Tasked to provide architectural lighting consultancy for the store Light Bureau director Paul Nulty explains the philosophy behind the lighting solution, "We really wanted to maintain focus on merchandise, creating contrast between the vertical surfaces, display tables and circulation zone. The skill has been to control the light in the way we have. With so many mirrors it would have been very easy to get uncomfortable reflections of light fittings or to produce a scheme with a bland, homogenous quality of light due to inter-reflections -this has been avoided. With careful planning and focusing we have achieved a high quality solution with a subtle variation in light level between merchandise and circulation."
The lighting solution comprises a series of track mounted, low energy, metal halide spotlights that utilize a 24 degree beam to the perimeter shelving and 10 degree beam to the central displays and it is this variation that enables a reduced light level to the circulation zone providing contrast and drama.
Also mounted to the shelving units are a series of miniature long-life, low energy LED sources which are an interesting addition to the scheme . Says Nulty, "In terms of light levels the track mounted spotlights achieve an adequate level of illumination through the glass shelves, however, we felt strongly that an additional layer of lighting was required to really 'set-off' the shoes and to create 'sparkle' (many of the shoes are set with jewels or use specular materials)."
Light Bureau worked closely with luminaire suppliers Lightworks to select light fixtures that were readily available to ensure a smooth completion of the project.
(Jim Evans)
