The Zumtobel Group’s lighting brands Zumtobel and Thorn have supplied an energy efficient lighting solution for the redevelopment of the University of Leicester’s award-winning Percy Gee Building. The result is a perfect space to meet, work and relax.
The University of Leicester is committed to offering an enhanced student experience. The recent regeneration of its Percy Gee Building, located at the heart of its campus, has created multi-use areas all in one space. Additionally, a four-storey expansion features a dedicated informatics lab, a high-tech media centre, and a performance studio.
Initially designed by T Shirley Worthington as the central hub, over 60 years later, the Percy Gee Building now houses a new spacious food court, the Student Services Centre, and is home to the Student Union.
The main challenge was introducing an energy-efficient LED scheme with a lighting control system to meet the architect’s original concept to a tight deadline and within budget.
Working from the lead architect’s Shepheard Epstein Hunter’s lighting and conceptual design, the Group worked with White Young Green Consulting to develop a scheme that would create an excellent space to meet, work and relax.
A scheme of award-winning products
Various energy efficient Zumtobel and Thorn luminaires were selected for the workspaces and circulation areas. Including Zumtobel’s PANOS infinity, PANOS evo, TECTON, SLOTLIGHT infinity, VAERO, ECOOS, NIGHTSIGHT, ONDARIA, SCONFINE, COMSIGN and Thorn’s Omega LED, Chalice Pro, Chalice, and IQ Wave Suspended.
The award-winning PANOS LED downlight series is ideal for the functional and architectural lighting tasks for education settings, delivering unrivalled lighting quality and energy efficiency. Similarly, the Thorn IQ Wave is an award-winning luminaire defined by simple and flowing lines that helps to create a modern but simplistic aesthetic. Its innovative MV tech optic offers excellent uniformity and glare control, direct/indirect light for illuminance on faces and walls to encourage a comfortable, communicative working environment.
Emergency lighting is provided by Zumtobel’s RESCLITE PRO. With its innovative optics, this small powerhouse meets all the requirements of emergency lighting, combining minimalist design with the highest technical standards.
The basement houses the kitchens and dance studios where a mixed scheme of Zumtobel’s VAERO and ECOOS and Thorn’s Duoproof and ForceLED are used, respectively.
The building’s WOW factor comes in the shape of the new eastern façade of the four-storey extension which fronts directly onto the recently completed Fielding Johnson Square.
