Sensitive lighting design, enhancing narrative & community value
In cultural spaces, from places of worship and civic building to theatres and exhibitions, lighting must work with precision and purpose. At 18 Degrees, we design lighting that enhances architectural narrative supports a wide range of uses, and creates emotional resonance without distraction.
CULTURAL
Lighting in cultural settings is never one-size-fits-all. It must be carefully considered to meet the needs of multiple audiences, activities and atmospheres, often within a heritage context. We develop lighting strategies that balance visual clarity with sensitivity to space, materiality and memory. Always with community value in mind, our designs are intuitive, technically discrete and deeply respectful of place.
Super Models
Client — Piercy&Company
Collaborators — Reggiani
Location — King’s Cross, London
Status — Completed 2022
Image Credits — © Andy Stagg
Collaborators — Reggiani
Location — King’s Cross, London
Status — Completed 2022
Image Credits — © Andy Stagg
Set against the raw backdrop of the Jahn Court building, Piercy&Company’s ‘Supermodels’ exhibition celebrates the art of architectural model-making. We composed the lighting for the installation of eight moving and animated models that offer a behind the scenes look into the architectural design process.
As meticulous as the models themselves, the lighting design spotlighted narrative moments and guided vistor journeys through Piercy&Company’s architectural thinking. Light in turn became integral of the storytelling, framing the scenes, directing attention and revealing details within this multifaceted exhibition.
Drayton Green Church
Client — International Presbyterian Church
Collaborators — Piercy&Company
Location — Ealing, London
Status — Completed 2018
Image Credits — © Tom Lee
Collaborators — Piercy&Company
Location — Ealing, London
Status — Completed 2018
Image Credits — © Tom Lee
When IPC outgrew its original home in Ealing, Piercy&Company designed a sensitive extension to the retained Grade II listed Edwardian chapel, merging heritage and contemporary architecture. In tandem, our lighting design throughout key public spaces responds to Drayton Green Church’s unique form, meticulous detailing and carefully crafted palette of materials. Lighting is delicately integrated into the architectural fabric with heritage elements illuminated with restraint,
while new spaces are lit for warmth and clarity, taking advantage of an abundance of daylight. To serve IPC’s growing and evolving congregation and facilitate flexibility, all the lighting is controlled via small zones for users of the church to create a range of lighting emotions to suit their needs. Supporting diverse activities from worship and reflection to community events and administration, light guides the mood and purpose of each space both during the day and after dark.
Polka Theatre
Client — Polka
Collaborators — Foster Wilcon Size
Location — Wimbledon, London
Status — Completed 2021
Certifications — BREEAM Excellent
Image Credits — © Tom Lee
Collaborators — Foster Wilcon Size
Location — Wimbledon, London
Status — Completed 2021
Certifications — BREEAM Excellent
Image Credits — © Tom Lee
Since 1979 Polka Children’s Theatre in Wimbledon has been at the heart of the local community providing what is often the first experience of the stage to diverse young audiences. Approached primarily from a child’s perspective, the new studio theatre is designed such that the audience of children sit on the floor, huddled together on a rug while the grown-ups patiently occupy benches at the side.
Wheelchair users can access all areas, including the stage, and sound and lighting desk locations, which are wheelchair accessible. True to Polka’s values, our lighting design centres on inclusivity and enhancing engagement and atmosphere for their diverse, young audience. The lighting plays a supporting role in Polka’s mission to inspire children and the local community by creating an immersive and playful environment.
Why US?
Narrative-aware — Lighting that enhances purpose, storytelling and spiritual experience
Respectfully detailed — Sensitivity to materials, heritage and atmosphere
Multi-use ready — Designed to support varied functions with intuitive control
Technically discreet — Subtle integration of fittings, avoiding visual noise
Collaborative — Working closely with conservation teams, stakeholders and communities
Residential
Lighting that brings comfort, identity and precision to living spaces
Landscape
Exterior lighting that balances safety, atmosphere and visual continuity with the built form
