stage through to after sales service and support. We strongly stand by all our lighting products, as these have been chosen carefully so the end product is affordable quality. As well as imported product we also supply a wide range of locally made product.

Lighting consultations are by appointment - to make an appointment please call us on (09) 623 7207 (Auckland) or (04) 385 0392 (Wellington).

ABOUT US
We’re a nimble, family-owned business with a crew of 18 staff who are passionate about bringing superb lighting concepts to life. We may be small, but we punch well above our weight and work with some of New Zealand’s biggest, and most forward-looking companies.

We are members of IESANZ – if that’s important to you, and our lighting experts have the specialist skills that set us apart. From our lighting calculation service to 3D rendering – we are the experts in light and have sold New Zealanders over 50,000 meters of office lighting profiles in the last 10 years.