The Lighthouse Foyer Refurbishment

Collective Architecture were commissioned to design the refurbishment of the Lighthouse foyer and first floor retail and office space following the completion of a feasibility study in January 2006. The study had been commissioned in order to make recommendations and design proposals relating to physical and mechanical improvements.

The works to the foyer are intended to create a warm, welcoming, creative environment that increases footfall and activity. In response to the brief, the proposals contain 4 inter-connecting elements. A new revolving door will be installed to provide better temperature control and reduce heat loss, thus transforming the environmental comfort of the foyer while reducing energy usage. The reception desk has been relocated and enhanced to accommodate multiple functions, increase legibility and free up the curved wall for retail use. Glass and aluminium display cases will be installed to the curved wall, creating a more inviting environment by locating high quality design retail at ground floor level. A curved suspended track system will be installed to support IT/ AV informational systems, signage and lighting.

The overarching aim of the minor interventions to the first floor are consistent with plans for the Foyer in continuing the engagement of the visitor with a new retail space accommodating designer furniture and fabrics and the RIAS bookshop. A free-standing feature partition will be inserted to increase the legibility of the space by creating an exciting shop area on entrance while visually separating the private Vitra Showroom that has been rotated to occupy a linear space along the Mitchell Street elevation.