Manchester Cathedral
A concept lighting design was developed for the relighting of the cathedral interior, aimed at enhancing the architectural character while improving visual comfort and overall illumination quality.
The Brief
A concept lighting design was developed for the relighting of the cathedral interior, aimed at enhancing the architectural character while improving visual comfort and overall illumination quality.
The Challenge
Working within a Grade I listed structure presented significant technical and conservation challenges. The scheme had to design for multiple lighting scenes responding to different modes of use, from worship to public events, while strictly avoiding damage to the historic fabric, ruling out conventional fixing methods such as drilling or mechanical anchoring into the stonework. Particular attention was needed for installation methods and the routing of services, in close collaboration with the Cathedral's Steering Committee.
What we delivered
An overarching lighting masterplan and detailed concept designs for the interior and exterior, plus integration of new audiovisual installations and the associated electrical engineering and control systems.
An interior scheme developed to accommodate multiple lighting scenes, established in close collaboration with the Cathedral's Steering Committee and an extensive programme of stakeholder consultation.
A bespoke mounting solution developed for each column, precision-engineered brackets designed to 'hug' the structure's geometry and secured through compression, requiring no invasive fixings and remaining fully reversible.
Extensive coordination and prototyping to refine the detailing, ensuring both structural stability and a discreet visual integration with the architecture while preserving the integrity of the historic fabric.
Giorgos supported the development of the lighting concept at RIBA Stage 2 for the relighting of Manchester Cathedral, working as part of the wider multidisciplinary team to establish the overall design vision for a highly sensitive Grade I listed environment. He organised and delivered a series of on-site mock-ups, which were essential in testing the feasibility of the proposed lighting approach and ensuring the design intent could be successfully realised within the constraints of the historic fabric. Working closely with manufacturers, he contributed to the development of bespoke mounting solutions that avoided damage to the building fabric while carefully concealing luminaires from view. Giorgos also supported the preparation and delivery of presentations to the Cathedral Fabric Commission and key stakeholders, clearly communicating the design approach, technical considerations, and integration strategy within a complex heritage context.
Project images
Photos by BDP Lighting. (Add image of mock-ups.)
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