Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company Atelier Lighting
Lead Designers Atelier Lighting
Interior Design Company Brady Williams Studio
Client Fairmont Hotels
Photo Credits Mark Scott / Jack Hardy
Completion Date November 2024
Project Location London, UK
Entry DescriptionDesign Brief
“Tea at The Savoy”? Although iconic the original Thames Foyer was an airy space appealing for breakfast or afternoon scones; with high ceilings and a vast glass dome overhead, the area was deserted by noon and again by dinner. The brief was to recreate the space to entice lunchtime diners through to pre-dinner drinkers. Creating an evolving atmosphere complimentary of the hour encouraging guests to stay and not pass through to other F&B outlets.
Challenges
Lighting a flexible space encompassing bright breakfasting to intimate post show cocktails and everything in between is a challenge. Add to the mix grand high ceilings, a 25ft glass dome open to the grey London sky and heritage gravitas the project was a true test of design and technology. An ambitious evolving space needed a particularly creative lighting strategy to set the mood and guide focus whilst preserving the traditional setting.
Results
The bold decision was made to block all natural light from the dome and install hidden RGBW luminaires behind the glass. Individually programmed to mimic the suns position, colour and intensity this provided the ability to reliably replicate a bright sunny morning, golden sunset and inky blue twilight. Now with a controllable ambience, discrete architectural effects and contemporary feature lighting help focus attention and complete the scheme.
Sustainability ApproachOur approach to sustainability is to ensure as many products as possible embrace and champion circular economy production. Utilising materials with high recycled proportions and by selecting manufacturers that can back up claims.
Coupled with an inherently efficient design with high efficacy luminaires and automated control systems.
