The Brief

To create a new reception environment for Creative Spaces, a company of Architects/ Interior Designers and Project Managers, which emulated their design style and showcased their work first hand. To reflect their company brand and culture through the architectural composition, detailing and finishes of the new space.

The Concept

The following lighting principles and objectives were conceived in order to meet the brief;

• To ensure that the lighting helped create a visual statement and welcoming ambience for people arriving into the space
• To enhance the subtle texture of the space, including the floating ceiling plane, the layered wall and the slightly speckled floor, through the use of lighting
• To provide a contrast within the mostly neutral space with splashes of colour
• To introduce luminaries with simple, non obtrusive clean lines so the architectural planes (horizontal and vertical) were features rather than the fittings themselves
• To provide a lighting solution which gives the impression of a larger volume space
• To emphasize the link between the reception space, and the office environment
• To use the lighting as a reflection of the architectural concept-commercial, professional and simple, yet warm and welcoming.

The Scheme

Uplighting onto Textured Ceiling Plane
We decided that the most visual way to attract a client's attention on arrival was through the use of uplight onto the white suspended ceiling in the main foyer area. It was deemed more original to run a series of Slice Blade fittings suspended in a row, rather than the more common scenario of a single luminaire over a reception desk. The fittings are viewed on arrival from the side and provide a sense of perspective and volume to the space.

The reflected fluorescent uplight, mounted 500mm off the suspended ceiling, achieves both an even, shadow free lighting effect, as well as an emphasis on the slightly textured ceiling plane. The visual impact was deemed to be the number one priority but these twin 28w T5 uplights with electronic ballast, also offer a low maintenance and energy efficient lighting solution. The uplights contribute the majority of light to the space, at an efficient average of 9.6 watts per square meter, while a secondary tier of halogen light acts as an accent to the perimeter walls.

The metallic white fittings themselves were chosen for their shape to mirror the rectangular spaces they inhabit , as well as for their light output and commercial qualities. The average light levels throughout the space were 560 lux. The general ambience is stimulating.

Highlights
The mainly neutral palette of the space is highlighted with the use of blue QR111 downlights and supported with coloured LED mini pathway lights mounted into the wall leading to the offices, and blue uplights behind the reception desk. This offers an element of fun and originality.

Wall Lights onto Textural Wall The Delta Mono wall-mounted down-lights c/w 12v 50w 8 degree lamp and integral electronic transformer, have been detailed to appear as part of the interior structure and add subtle depth to a largely simplistic space. The halogens ambient light qualities highlight the deliberate variations in the wall, while emphasizing through rhythm, the link to the office spaces. The warm perimeter compliments the cooler internals of the space.

Summary

In summary, the new office environment for Creative Spaces suggests a professional company with a commercial focus, strong designs and a modern brand to offer. The lighting plays a large part in portraying this. The hard finishes used within this reception area could have been unpleasant to inhabit, however the different styles of lighting used, mean that it is now a space in which to linger.