20 years ago we were part of the architectural team that delivered the new Radisson Hotel in Glasgow. The lighting was state-of-the-art and an important contribution to the look and feel of the hotel. 20 years later we have been asked by the current owners to redesign the lighting for several areas as part of an interior design refresh by Graven, with whom we have also had a long collaborative relationship.
One of the principal challenges was delivering a scheme using current LED technology to replace old tungsten halogen and fluorescent fittings. We reviewed the way the existing lighting was being used, and concluded that we could simplify the scheme while adding new feature lighting to the changed finishes and architectural features, particularly in the pre-function and ballroom areas.
The hotel events team was particularly keen to have a facility for identity colour. This is an added selling feature, particularly for corporate events. Overall we were keen to create a visually dynamic space, particularly in the pre-function area that has a relatively low ceiling. Our approach was to use very highly controlled downlights, creating a sequence of pools of light on the floor, and to enhance the dynamic of people moving through the space, but allowing the ceiling to be dark and receding somewhat to disguise its height. We lit the vertical elements, the columns, and the ballroom wall that Graven has given a wavy plaster finish reminiscent of curtains. These are the surfaces where the events team has the possibility to apply colour, however, the day-to-day appearance is warm white. There are bars either end of the pre-function, lit in warm white to create sparkle both among the bottles in the back bar, and lighting the gantry that is full of glasses and topped with plants.
In the ballroom, a similar approach has been taken but here the ceiling is uplit with coves that can be coloured, and we have added a lit pelmet to the walls, again with the option of colour in another layer.
Meeting rooms also had a makeover with Graven introducing a field of pendants that we specified dim to warm lamps for. The voiles by the windows are also lit for evening events and are on a timed programme to enhance the exterior view of the building. In the large meeting room and corner break out the voiles also have a colour change facility.
The new lighting required a new lighting control system that uses DALI for the general lighting and DMX for the colour-changing effects. This was designed to re-use the existing cables as far as possible, and the equipment was housed in the existing cabinets to minimise disruption. The entire project was completed in a compressed timescale while the hotel was operating to minimise loss of revenue in the busy events calendar.
Client: Radisson Blu Glasgow