8 St James’s Square, London, UK

8 St James’s Square was an ill-proportioned and over-scaled existing inter-war building which has now been redeveloped into 65,500 ft² of prime office space. The new sustainable office building is situated in the exclusive St James’s district of Westminster, overlooking the historical St James’s Square Garden. The entrance leads into a reception space which spans the full width of the elevation. Eric Parry Architects used a rich palette of materials including walnut, leather, marble, lacquer that evoke the local traditional gentleman’s clubs of the area. The central marble lined lift shaft makes excellent use of natural daylight, allowing light to penetrate deep into the core of the building.

dpa worked in collaboration with Eric Parry Architects to deliver the lighting design to the external façades, reception, lift lobby, feature lift shaft and semi-scenic lift cars and external terraces. The principles were to create a warm welcoming well-lit space that highlighted key features while revealing the rich material pallet. The reception was lit with various layers of light that included bespoke linear inground uplights and pendants. No ceiling recessed luminaires were used within the reception and lift lobby to respect the clean lines of the detailed ceiling profile.

Client: Green Property Ventures
Project Manager: Jackson Coles
Architect and Interior Designer
: Eric Parry Architects
M&E Consultant: Mecserve
Artist: Stephen Cox R.A.
Photography: Dirk Lindner

Otemachi Park Building, Tokyo, Japan

dpa lighting consultants are delighted to share pictures of their third major building in the Marunouchi  / Otemachi district of central Tokyo. We feel very privileged to have worked with Mitsubishi Estate Co. and Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei, Inc. and be part of the incredible repositioning of Marunouchi over the last 15 years.

This development is the first project extending Marunouchi into Otemachi and as well as containing large amounts of prime office space, includes serviced apartments – the first in this district. dpa were responsible in collaboration with Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei, inc. for designing the exterior lighting of the Towers, Gardens and Roof Terraces together with the incredibly substantial Office Lobby, Apartment Lobby and Apartment Public Spaces.

The buildings close proximity to the Emperors Palace is highly significant and the carefully sculpted landscape around the base of the towers has a harmonious link to the Palace Gardens.

The Architectural lighting of this structure focus on the crown of the two towers with their slightly varying architectural forms, and the landscaped base of the building. Both have carefully integrated light coordinated with the architectural and landscape fabric.

Owner: Mitsubishi Estate Co.
Architect and Electrical Engineers: Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei, Inc.
Landscape Architect: Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei, Inc
Photography: Courtesy of Kokyu Miwa Architectural photography and Taisuke Ogawa

Executive Jet Terminal,
Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai, UAE

dpa lighting consultants designs for the exterior and interior lighting to the Executive Jet Terminal were completed and the project officially opened in December 2016.  Working with the Client, Dubai South, the Project Architects, SIE, Interior Designers Strata Design and Landscape Consultants Desert Ink, the design team collaborated on this fast track upgrade to the recently opened Executive Terminal Facility.

The exterior lighting has been designed to maximise the architectural form of the building and its low, sweeping, aerodynamic form and entrance canopy.  This is achieved by ensuring that key vertical and horizontal surfaces are appropriately illuminated, with specific emphasis at the recessed entrances and entrance portals.  A key factor in emphasising the overall architectural form is the lack of visually intrusive lighting columns immediately in front of the Terminal.  This is achieved by utilising low level lighting from bollards and in-ground luminaires to each of the drop-off driveways, planting and water features.  The drop-offs are accessed from the primary vehicular route, itself illuminated from visually minimal lighting columns.

The interior lighting is designed to maximise the internal volumes and forms, with the principal central axis celebrating the view beyond the Terminal’s interior to the Executive Aircraft parked on the apron, with the main airport and runways beyond.  The ‘layered’ ceiling is extremely clean, the only visible lighting being strategically located downlights illuminating the suspended artwork that reinforces directionality and the principal view out towards the airport beyond.  The downlights not only enhance the artwork, but subtly cast light and shade downwards helping to further break up the large expanse of floor.

Either side of this principal central axis are the waiting lounges and support facilities for the executive travellers, these being located within sunken enclosures, partially concealed behind decorative fins. These fins have integrated lighting within their ‘outer’ vertical edge to further enhance their presence, with an identical lighting detail providing internal definition. The principal source of ambient illumination within the lounges is provided from back-lit stretched fabric ceiling panels, with decorative luminaires providing a more intimate scale.

Finally the internal wall of the arrivals/departure hall comprises internally illuminated entrance portals at each of the lobbies, with adjacent decorative feature panels comprising decorative cut-outs that are internally illuminated.  These elements are mirrored in the reflective flooring to create a memorable, but contrasting image to that experienced when first entering the Terminal.

Client: Dubai South
Architect: SIE Consultants
Interior Designers: Strata Design
Landscape Consultants: Desert Ink
Photography: Courtesy of SIE Consultants

Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal

The Champalimaud Foundation have created ‘The Centre for the Unknown’, which is a World class Cancer Research and Treatment Facility in Lisbon, Portugal.

The following extract taken from the Foundation’s website, provides a little more detail about the Centre:

“The Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown is a multidisciplinary centre for translational research of excellence. The Centre includes laboratories for basic and clinical research, an ambulatory care centre, a vivarium, an auditorium, conference rooms, teaching facilities and an exhibition area. The state of the art facilities for basic and clinical research and for teaching will foster front line research as well as post-graduate and doctorate programmes, and the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and cancer patients.

In order to honour the historical relevance of the site – from where the famous Portuguese navigators departed in the 15th and 16th centuries – and to promote the relationship of the citizens with the sea and the “unknown”, the research centre will allow free access of the public to the waterfront through wide landscaped areas around its buildings”.

dpa lighting consultants were responsible for designing the internal and external lighting to all areas. dpa worked closely with Concept Architect Charles Correa, The Foundation and the rest of the professional team on one of the most special projects the Practice has been fortunate to work on. The lighting of each space has been carefully considered to enhance the experience of those working or visiting the complex. The lighting responds to the architectural forms and materials exposing them sympathetically.

Client: Champalimaud Foundation
Architect: Charles Correa Associates and Hillier
Project Manager: Glintt

 

JW Marriott Hotel, Absheron, Baku, Azerbaijan

Situated on the site of the old Absheron hotel, the new JW Marriott Absheron is located next to the vibrant Baku Boulevard along the city’s waterfront. With the fashionable new developments of Port Baku residences and the Park Bulvar shopping mall in close proximity.

dpa Dubai were appointed as the specialist lighting consultants for the internal Public Areas and dpa London for the external Façade and Landscape. The interior designer for the project was the internationally renowned WA International Interiors, dpa Dubai worked closely with their Design Director Claire Craig to develop the lighting for the internal Public Areas. Our concept focused on concealing indirect light sources within ceilings, walls and furniture details to reduce any visual ‘clutter’ so as not to detract from the interiors. Large decorative glass chandeliers were selected from a specialist manufacturer and dpa were responsible for providing illumination to each chandelier within the reception and pre-function areas.

Located on the 21st floor is the indoor swimming pool, a double height volume with panoramic views of Baku city and the newly constructed Flame Towers. The brief for the lighting was to create drama and contrast, whilst not disrupting the night time views of the city. We developed an LED cove light which uses a DMX protocol to create a simple dual tone colour cycle with extended fade times for lighting scenes during the day and night time. Internal back lit fret work panels, provide an ambient back drop for guests admiring the views whilst relaxing by the pool bar in the evening. The internal lighting effect in the Pool ceiling adds to the exterior lighting scheme and draws attention of the public from Baku Boulevard at night time.

Client: Pasha Group
Operator: JW Marriott
Project Manager: MACE
Architect: Reardon Smith
Interior Designer: WA International Interiors
Landscape Designer: Scape
M&E Consultant: Strabag

Mandarin Oriental, Paris, Daylight Study

During the concept design phase of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Paris, dpa were commissioned to undertake a daylight study including modelling the suns path over the hotel courtyard. The aim was to understand the daylight level in the hotel bar during day time operating hours.  The Interior designer Jouin Manku’s concept for the bar used a very dark palate of materials to create a very intimate night time ambience.  However the operator Mandarin Oriental had concerns about the day time experience for the customer being too dark and gloomy.  The daylight study modelled the natural light levels within the bar throughout the year in both clear and overcast conditions.  The results showed low levels of both direct and indirect daylight penetration to the bar. From this understanding the material tones were adapted to a lighter colour palate to allow the bar to be both dramatic at night yet not feel gloomy and dark during the daylight operational hours.

 

 

Inspiration by dpa

 

As lighting designers we all get great inspiration from the natural world continuously. Nature has an incredible way of providing amazing lighting spectacles, but sometimes the simplest daily occurrence such as the sun interacting with a cloud and a tree can be equally thought provoking as the northern lights or a bolt of lightning.

Further images can be seen on the ‘Inspiration‘ section of our website, where you can share photographs chosen by every single member of the dpa team from Japan, Dubai and the UK. Simple occurrences such as the silhouetting of an object, shadows, reflection and the amazing colours created in nature without question transmit themselves into our thoughts and projects.

 

Inspiration by dpa

As lighting designers we all get great inspiration from the natural world continuously. Nature has an incredible way of providing amazing lighting spectacles, but sometimes the simplest daily occurrence such as the sun interacting with a cloud and a tree can be equally thought provoking as the northern lights or a bolt of lightning.

Further images can be seen on the ‘Inspiration‘ section of our website, where you can share photographs chosen by every single member of the dpa team from Japan, Dubai and the UK. Simple occurrences such as the silhouetting of an object, shadows, reflection and the amazing colours created in nature without question transmit themselves into our thoughts and projects.

Inspiration by dpa

As lighting designers we all get great inspiration from the natural world continuously. Nature has an incredible way of providing amazing lighting spectacles, but sometimes the simplest daily occurrence such as the sun interacting with a cloud and a tree can be equally thought provoking as the northern lights or a bolt of lightning.

Further images can be seen on the ‘Inspiration‘ section of our website, where you can share photographs chosen by every single member of the dpa team from Japan, Dubai and the UK. Simple occurrences such as the silhouetting of an object, shadows, reflection and the amazing colours created in nature without question transmit themselves into our thoughts and projects.

 

Inspiration by dpa

As lighting designers we all get great inspiration from the natural world continuously. Nature has an incredible way of providing amazing lighting spectacles, but sometimes the simplest daily occurrence such as the sun interacting with a cloud and a tree can be equally thought provoking as the northern lights or a bolt of lightning.

Further images can be seen on the ‘Inspiration‘ section of our website, where you can share photographs chosen by every single member of the dpa team from Japan, Dubai and the UK. Simple occurrences such as the silhouetting of an object, shadows, reflection and the amazing colours created in nature without question transmit themselves into our thoughts and projects.

Inspiration by dpa

As lighting designers we all get great inspiration from the natural world continuously. Nature has an incredible way of providing amazing lighting spectacles, but sometimes the simplest daily occurrence such as the sun interacting with a cloud and a tree can be equally thought provoking as the northern lights or a bolt of lightning.

Further images can be seen on the ‘Inspiration‘ section of our website, where you can share photographs chosen by every single member of the dpa team from Japan, Dubai and the UK. Simple occurrences such as the silhouetting of an object, shadows, reflection and the amazing colours created in nature without question transmit themselves into our thoughts and projects.

Inspiration by dpa

As lighting designers we all get great inspiration from the natural world continuously. Nature has an incredible way of providing amazing lighting spectacles, but sometimes the simplest daily occurrence such as the sun interacting with a cloud and a tree can be equally thought provoking as the northern lights or a bolt of lightning.

Further images can be seen on the ‘Inspiration‘ section of our website, where you can share photographs chosen by every single member of the dpa team from Japan, Dubai and the UK. Simple occurrences such as the silhouetting of an object, shadows, reflection and the amazing colours created in nature without question transmit themselves into our thoughts and projects.

 

 

Inspiration by dpa

As lighting designers we all get great inspiration from the natural world continuously. Nature has an incredible way of providing amazing lighting spectacles, but sometimes the simplest daily occurrence such as the sun interacting with a cloud and a tree can be equally thought provoking as the northern lights or a bolt of lightning.

Further images can be seen on the ‘Inspiration‘ section of our website, where you can share photographs chosen by every single member of the dpa team from Japan, Dubai and the UK. Simple occurrences such as the silhouetting of an object, shadows, reflection and the amazing colours created in nature without question transmit themselves into our thoughts and projects.

Inspiration by dpa

As lighting designers we all get great inspiration from the natural world continuously. Nature has an incredible way of providing amazing lighting spectacles, but sometimes the simplest daily occurrence such as the sun interacting with a cloud and a tree can be equally thought provoking as the northern lights or a bolt of lightning.

Further images can be seen on the ‘Inspiration‘ section of our website, where you can share photographs chosen by every single member of the dpa team from Japan, Dubai and the UK. Simple occurrences such as the silhouetting of an object, shadows, reflection and the amazing colours created in nature without question transmit themselves into our thoughts and projects.

Inspiration by dpa

As lighting designers we all get great inspiration from the natural world continuously. Nature has an incredible way of providing amazing lighting spectacles, but sometimes the simplest daily occurrence such as the sun interacting with a cloud and a tree can be equally thought provoking as the northern lights or a bolt of lightning.

Further images can be seen on the ‘Inspiration‘ section of our website, where you can share photographs chosen by every single member of the dpa team from Japan, Dubai and the UK. Simple occurrences such as the silhouetting of an object, shadows, reflection and the amazing colours created in nature without question transmit themselves into our thoughts and projects.

Private Residence, Berkshire, UK

This unique contemporary designed riverside property has excellent daylight providing natural illumination into the various spaces and stunning framed views out of the property.

The floor to ceiling glazing offers beautiful views across the river during the day, whilst at night, the view of the externally lit garden can be enjoyed from a lit and dimmed interior, without the distraction of reflections of light sources in the glass.

The lighting of the open plan living space allows different areas within the room to be emphasised with light according to the activity being carried out. At the touch of a button, the lighting emphasis can be switched from the Dining Table to the Kitchen and then onto the Lounge area.

Architect: John L. Purdy Architect
Photography: Richard Powers

Arcapita Bank HQ, Bahrain Bay, Bahrain

 

The new Arcapita Headquarters building in Bahrain combines a dramatic location with innovative sculptural forms, which results in a distinct sense of place for business and arts uses. The project provides a significant architectural presence that has an immediate impact and creates positive and exciting associations for Arcapita Bank. Working in conjunction with the project team, which included The Client, Architects, Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM) and Atkins and Project Managers Mace, dpa have produced lighting solutions, in terms of aesthetic requirements and functions, in this prominent and significant project.

Situated within the Bahrain Bay Development off the north coast of Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, the Mosque comprises a concrete shell that is clad internally and externally with natural stone. One of the main goals of SOM for AHQ Building and East Park Mosque was to provide a productive work environment that balances day lighting and thermal comfort. Natural light is provided within the Mosque glazing on the ground floor and through feature windows that are cast into the faces of the structure. In order to highlight this feature during nighttime, dpa proposed concealed linear fixtures within the cladding slot feature. This reinforces the iconic identity of the building whilst providing a low energy, maintainable and practical solution.

Externally, a freestanding minaret was erected along side of the Mosque. A similar but inverted lighting design was implemented for this feature to create harmony with the adjacent building. In addition to this, illumination at the pedestal wall was introduced using concealed energy efficient fluorescent luminaires integrated within a slot to provide ambient lighting to the Mosque perimeter. The external lighting was deliberately located to provide reflections from the perimeter water.

Linear LED ‘L’ shaped arrays have been integrated into junctions between paving to reflect the slot design on the Mosque cladding. Graphic shapes act as a visual guide to the Mosque rather than dominating the feature.

A lighting control system for the interior and exterior façade of this project was also carefully established by using the concept of lighting scene control via Automatic Astronomic/Solar Time-clock and Manual Override. The scenes can be chosen depending on the Praying Time.

Client: Arcapita Bank
Project Manager: MACE
Architect: Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM) and Atkins
Interior Designer: Sima Malak + Alssamoure Design Associates
Landscape Designer: EDAW
M&E Consultant: Atkins

 

 

H&M Melbourne, Australia

On 5th April 2014, Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) launched their first store in Australia signalling their entry into a buoyant and dynamic market.

This superb flagship store is sited in the ex-General Post Office Building (GPO) in Melbourne, whose evolvement is intertwined with the city’s history.

Its initial form was much different to today’s appearance, as two extra floors in different architectural styles and the Clock Tower along with numerous other architectural elements were gradually added over a long period from 1867 till 1907.

The GPO presents a vast retail space dominated by the impressively proportioned three storey glazed atrium. The artificial lighting of this space was the main challenge of the project for dpa, with a ceiling height of approximately 18 metres and all the performance and maintenance problems that this presented.

The lighting solution utilises linear recessed LED equipment contained within surface mounted profiles which are neatly integrated within existing ceiling pockets. With excellent beam and glare control characteristics, the fixtures provide a low maintenance solution that focuses light where it is needed, down the central spine of the atrium. The drivers are remotely located in the accessible roof void beyond. Also situated at high level, linear LED fixtures uplight the ceiling and reinforce the geometry of the atrium by highlighting the columnettes.

Client: Hennes & Mauritz (H&M)
Interior Design and Project Manager: H&M
Architect: DesignInc
Electrical Consultant: Norman Disney & Young
Electrical Contractor: Apec

 

Private Residence, Gloucestershire, UK

The minimalistic contemporary glass cube within this project connects the main living spaces within this residential development and it was important for the lighting design to respect this strong architectural feature.

The lighting served to only illuminate the key characteristics contained within this box, ensuring appropriate levels of warm white light aimed at the artwork, horse sculpture and points of circulation.

At night the result is quite dramatic and made even more so with the inclusion of a lighting control system, which offers varying lighting states within the space.

 

Royal Academy, London, UK

The Royal Academy (London) is a listed building, which hosts numerous internationally acclaimed exhibitions, varying from robust stone sculptures to delicate silk and paper artefacts. Whilst daylight is a desirable medium for accurate colour rendition, it is often necessary to omit direct sunlight and limit daylight to avoid damage to light sensitive exhibits. The challenge was to design a flexible daylight control system that would be unobtrusive within the historic gallery interiors, flexible and equally important reliable. The design also had to be adaptable to suit all of the top-lit galleries, irrespective of their orientation. The design solution was a multi-layered system of diffuse glass, external louvres and internal roller blinds. The latter two being capable of automatic operation, with manual override. A environment to ensure that pre-determined light levels can be maintained.combination of external and internal light sensors constantly monitors the gallery