Project
Mecca Bourke Street
Site
Mecca Bourke Street
Location
Melbourne, Australia
Interior Design
Studio McQualter
Lighting Design
L’Observatoire International
Luminaires
ambience
Electrical
GID Electrical, R&G Electrical, MPW
Build
Buildcorp, LEEDA
Project Managers
Mecca Store Development Team
Casambi Solution
ambience
Assistant Casambi Commissioners
Holders Technology
Photography
Hugh Davies, Sean Fennessey
Housed in a 4,000 m² heritage building, Mecca Bourke Street is the world’s largest beauty destination and one of Melbourne’s most immersive retail experiences, where art, retail, and experience come together under one roof. Lighting plays a central role, seamlessly integrating track lights, spotlights, chandeliers, pendants, DMX elements, and signage across three expansive levels to support product discovery, makeup artistry, and gallery-style installations. Controlled by Casambi’s wireless lighting control system, the flagship offers intuitive management, human-centric light adaptations, energy efficiency, and flexibility, setting a new standard for large-scale retail lighting.
Housed within a 4,000 m² heritage building, Mecca Bourke Street is the largest beauty destination in the world and one of Melbourne’s most immersive retail experiences. Once home to one of the world’s most iconic bookstores, the space has been transformed into a place where retail, art, and experience come together under one roof.
Lighting plays a central role in shaping this experience. Across three expansive levels, it supports everything from product discovery and makeup artistry to large-scale art installations and architectural moments. The challenge was scale and complexity, with a wide mix of lighting types including track lights, spotlights, bespoke chandeliers, pendants, decorative fixtures, DMX elements, and illuminated signage, all needing to work together seamlessly.
Casambi makes it feel effortless. A single, wireless lighting control system brings all layers together, allowing the entire flagship to be managed from one smartphone or tablet. Despite tight project timelines, the system enabled fast installation, smooth commissioning, and intuitive programming, making it ideal for a project of this size.
Throughout the day, lighting adapts naturally to support a human-centric experience. Light levels and colour temperatures shift gently, maintaining comfort, accurate colour rendering, and the right atmosphere for every moment. Custom architectural lighting ensures beauty products are shown in true-to-life colour, while shadow-free lighting supports makeup application and artistry. Gallery-style lighting highlights artworks with precision, allowing each piece to feel intentional and curated.
Behind the scenes, the system works just as smartly. Sensors, timers, and dimming controls help manage energy use across retail, staff, and service areas, reducing maintenance while keeping daily operation simple. Lighting responds automatically where needed, while still offering flexibility for special events and after-hours scenes.
Mecca Bourke Street is a modern “cosmetic palace”, brought to life through lighting that understands people, space, and scale. Powered by Casambi, it sets a new standard for human-centric, large-scale retail lighting.
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