The Gate, Newcastle's premier leisure and entertainment centre, has recently completed a multi-million-pound refurbishment. At the heart of the transformation, designed by Faulkner Browns, is the main entrance lobby and the triple-height circulation area. The bespoke rings and glass installation create a spectacular focal point for the building's multitude of enticing entertainment operations and a strong sense of destination to the eight million people who visit annually.

Northern Lights were approached by Faulkner Browns to work closely in collaboration with the other members of the design team to create a genuinely unique bold statement feature.

Working from the initial design brief, and what turned out to be an inspirational image provided by Faulkner Browns' John Kemp, several concept options were proposed and very quickly a preferred design was chosen. As a UK lighting manufacturer, the selected bespoke design would be made in our Derbyshire factory. It would incorporate a cluster of twelve giant LED illuminated rings and cascading glass suspended under a highly polished stainless steel canopy. This feature would be an incredible eight metres in diameter positioned in a dominant central position over the main escalators.

The bespoke ring pendants ranged from 1250mm to 4500mm in diameter; the rings were constructed from mild steel panels with acrylic diffusers. The metalwork was finished in a robust but elegant grey powder coat with contrasting trim in polished brass, proving that retail lighting could still be luxury lighting no matter the scale. Suspended by thin wires from the ceiling plate, the bespoke ring pendants look as if they are floating effortlessly between the floors of the complex. Each of the bespoke rings can be illuminated by the internal LED and be controlled using it's DALI dimming system, either individually or collectively. This amount of control meant that each bespoke ring could be colour changed and crossfaded from one element to another. Completing the overall presentation are over 4,000 champagne tinted elliptical 'bubble' glass decorations which produce a beautiful illusion of light and reinforce the luxury lighting feel. They can create everything from a subtle sense of opulence to a more vibrant atmosphere of celebration dependent on the mood required.

Crucial to the successful development and delivery of the bespoke retail lighting was the collaboration with Neil Skinner of SKR Lighting Design, responsible for the entire bespoke lighting scheme, and Mark Tallent, who programmed of all the bespoke lighting controls. Working with the Northern Lights team, Neil and Mark were instrumental in developing the combination of the bespoke lighting effects that makes this feature uniquely flexible in the number of scenes and permutations that can be programmed and selected.