Kensington Palace: Daylight & Electric Lighting

Work whilst at Light Bureau

For underground spaces, understanding daylight conditions and the contribution of zenithal elements is key. During the day, owing to the linear skylight, the central gallery is naturally read as the main space, receiving an ample amount of daylight when compared to the side flanks.

• There will be a strong directionality of light, coming from top to down. There will also be a distinct colour temperature of the light during the day- neutral to cool white.

• The side flanks receive almost no daylight, which will create a large contrast between the central space and the side galleries during the day.

During the night, the roles could be reversed. As the skylight is no longer an active element, artificial lighting could be used to create a different atmosphere.

• The directionality of light could be inverted by flowing up from the floor. Warmer light could be used to differ from daytime sunlight.

• The central space could cede the protagonism to the flanks, receiving just indirect lighting and drawing attention to the emphasized side galleries and cars.