The University of Malaya City Campus is located at Jalan Tun Ismail, in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. It is an administration centre building consists of an auditorium, banquet hall, meeting room, seminars room and computer lab. The auditorium which has a capacity of 480 seating has recently upgraded the architectural dimming system.
Recognizing the importance of flexible and efficient lighting control for diverse event types, the University of Malaya City Campus selected a modern architectural dimming solution centered around the Polaron Universal 4-Channel Dimmer Rack. Two of these dimmer racks were installed, providing sufficient power capacity to support all the auditorium lighting loads without over-dimensioning the system.
The choice of Polaron dimming technology was driven by its reliability, simple programming interface, and compatibility with a wide range of luminaire types. This upgrade significantly improves the auditorium's operational capability by allowing preset lighting scenes, smooth dimming curves, and instant recall of lighting levels to match the specific needs of different events.
To make lighting control more accessible and flexible, the auditorium now features two strategically placed 10-button control panels. One panel is located at the control room, typically operated by technical staff during events, while the second is installed at the backstage area, allowing presenters or stagehands to control lighting during rehearsals or live functions.
Each panel offers user-friendly functionality, enabling operators to select pre-programmed lighting scenes with a single button press. The programming process requires no laptop or software a practical advantage for maintenance and facility teams. Instead, scenes can be set and stored directly through the panel's keypad by entering programming mode, adjusting light levels, and saving them to the panel's memory.
For both form and function, the client opted for an 8-button variant of the control panel with a raise/lower function, allowing more granular control of light intensity when needed. The panel finish was customized in brushed aluminum, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with the existing wall surfaces and interior finishes of the auditorium.
The system installation was carried out by Jasa Integrasi, a local contractor with experience in professional lighting integration for institutional environments. Upon completion, the testing and commissioning phase was led by Artistic Controls Sdn Bhd, ensuring that all dimming functions, scene memory, and user interface operations met performance expectations.
The collaborative work between these two specialist firms ensured that the installation process remained on schedule and that system reliability was validated before the auditorium was returned to full use.
The lighting upgrade at University of Malaya's City Campus Auditorium reflects a thoughtful approach to modernizing legacy systems. Through the use of Polaron's reliable and user-friendly dimming technology, along with well-designed control interfaces and expert system integration, the university has improved the functionality, flexibility, and professionalism of its campus event space.
This project stands as an excellent example of how a well-executed lighting control system can enhance user experience and operational efficiency in academic and multipurpose environments.
