The prestigious UK Atomic Energy Authority visitor centre in Oxford: a UK Government scientific research facility, which required support from us for the lighting elements of a major planning application.
The site sits on the edge of a brightly illuminated area, however there are also significant rural and dark sky areas to the east and west of the site, as well as a recently surveyed area of trees with an active bat population. Isolux contour maps were included within the lighting report, with special consideration for where equipment would be placed throughout the site, and what specific equipment would be used.
There is plenty of activity and traffic in and around the site, with car parks, security checks, pedestrian access, and cycle routes all requiring illumination. Links to the railway station and congregation zones also had to be factored in. Each area required a considered lighting approach, whilst limiting the impact of artificial light spillage and pollution.
Working in close collaboration with architects Ridge and landscape architects LDA, we produced a lighting design concept and full detailed lighting design package for the exterior entrance and landscapes – plus a lighting strategy planning document, which formed part of the overall planning application which was coordinated by Ridge.
We’re proud to have supported this complex planning application – which was approved.