One New Change is a contemporary mixed use commercial and retail development located directly behind St Paul’s Cathedral.
Working closely with Atelier Jean Nouvel and executive architect Sidell Gibson Architects our lighting scheme is designed to respond aesthetically to the architectural form.
It provides the requisite functionality, adding a warm ambience within the context of the dark and masculine palette and allows the retail spaces to come to the fore.
We started with a neutral base, concealing the equipment that highlights the ground floor perimeters in close proximity to store fronts to preserve the clean lines of the architecture.
Sparkle and visual interest are created by highlights to the entrances, feature ceilings, the central atrium, scenic lifts and escalators. Considerable effort was taken to minimise distracting reflections in the shiny surfaces; and variable light levels allow the scheme to respond to external lighting conditions, resulting in a consistently pleasing environment in the retail arcades by day and night.
Agreement on the after dark presence of this prominent building within its highly sensitive location was key to its acceptance. We worked to fully integrate the design with the public realm strategy of the City of London, and developed tenant and retail guidelines together with the Client to ensure a unified external appearance.
The roof terrace is considered the fifth elevation to the building. For this area, we set out to compliment the landscaping and promote views of the cathedral and the city. Lighting is set at low level and integrated or concealed into the architecture for an elegant calming space.