Gold Lighting Products and Fixtures Design · 2020
Quadrant Arcade Public Realm
by Cehao Yu
- A' Design Award 2020 Gold Winner in Lighting Products and Fixtures Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: Aecom
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 72,129
- Verification code 59C220D73F · Verify this award
About Quadrant Arcade Public Realm
The Grade II listed arcade has been transformed into an inviting street presence through arranging the right light at the right place. General, ambient illumination is used holistically and its effects staged hierarchically to achieve variations in light patterning that create interest and promote increased use of the space. Strategic incorporation for design and placement of the dynamic feature pendent was managed together with the artist so that visual effects appear more subtle than overwhelming. With daylight fading, the elegant structure is accentuated by the rhythm of electric lighting.
Cehao Yu's Quadrant Arcade Public Realm represents a distinguished achievement in the integration of contemporary lighting design with heritage architectural contexts, demonstrating how thoughtfully conceived illumination can activate and enhance historically significant urban spaces while creating memorable experiential environments for contemporary audiences. The installation appears to draw upon traditions of theatrical and festive lighting while elevating these approaches through sophisticated material choices and careful attention to the architectural character of its setting, the cascading crystalline elements suggesting both natural phenomena like falling water or ice formations and the crafted elegance of chandelier traditions translated to an urban scale. The technical accomplishment lies not merely in the visual spectacle achieved but in the sensitive dialogue established between the ephemeral luminous intervention and the substantial stone architecture, where warm interior light filters through suspended elements to create a transitional zone between public street and commercial interior that invites passage and dwelling alike. The compositional intelligence of this photographic documentation captures the installation at a moment when pedestrian movement, architectural permanence, and luminous atmosphere coalesce into a unified visual statement about the contemporary urban experience, the motion blur of figures suggesting the flow of daily life animated and transformed by the designed environment. This work invites consideration of how light functions as both practical illumination and poetic material, capable of investing familiar spaces with renewed wonder while respecting the historical narratives embedded in architectural heritage, one might contemplate how such interventions reshape our experience of movement through urban space and our perception of the boundaries between interior and exterior, commercial and civic, permanent and ephemeral realms of the built environment.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The lighting design was made for revitalizing a historical shopping environment. The designers have inserted a light installation that creates a very special mood during the day and night. Thanks to the intelligent control system, interaction between architectural ambient lighting and the theatrical feature pendant encourages the perception of a unique rhythm reflective of the West End. When daylight falls, the installation with visible dynamics gains more attentions and attracts visitors.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Despite the temporal dynamism of ambient lighting, light levels have been achieved according to British Standards. The sustainability led lighting design approach for Quadrant Arcade targets delivery of an ‘Excellent’ rating against the BREEAM UK Refurbishment and Fit Out 2014 methodology.
- Tags
- Visual navigation, heritage illumination, dynamic lighting, visual interest
- Production Technology
- The various lighting elements are divided into groups that can be individually controlled, offering different light scenarios whose performance corresponds to the movement of feature pendants. Emergency lighting has been discretely recessed into the underside of the cornice to limit visibility and meet statutory norms. Terrazzo flooring, inspired by tiles from Pompeii revealed by uneven lighting provides visual drama.
- Design Challenge
- Listed interiors have been rigorously restored and highlighted with focal illumination, taking care to consider how new lighting would be installed. The challenge was to reveal historical feature details without exposing direct light sources which would visually compete with the listed building. Luminaire mounting and cable run placement are discreet so that contemporary elements and visual clutter are minimized.
- Project Duration
- The project started in March 2015 in London and finished in Feb. 2019 in London, and was awarded Lit Lighting Design Awards heritage illumination category winner.
- Operation Flow
- The ethereal quality of the structure is accentuated at dusk by concealed and carefully aimed light elements. The contrast between warm, ambient lighting and cool, dynamic feature pendants provide a strong focus in supporting the artistic vision. The high output and efficacy of new fittings were key in resolving the challenge to provide sufficient ambient light to the space with the variable intensity of the feature pendant.
- Research
- The design involves site appraisal, conservation planning, lighting planing application, computer based lighting simulation and on-site mock up to ensure the finished visual appearance is close to initial aspiration. Final lit appearance has increased the spatial usage dramatically especially during nighttime. Street users passing by are tend to stop over to appreciate the public space and bespoke pendant art. With the increased spatial usage, people feel safer navigating the public space nearby. The social and financial benefits gained due to the lighting transformation are far beyond the energy cost.
- Inspiration
- Quadrant Arcade is a jewel of The Crown Estate on Regent Street. The design focusses on highlighting essential historical architectural features with minimal interventions and luminaire geometries are selected to match iconic historical forms. The art installation was inspired by paraboloid to create a mathematically generated quadrant in three dimensions using linear lights to achieve an overall curve. The cluster of pendants creates a sweep along the whole length of the arcade.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Philip Ville, 2019
Image #2: Photographer Philip Ville, 2019
Image #3: Photographer Philip Ville, 2019
Image #4: Photographer Philip Ville, 2019
Image #5: Photographer Philip Ville, 2019 - Patents
- N/A