Harrow Speech Room
This speech room is a multi-functional space. It is used for community meetings, lectures, debates, theatrical performances, projecting films and performances of music ranging from a solo piano to an orchestra and choir. It is a unique historic Grade II* listed building.
The previous lighting made huge amounts of glare, flattened the architecture and was hard to control.
The new scheme is flexible and easy to control. It can light the room for any size or type of activity. It shows the 3D shapes of the amazing ceiling.
Wayfinding lighting was a challenge. During a performance the lighting of the audience seating can be dim. Often many members of the audiences are elderly with vision challenges. To be inclusive, way finding lighting was provided for the steep flights of steps between the seats. A special fitting was designed. Two were installed for each step. They show the way well with no spill light and no distractions for the audience who are close. The fittings are dimmable and so their brightness is set for each different type of event.
Much lighting doubles as both architectural lighting and performance lighting. We also designed a complete DMX and theatrical lighting infra-structure so theatre lighting can be added easily when needed.
With much lighting equipment concealed, the wonderful space can be seen, appreciated, and used by all.
Existing hanging lanterns in the entrances were converted to LEDs. No new luminaires were used there.
Before we started, the room used tungsten halogen and metal halide lamps, the luminaires were low quality, cheap and in bad condition. We researched to see if they could be upgraded to LED but this was not possible. All new luminaires are low energy LEDs. We researched the manufacturers of new luminaires to check for sustainability. The majority of luminaires are specifically designed for the circular economy. The manufacturer of many of the luminaires is B Corp Certified and their electricity supply is from 100% renewable sources.
