Quadrant Arcade

Quadrant Arcade has been transformed into an elegant new retail destination for the West End. This Grade II listed retail space had been obscured by a Regent Street column that concealed its potential. The column was removed and street facing shop fronts were redesigned using a continuous glazed curve within a bronze portal that conceals homogenous linear illumination, framing the new opening and creating a seamless entrance off Glasshouse Street.



The Glasshouse Street entrance features a backlit glass screen with uplit column as a focal point to attract attention and enhance the passage visually through arcade. Contemporary lighting and clearly identified entrances create a welcoming presence with clear night-time legibility, allowing the space to become a draw in its own right. Listed interiors have been rigorously restored and essential historical architectural features highlighted, taking care to consider how new lighting would be installed. Luminaire mounting and cable run placement are discreet so that contemporary elements and visual clutter are minimised.



Low-reflective glass in shop fronts provide a perfect display for retailers by limiting reflected glare from new lighting, which is also aided by careful focusing so that only the ornately detailed internal elevations are illuminated. Individual arches are depicted by light to pronounce their historical forms and link to ceiling details.



Ambient light is used holistically and effects staged hierarchically to achieve variations in light patterning that promote increased use of the space. Strategic incorporation for design and placement of the dynamic feature pendent was managed together with the artist so that effects appear more subtle than overwhelming. Combined with the intelligent control system, interaction between architectural lighting and the theatrical feature pendant encourages the perception of a unique rhythm reflective of the West End. As daylight fades, light dynamism gradually brings vividness and vitality to the space. Each effect becomes a random display of light that makes visitor experience unique.



The sustainability led lighting design approach for Quadrant Arcade targets delivery of an ‘Excellent’ rating against the BREEAM UK Refurbishment and Fit Out 2014 methodology.