Lighting a grand entrance

Oftentimes, the tone of a guest’s stay can be set when they first walk in. At the Hilton Aventura Miami, a lot of attention was paid to the design of its entrance to do just that.

The ownership group worked with designers Prime Group of Hollywood, FL to use sleek, modern-line architecture and artistic flair in the porte-cochere canopy at the entrance of the building.

“We created an ambiance that is welcoming to all by offering premium amenities for the discerning luxury traveler, as well as vibrant lifestyle amenities for those seeking to socialize and relax in an upscale, yet laid-back environment. That ambiance begins as soon as guests approach the front entrance,” said Royston Brady, GM, Hilton Aventura Miami.

To stand out among the competition, Prime designed the hotel with pristine white and gray exterior wraps and an interior canvas of grays with warm neutrals and metallic highlights. Its stylized artistic presence bears oversized garage murals, the black-and-white lobby and in-room art canvases.

To create lighting designs and patterns, Prime Group specified the Pixel Dot series from PRIZM Lighting, featuring a flexible strand, full-color LED nodes designed for extraordinary effects and expansive installations without the constraints of luminaire size, shape or space. Its linear form factor accommodates two and three-dimensional applications for architectural accent, perimeter lighting and dynamic displays.

As a result of the lighting at the entrance of the hotel, designed by Granville McAnear Lighting Design, the moment guests take their first steps into the main reception, they become captivated by elegant finishes—white marble flooring, sleek leather lounge chairs and a modern glass fireplace.

“We worked closely with ownership to provide a dynamic and exciting first impression for a dynamic and exciting property,” said Granville McAnear, owner, Granville McAnear Lighting Design.

With individually addressable RGBW nodes, the PRIZM Pixel Dot series was designed for direct-view, point-source lighting, back-lighting, media facades and illuminated curtain walls. It features six RGB SMD LEDs with three additional white LEDs per dot, easy interconnecting lead and tail wires for faster installs, and an 80,000-hour performance rated life. The pixel Dot strings are available with three-inch to 24-inch on center spacing of the nodes, allowing for full customization to meet the needs of any project. Multiple lens options further expand the possibilities afforded by the Dots.

For precise control, the DLC-E DMX controller, also from PRIZM, was specified to deliver long distance access and communications for the PRIZM Pixel Dot series. Connected to a wireless access point or a WiFi router, the DLC-E DMX controller features controls and settings with a mobile device or tablet using the Wi-Light 2 APP. In addition to App-based control, the DLC-E features time-clock scheduling.

The individual PRIZM Pixel Dots were installed under the entrance canopy to create an impressive greeting. The entrance sets the stage for the other hotel “wow” factors, like the extravagant guest suites that start at 406 sq. ft. with floor-to-ceiling views of South Florida.

On the seventh floor, guests will find Gala, a signature restaurant, as well as MuseBar, a Hilton Executive Lounge, The Reserve, Library and an elevated pool deck with skyline views and private cabanas.