Architectural Feature Lighting
Liverpool Feature Lighting Programme
Liverpool’s feature and architectural lighting scheme is well established. Indeed, Liverpool has been widely recognised as one of a select group of cities that has taken forward an extensive and strategic lighting programme.
Liverpool has an acclaimed architectural heritage and quality, reflected in the city’s designation as a World Heritage Site. The city is now a leading national and international visitor destination. The architectural feature lighting programme has improved the look and feel of the city improving the environment and supporting economic growth.
Importantly, the city’s approach to lighting has emphasised that architectural lighting must be integrated with other improvements to the public realm to achieve its maximum benefit.
The comprehensive improvements to public spaces are supporting the major investments that continue to regenerate the city’s built environment.
The initial phase of the lighting programme started in August 2003. Sutton Vane Associates were commissioned to develop a lighting implementation plan. Over 30 landmark buildings and monuments were illuminated in the first phase.
The emphasis for the second phase between 2006 and 2008 shifted from the illumination of land-mark buildings – which had been broadly achieved in the first phase – to a focus on illuminating key zones and corridors. The ambition became one of creating “lit vistas“ and connecting different parts of the city centre through light. Over 50 lighting schemes were installed in this second phase.
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The programme was shortlisted for the Professional Lighting Design Education/Research Award 2007, has won a Liverpool Echo and Daily Post Regional Award and was judged the winner of the “lighting category” for the Local Government News Street Design 2005 awards.
For more information on the impact of the Liverpool City Centre Feature Lighting Programme download the evaluation reports below:
- Feature lighting in Liverpool city centre: An impact assessment of the city’s lighting programme – Phase I completed 2005 – Download PDF
- Feature lighting in Liverpool city centre: An impact assessment of the city’s lighting programme Phase II completed 2008 – Download PDF
The Pool of Light
Organised by a partnership including the Professional Lighting Designers Association (PLDA), Liverpool Vision and Liverpool City Council, the Pool of Light programme brought some of the World’s best international lighting designers to the City for a unique lighting project, which took place from October 31st - November 30th 2008.
Local people, young professionals and seven lighting designers delivered a temporary lighting spectacle in eight locations including The St James Gardens and tunnel, The Anglican Cathedral housing estate, Great George Square, Contemporary Urban Centre and the Mersey Tunnel Ventilation Shaft, which linked both sides of the world famous River Mersey.
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For more information on the impact of the Pool of Light programme download the evaluation report below:
- Pool of Light Liverpool & Wirral external evaluation report March 2009 – Download PDF
For more information on Liverpool City Centre’s feature lighting or Pool of Light programmes contact Ian Hughes on ihughes@liverpoolvision.co.uk
