Awards

Mixology Award 2006 for Interiors Project of the Year

Lighting Design

GIA Offices, London
Overbury (Refit)
Square Dot Ltd (Interior Designer)

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The brief

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The vision was of an open plan office with a series of meeting rooms to provide privacy when necessary. The emphasis was on occupier comfort and quality with a design sense to promote the vibrant personality of the company. The challenges were threefold: varied computer-based tasks occurring in the open plan office space, limited daylight within the deep floorplate office and obstructions to the space in the form of irregular columns and beams.

The solution

We introduced lighting within the architectural detail so that structural elements, previously seen as a nuisance, are now used to host a variety of elegant lit effects, offering great visual impact and linking the spaces visually.

A survey of lighting arrangements at their former office revealed that staff, particularly Design Analysts using CAD packages, found the reflection of lamps on their screens a hindrance. The level of light over their work space also caused discomfort because it was too bright. The solution was to use a luminaire with lamps set back from the ceiling edge, limiting reflection within the VDU. The lux levels in the Design Analysts' area are lower than elsewhere, reducing the contrast between the darkness of the screen in CAD applications and general level of light. The luminaires are linked to photo-sensors which monitor illumination and adjust the lamps' intensity to maintain a consistent lux level, taking account of natural daylight. Staff using positive VDUs felt more comfortable under higher levels of light because the contrast between the screen and veiling level of light was reduced.

To minimise the perception of differing horizontal illumination within the space, perimeter walls and columns are lit to provide a comfortable 'horizon' and common reference point.

Special features

This design addressed the human need to feel welcome within a space by using lighting design to create a memorable experience and a sense of comfort and well-being
The high quality finish reflects the corporate identity and is an important part of the office culture: the personality of the company is reflected within the design
The office culture is expressed through design where knowledge of light technology and design illustrates the architectural language of the space and emphasises the company's "sound" through the brand identity represented