Lighting of the residential areas of Battersea Power Station
Project
Battersea Power Station
London, UK
With its four chimneys visible from afar and its imposing size, Battersea Power Station is an icon of London's cityscape. The former coal-fired power station, which was in operation from 1933 to 1983, stands on the south bank of the Thames in the Battersea district and is one of the largest brick buildings in Europe.
Various conversion plans for Battersea Power Station had already existed since 1988. There was agreement that the building should be preserved and used, but a suitable concept was initially lacking. Eventually, a new neighbourhood was to be created with apartments, offices, stores and a library, as well as a shopping street in the centre of the building.
While the New York architect Rafael Vinoly was responsible for the overall planning, the extensive concept for the lighting of the redesigned Battersea Power Station was developed by the London lighting design firm Speirs Major - Light Architecture. The lighting concept is designed to achieve maximum visual impact and flexibility while respecting the environment, protecting the historic fabric of the building and minimizing the impact of light on local residents. In addition to illuminating the four famous chimneys, key architectural elements are highlighted.
By emphasizing details that we are accustomed to seeing in shadow or silhouette during the day, the design inverts the experience of architecture at nightfall, resulting in an extraordinary reinterpretation of this famous landmark building. In keeping with its industrial heritage, the lighting designers opted for soft, warm, golden light throughout the site.
Selux Inula was chosen for the exterior lighting of the residential areas. 120 LED Inula bollards with a paint finish similar to the surface of corten steel illuminate the residential neighbourhoods’ surroundings with a warm white light colour of 3000 Kelvin. Extremely reduced in shape, the cylindrical luminaires provide targeted, pleasant and efficient lighting, free from stray light. Thus, they protect our night sky, with precise light and special lighting technology that illuminates surfaces in a controlled manner. Inula bollards and columns are officially IDA approved by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). Lighting with Inula meets functional requirements for safety and security while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
object Battersea Power Station
client Battersea Powerstation Development Company
lighting design Speirs and Major - Light Architecture
electrical design Chapman BDSP
architect Wilkinson Eyre
photographer James Newton Photography / Selux UK
product Inula
Background
The Inula bollard and light columns form a single consistent, modular system. With different heights, light distributions, light colours and power levels, planners can react individually to situations and lighting tasks in exterior areas using Inula.
