Show the Architecture

If you’re working on a project that revolves around historic architecture, there are a number of areas that will require specialist insight. Here, we provide an illustrated guide for how to design and implement architectural lighting for your next project.

York Minster.

1. Do not clutter up the look of wonderful historic architecture.

2. No visible fittings should be added unless they are part of the story of the historic architecture.

3. Modern fittings are rarely an appropriate addition to historic views.

Photo by James Newton.

At York Minster, we were able to hide all the modern fittings completely from the important first view that visitors see when they enter the Minster. This is the point where they decide whether to carry on into the Minster or not, so the view has to look amazing and attractive.

Repurposing historic fittings

Sometimes historic fittings can be re-used or recreated to make them fit into the aesthetic of the building. In one of the library rooms at Royal Holloway College, there were two generations of historic lights: Edwardian fittings with glass shades and 1930s Art Deco style up-lights. When we got up to the 1930s up-lights we found they were not plaster as we had thought, they were metal. So, the thin metal walls gave us much more room for installing modern dimmable LED lights.

1930’s Art Deco up-lights, Royal Holloway College.

Hidden lighting in modern architecture

In Modern Architecture, different aesthetics can apply. The lighting equipment can still be hidden to show the architecture with no clutter.

Private Residence, England.

Following the Architectural rhythm

Alternatively, the lighting may be shown as part of the aesthetic of the space. In a shop, left, deliberately visible lights line up with the rhythm of the architecture and light the merchandise. Graphics promoting the shop were due to be added onto the lit columns.

When both the fittings, and the light they create, line up with the architecture then magic can happen - just as in this conservation workshop where the public can see the conservators working.

In the Berry Bros & Rudd Sussex Cellar, the ceiling was celebrated and not obscured with any fittings allowing the colour and shape of the architecture to be shown off. The down lighting is provided by large numbers of tiny lights concealed between the tiles. These are not seen when turned off, but when on, appear as tiny stars. Ultimately, the lighting has to respond to and complement all types of architecture.

Sussex Cellar, Berry Bros & Rudd.

If you’re working on an architectural project and would like to speak with us about how we could help provide specialist lighting design services, contact us on info@sva.co.uk, or by calling +44 (0)20 8563 9370 and we will get back to you quickly.