Royal Academy of Music transformation harmonious with Light Projects

A spectacular transformation at the Royal Academy of Music, which marries sound and light in perfect harmony, utilises bespoke RobLight fibre optic lighting and LEDs supplied by Light Projects.

The £20m scheme by Ian Ritchie Architects has seen the complete renovation of the Academy’s Susie Sainsbury Theatre, Angela Burgess Recital Hall, practice rooms and dressing rooms.

As part of the acoustical adjustment of the 309-seat Susie Sainsbury Theatre, a creative, innovative lighting scheme has been created by international lighting designer Ulrike Brandi Licht, using the Light Projects aforementioned Light Projects products.

600 of RobLight’s fibre-optic crystals and recessed LED downlighters have been specified, along with RobLight FL1000 Fibre Optic LED projectors.

The concept for the lighting deconstructs the traditional chandelier into an exploding theatre-wide galaxy of light through fibre-optic crystals.

Further crystals are recessed in the Cherry wood wall linings which are softly illuminated from below with miniature LEDs designed specifically for this project along with custom bracketry to deliver the final vision once the ceilings had been completed.

The light from the crystals fills the entire theatre, with the combined effect one of a warmth, intimacy and limitless expansiveness with varied contrasts and intensities.

The scheme has already scooped many awards this year, including a RIBA London Award, RIBA London Building of the Year Award, RIBA National Award, NLA Culture & Community Award and RICS London Award in the Tourism & Leisure category.

Combining function with form the fibre-optic crystals installation has not just a visual impact, but they also provide the necessary practical light levels in the auditorium for spectators to read their programmes beneath the interactive starry sky.

RobLight from Roblon Lighting is exclusively available in the UK from Light Projects; the company specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of lighting fittings and accessories for an extensive variety of interior and exterior lighting applications, as well as bespoke lighting solutions.

For more info, phone 020 7231 8282 or visit www.lightprojects.co.uk