Building Design Partnership - Mixed-Use Development - Exeter, Princesshay

Date: 07 Apr 2006

Ruined historic Almshouses and their surroundings in the Princesshay area of Exeter have been transformed thanks to a collaboration by BDP Lighting and artist Patricia MacKinnon-Day.

The project, part of a public art programme commissioned by developer Land Securities for their mixed use regeneration of Princesshay, involves lighting a public space around the historically significant Catherine Street Almshouses that had become unsafe through vandalism and drug related crime.

BDP Lighting worked with Patricia MacKinnon-Day, Livingston Eyre (landscape architect) Panter Hudsmith/Chapman Taylor (architect) and RW Gregory (M&E engineers) to create a strong yet subtle and non-invasive result and without recourse to street or floodlighting.

With a budget of only £20,000 the team came up with a solution, approved by English Heritage, which was achieved through integrated artwork, peripheral building illumination and selective up-lighting to heritage walls and incorporated a high level of vandalism protection.

The main artistic focus entitled 'Marking Time' lies with glass doors, copies of medieval doors, sited on original door positions to define the missing architecture space. Glowing at night they provide ambient light, frame significant views and aid navigation. Archaeological objects found on the site are encapsulated within the doors and up-lit by LEDs hidden within the doors' foundations; they appear to float magically in mid air

There are also inscriptions within Chapel Hearths and set into the ground with extracts from historical records, lit at the edges by paving grazers and illuminated by reflected light from low level walls. A fibre optic field in bonded gravel evokes "Votive Candles" in a chapel, flickering gently, and selective wall up-lighting aids navigation and orientation and provides indirect illumination.

The regenerated Almshouses and their setting complement the surrounding new residential and restaurant area and offer an informative experience and a quality, safer, night time experience for both Exeter residents and visitors.

The Almshouses at Princesshay

Where do I go now?: » View the latest news items » View the news archive » Subscribe to Weekly Construction Newsletter » Submit news