The project aim was to revitalise the local economy and community life and transform the precinct into a vibrant, safer place valued by locals and attractive to visitors. Utilising colour and light to affect mood and behaviour, the artistic ball lighting is designed incorporating the concepts of environmental psychology and CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) to discourage crime and anti-social behaviour.

Griffith Street is Coolangatta’s main commercial street. Community feedback supported early analysis that the street was noticeably dark, unattractive and unsafe at night. The overall aim of the project was to physically, economically and socially revitalise the precinct, strengthen its local economy and community life and transform it into a vibrant, connected and particularly safer place valued by locals and attractive to visitors.

Research was undertaken to understand how to utilise colour and light to affect mood and behaviour. Calming colours related to natural elements like the ocean, forest, and sunset where used in the ball lights, which were also designed to be interactive - sitting at 50% luminance until movement sensors triggered their brightness to 100%. Whiter street lighting was incorporated to brighten up the street and better illuminate the landscaping showing its natural colours and features which also enhanced the street.

The light balls were also designed to be interactive - sitting at 50% luminance until movement sensors triggered their brightness to 100%.

The overall electrical street design was undertaken by GHD, the ball light electronics by Dux Lighting and housing and fixing by Infrastructure Delivery, City of Gold Coast. Prototypes were built and tested for durability and effectiveness of the ball lights. Conduit for the lighting was installed before major works and installation of the ball lights and remaining street works and landscaping undertaken at completion.