The £35M refurbishment of the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery by architect Feilden Clegg Bradley Studio has reinvigorated these unique 1960s brutalist buildings.

Optelma worked with lighting designer and engineering consultant Max Fordham to light the reconfigured public foyer of the Queen Elizabeth Hall. This generously proportioned space has capacity for 950 people and includes a café and bar, together with plenty of seating with views of the River Thames.

The Foyer’s distinctive geometric ceiling has been reinstated. Pyramid ceiling lights, close in style to the original 1960s design, feature Optelma’s Quad 100 linear profile, Drad Mini Profile and bespoke downlighters. The perimeter of each tulipwood structure is lit by the Quad 100, which works with the brutalist concrete aesthetic to define the geometric pattern, while providing functional architectural lighting, and incorporating colour-changing LEDs and emergency lighting.

A decorative linear edge created by Optelma’s Drad mini profile features colour-change lighting, while each pyramid structure is fitted with a central colour-change lightbox. These elements provide the backdrop for events such as awards dinners, live music shows and club nights.

Commenting on the success of the solution, Richard Battye, Associate, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios said: ‘Integrated into the ceiling’s complex geometry – with its nineteen different pyramids and fifty-nine different corner angles – the lighting provides both day-to-day lighting and full colour control across the 1,000m2 space. The scheme supports Southbank Centre’s ever-widening artistic programming, from subtle changes of scene for a function or recital to their first club night ‘Concrete Lates’ – bringing new uses and new audiences to this stunning Brutalist space.”

CLIENT: Southbank Centre
LIGHTING DESIGN & ENGINEERING: Max Fordham
ARCHITECT: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
INTERIOR DESIGN (foyer): Archer Humphryes Architects
CONTRACTOR: BAM
INSTALLATION: Specialist Lighting Contractor (SLC)
PROJECT MANAGER: Arup