The Project
Originally built around 1803 as the Prince Regent’s stables and riding house, Brighton Dome has had many guises over its 200-year history. Today, it has evolved into the south coast’s premier multi-arts venue and conference venue; hosting more than 600 events a year, as well as producing the internationally-renowned Brighton Festival. These performances all take place within the buildings three main spaces, which include the Dome Concert Hall, the Studio Theatre and the Grade 1 listed Corn Exchange.
The Dome recently underwent a £38 million renovation, with a major focus being on the refurbishment of the Corn Exchange. The space was to be stripped back to its original features, highlighting its iconic timber roof, whilst simultaneously ensuring it was fully equipped to meet the demands of modern day performances. This included a brand-new lighting system, with the project’s Lighting Designer Max Fordham wanting to use ETC’s Arc System within the space. As ETC’s Manufacturer Representative, 3LR Lighting was brought onto the project to specify this system. Similarly, given its experience in dimming, Arc systems, architectural and auditorium lighting, the company was also asked to work with the architect, designers, integrator and end user; to offer independent support and advice throughout.
The Brief
Given the Corn Exchange is part of a heritage building and Grade 1 listed, one of the most important aspects of the design brief was to ensure the lighting wouldn’t affect the building’s timber roof in any way. As such, Lighting designer Max Fordham had to create a design that would complement as well as seamlessly fit around the existing architecture, whilst ensuring it offered enough versatility for the plethora of visiting performances.
As ETC’s Manufacturer Representative, 3LR were involved in the project from its initial stages and visited the scaffolded space as it was being stripped back. They were tasked with examining the various angles of potential linear strip on the roof that would be needed to highlight the beautiful infrastructure whilst also marry with the architectural lighting system. Working alongside Max’s drawings and design, the team then carried out several product demonstrations using the Arc System to decide on the exact set-up that would bring the designer’s vision to life.
The Delivery
As part of these product demonstrations, 3LR advised on the best colour temperature, fade to warm, linear strip, angle positioning as well as driver system which would power the entire set-up. The team then went away and created two different DIALux to showcase what would be the most efficient configuration for the Arc System and to allow Max to truly visualise this within the Corn Exchange space.
After some further discussion, it was concluded that the best solution would be the Arc System 2700K, fade-to-warm in the Pro Four-Cell Square. 3LR helped design the specifics of the system as well as offered assistance and advice throughout the entire installation period, which was overseen by Stage Electrics.
After more than ten years’ worth of planning and preparation, the Corn Exchange finally reopened its doors and showcased its completed renovation, which included a new North-end balcony, retractable seating with a capacity of 500, sound-proofing, ventilation systems, full disabled access, as well as its brand-new lighting system. Opening a new chapter for the venue was ‘Van Gogh Alive’ – an immersive Van Gogh Alive exhibition which attracted a staggering 77,000 visitors. The renovation project as a whole has achieved international acclaim and was recently awarded a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Award.
