Battersea Power Station
August 2023
PROJECT NEWS
Battersea Power Station
An iconic feature of the London skyline, Battersea Power Station has recently undergone a major redevelopment, reopening as a destination shopping and leisure complex. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the Grade II listed building is set in 19 acres of public space and incorporates a mix of commercial, residential and hospitality facilities.
Fundamental to the transformation of the landmark location was a lighting scheme designed to celebrate the Power Station’s industrial heritage with a balance of light and darkness across the site while offering a positive lit experience for visitors.
Speirs Major created the Lighting Masterplan for this project, with the aim to illuminate both the power station and the surrounding mixed-use scheme. This incorporated the initial lighting for Phase 1 of the public realm, which had been designed by Equation Lighting Design.
A key aim of the lighting design was to create maximum visual impact while also considering the environmental effects of the lighting on wildlife and residents. Inspired by the site’s industrial past, Speirs Major opted to use warm, golden tones throughout the scheme, making the site feel welcoming while meeting safety and security requirements.
To help illuminate the exterior public spaces, the designers selected DW Windsor’s Milano Original luminaires. A contemporary, post-top fixture, Milano perfectly met the design aesthetic of the scheme, which uses slim fixtures throughout, emulating the Power Station’s famous chimneys.
Designed to enhance urban spaces, Milano features clean lines and a simple, timeless design which complements the location’s surrounding architecture. With elegant proportions and quality construction, this high-performance LED is suitable for mounting at 4-6 metres and is offered with a wide range of light distributions.
Milano was used to illuminate the pathways that crisscross the extensive landscape, terraces and gardens surrounding the Power Station, as well as the public spaces along the riverfront. Overall, Speirs Major kept light levels to a minimum, helping to save energy and protect local flora and fauna. However, brightness was increased at meeting places, gateways and corners to aid social interactions and wayfinding.
Discussing the project, Paul Murphy, Key Account Director at DW Windsor, said: “The striking image of Battersea Power Station after dark is a spectacular sight. Speirs Major’s design has transformed this iconic location and redefined the London cityscape.
“Our Milano luminaires fit perfectly within this scheme helping to illuminate the public spaces thanks to their contemporary appearance and superior performance. We’re proud to be involved with this fantastic project and support the regeneration of this important landmark.”
Project credits:
Client: Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC)
Architect: WilkinsonEyre
Lighting Design: Speirs Major
Structural Engineer: Buro Happold
M&E Consultant: Chapman BDSP
Construction Manager: MACE
External Landscaping: LDA Design
