NORD Architecture

NORD were commissioned to redesign the foyer of The Lighthouse, [Scotland’s Centre for Architecture, Design and the City], to create two discrete exhibition displays. One exhibition structure was to be a permanent installation telling the story of the Mackintosh designed building which now houses The Lighthouse and the second a temporary exhibition structure that would allow for displays to be easily changed on a monthly basis. In addition the brief asked for a strategy for clarifying for the user the entrance and circulation sequences.

A solution was developed whereby the existing space was stripped out and a series of social spaces were created. The first of which was an entrance and orientation space which included a new reception and information desk and a separate ticketing point. Within this space a map of The Lighthouse was created supplemented by scrolling LED signage, suggestive of an arrival / departure space in a train station or airport. The second space is a social gathering space which is defined by a 9 metre long bench made from elm blocks cut from a single tree. This bench is backed by illuminated panels telling The Lighthouse story. Finally there is an enclosure formed entirely in aluminium and perspex.

Individual panels are internally lit with fluorescent tubes that can clearly be seen through the diffused polycarbonate. The enclosure alludes to the advertising hoarding or illuminated bus shelter commonly found in our everyday streetscape. Again the notions of travel and transience are explored.