Edinburgh, Scotland
Awards: Nominated in the Lighting Category, Scottish Design Awards 2018
New College is one of the most renowned centres for Postgraduate Studies in Theology and Religion in the world and has held a commanding position at the top of The Mound and the Edinburgh skyline, since 1846. As part of the University of Edinburgh’s renovation project for the College, KSLD was asked to create a new lighting scheme for the exterior of the building.
Our key objective was to emphasise the verticality of the towers and to try to bring the monumental architecture to life at night. We sought a contrast between lit surfaces and those left in shadow, to emphasise the detail of the geometry. Careful consideration was given to the colour temperature and spectral quality of light from the LEDs, to ensure the natural colour of the stonework was enhanced at night. This was determined through practical site tests, which also confirmed the optics of the fittings and their detailed locations.
LED light sources were used exclusively throughout, for longevity of the installation and to minimise energy consumption. High power narrow beam LED spotlights were used to cast streaks of light up the façade, and column mounted to highlight the tops of the tower. Linear units were mounted onto the building in hidden locations to wash light out from behind features. To minimise cost, the scheme was time switched and did not employ dimming. The historically sensitive nature of the building meant that extreme care was taken to prevent any damage to historic fabric by fixings for the lighting and cables.
Client: University of Edinburgh
Electrical Engineer: Harley Haddow
Light Sources: All LED in fittings from Mike Stoane Lighting, Lumenpulse, ACDC
Lighting Designers: Kristján Kristjánsson, Jamie Foxen, Eric Berntsson
Photography: Tom Duffin
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