Wesley Memorial Chapel, Oxford 

Wesley Memorial Chapel was one of several projects included in the Cross of Light initiative striving to improve the perceived quality of Oxford’s key buildings at night.

Following a series of lighting trials appropriate locations were identified to position lighting equipment, so as to emphasise the verticality of the tower and spire on all elevations.

The entrance at the base of the tower was extremely important and lighting techniques included uplighting to the stone arch, uplighting to the tower buttresses and the backlighting of the stone pediment above the entrance doors, creates a floating effect. 

St Michael at the Northgate

The fine historic architecture of St. Michaels Tower on the junction of Cornmarket Street and Ship Street, Oxford, has been expressed with light, revealing it’s wonderful form and texture, which can be enjoyed from many views in this central part of the City.

It was extremely important to balance the intensity of light projected onto the facades against the elements of the building felt appropriate to highlight, whilst fully appreciating the angles of light transmission to adjacent building users.

Carefully considered and controlled luminaire optics were employed having been previously trialled in order to ascertain the most appropriate location and to portray the character of the building in the best way possible. 

Exeter College Spire 

Exeter College Spire was one of several projects included in the Cross of Light initiative striving to improve the perceived quality of Oxford’s key buildings at night.

The challenge for dpa was to appropriately illuminate the lead roof of the spire structure whilst minimising the amount of light pollution and ingress of artificial light to the neighbouring student accommodation.

Following a series of lighting trials, key locations were identified to locate light fixtures. Narrow beam reflector luminaires with cool white 4200K ceramic metal halide lamps together with sculpture, elongating lenses and anti-glare baffles were utilised.

The inside of the spire, in contrast, was lit using Candlelight sleeves located over T5 linear fluorescent light fixtures.

Client: City of Oxford
Photography: dpa lighting consultants