LIGHTING
THORN LIGHTING GIVES BISHOP AUCKLAND’ S HISTORIC MARKET PLACE A NEW LEASE OF LIGHT
Bishop Auckland’ s historic Market Place has long been at the heart of the town. Today, as significant investment continues to regenerate the town centre for residents and visitors, the role of this important public space is evolving too.
The existing scheme combined four large decorative columns with ceramic metal halide lamps in the square and conventional SON lanterns serving the surrounding streets and car parking areas. Durham County Council wanted to replace this ageing infrastructure with a state-of-the-art solution that would enhance the Market Place after dark while supporting the festivals, celebrations and community events that increasingly bring added life to the space.
For Thorn Lighting, the brief presented an interesting challenge.
The new scheme needed to respect the traditional buildings surrounding the square and provide comfortable, appropriate illumination for everyday use, but it also needed the versatility to become part of the event experience itself.
Respecting history, embracing change The solution was designed around two very different personalities.
On most evenings, the RGBW luminaires combine their colour channels to create a warm-white 3000K setting for the Market Place and its surrounding architecture. The lighting to the square and buildings is remotely programmable and can also be dimmed when appropriate.
When the town comes together for an event, the same infrastructure can take on a completely different character. RGBW lighting, GOBO projection and wireless control introduce colour, movement and customised projected designs, with specific scenes programmed for different festivals and community events.
Craig Lensky, Key Account Manager, Outdoor Lighting at Thorn Lighting, explains:
“ What made this project interesting was the contrast between what the Market Place needs day to day and what it can become during an event. The everyday scheme needed to feel warm and sympathetic to the historic surroundings, but behind that sits the technology to completely change the atmosphere when the occasion calls for it.”
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