University of Derby’s Beacon Staircase

University of Derby’s Beacon Staircase

April 16, 2010

The University of Derby in Derby, England sought to transform a multi-story link staircase into a dynamic beacon on a hill and turned to architecture and design consultants Tilney Shane of London to realize the vision.

"The installation was undertaken as part of a re-cladding project involving three tower blocks and a link staircase,” explains Tilney Shane Director Andrew Bartlett.

“The brief was for a cost effective scheme to light the planar glazed link staircase in a manner that would be visible from the surrounding area and provide a landmark beacon for the Kedeston Road campus.”

Tilney Shane approached Martin Professional who fulfilled the requirement with its Cyclo 04 DMX™ linear fluorescent luminaire. The Cyclo 04 is an RGBW T5 fluorescent color changer that is capable of generating nearly all colors or white light of any color temperature. The installation includes 43 of the fixtures controlled by a remote system.

“This combination allows infinitely programmable color shifts and variations,” Bartlett states. “Martin's fluorescent technology has enabled Tilney Shane, working with contractor OPL, to achieve the dramatic lighting solution.”

An additional white tube is included in each Cyclo fitting to allow white light during the working day in an energy efficient manner.

“The solution has provided exactly the highly visible landmark beacon that was being sought for the campus," Bartlett concludes.

Photos: Dave Stewart

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