Lighting Design Concept Proposals
Manchester Cathedral
Contents
Introduction Brief Scope Current Situation Design Considerations Overview Area by Area Techinical Appendix
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Manchester Cathedral
Introduction This Grade I listed building has great historic significance. Its origins lie in the thirteenth century, but it was rebuilt from 1421 when it became a collegiate church, with a chapter of priests leading daily masses for King Henry V. The Cathedral boasts the widest nave in the country and is one of fifteen Grade I listed buildings in Manchester. A new refectory and visitors centre opened in recent years partially housed under a 14th century bridge. The Cathedral is now a vibrant venue for concerts and the beautifully sung evensong. BDP’s commission is for the production of an overall lighting master plan and detailed concepts for the interior and exterior of the Cathedral, the design of new audio visual installations to enhance visitor attractions and events and associated electrical engineering and controls systems to support the same. The scheme consists of both interior and exterior lighting which is sympathetic to the form, function and history of the building. The interior light scheme is designed for multiple light scenes according to the usage. Special attention must be drawn to the method of installation of all new equipment and services routing. The project includes extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders including Clergy & Choristers, English Heritage, Maintenance / Fabric Management Team, Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England, Potential Donors and the Parish. This report has been prepared for the Dean and Chapter of Manchester Cathedral and is prepared with the intention to state the new Lighting Approach to the Cathedral with sufficient clarity as to allow to be taken to all Stakeholder groups for consultation. Future design reports are to be compiled detailing assessments of impact to original fabric with electrical systems and other infrastructure. This report provides an overview of the look and feel of the design for a new lighting system for the Cathedral interior only. This design has been prepared in close collaboration with the Cathedral’s Steering Committee and their detailed consultation programme. Early design concepts illustrating ‘options of approach’ were presented to the Dean and Chapter and the Fabric Advisory Committee at the end of April 2014. This approach was then reviewed and the design further developed in more detail. The information contained within this report represents the current, detailed ‘Lighting Design Concept’ for the lighting scheme. The design is being submitted for approval by both the Dean and Chapter and the Fabric Advisory Committee ‘subject to the development and design of the various details associated with the scheme’ and lighting tests to be organised at later stages of the Design process. Approval is sought with the view to the design proceeding to detailed design and production only. A further stage of approvals is envisaged on completion of the detailed design and prior to the proposals being sent out to tender.
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Manchester Cathedral
Brief The draft brief begins with a vision statement, which gives emphasis to the wide variety of uses in the building and the need to produce a high-quality scheme which enhances the experience of services and events, as well as the architectural form and features of this Grade-1 listed building. Energy efficiency and the use of environmentally sustainable materials are very important, as is a simple and flexible control system. The design must also account for the parallel development of a sound system and the attendant digital and wireless technologies. The Liturgical Plan and Mission for the Cathedral is explained with due emphasis on worship, music and teaching. Concept
‘So dark is the church that in the winter months it has generally to be lit with gas all the day long, and even in the summer, in comparatively bright weather, some gas burners will generally be found alight. The mist also of the exterior atmosphere finds its way into the building, and hangs beneath the roof, lending an air of mystery to the whole place, and giving rise to most beautiful effects when the sunlight streams through the clerestory windows. The tone also of the nave arcading and clerestory rebuilt in recent years, of warm, rose-coloured sandstone, is very lovely.’ The Rev. Thomas Perkins, M.A. 1901 The uniform comment that is attributed to Manchester Cathedral is its darkness Whether this is recorded in Church fabric surveys of 1901, English Cathedral surveys published in 2002, or current surveys of the congregation and stakeholders it is the darkness of this Cathedral that gives it its unique character. As the current Lighting installation shows this primary concern being seen as a problem has produced a very bright and glaring lighting scheme that delivers adequate lighting levels to the floors for safety and reading ability, but does not address issues of how the apparent darkness is created. This proposal aims to demonstrate that ‘darkness’ is created by high levels of lighting contrast, when the new lighting scheme addresses ‘Contrast’ as the issue, the space will appear more legible and brighter even though there will be little change in actual light level. The starting point for any lighting scheme is the Natural Lighting Condition. The combination of deep floor plan, large clear glass windows and darkened wood ceilings combine to create glare particularly within the Nave and Quire areas. The primary first purpose of this lighting scheme is to get direct focused light onto the ceilings in order to keep them legible during hours of daylight and offset the high contrast created by the clerestory windows. The other primary uniqueness of this Cathedral is the form of the Nave, where it has evolved over centuries to absorb Chapels created to its North and South thereby making it wider than it’s length. This gives the Nave a distinct ‘grid of columns’ appearance where the typically defined eastward orientation of worship is lost. This proposal also looks at how the new Lighting Scheme can reinforce and enhance the performance aspect of the sacred rites that occur within the Cathedral body Lighting Design Concepts
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Manchester Cathedral
Scope
Master plan The master plan requirements are summarised as follows. 1. The scope of the design should include all internal public areas of the Cathedral. 2. The overall lighting strategy must consider the space as a whole and respond to: •
Liturgical requirements;
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Architectural form and features;
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Space for performance;
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General display of art work and objects;
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Visitor information and circulation.
3. The Regimental, Lady, Fraser and Jesus Chapels should be treated as independent spaces. 4. The wide variety of activities makes the flexibility and control of the lighting vital. 5. Controls must be simple and proven in use. 6. The design should allow for surface lighting to be adjusted, in order to counter variable background light. 7. The strategy should create a changeable hierarchy of light intensity for features and services.
Areas of the Cathedral The main section of the draft brief contains an ‘area by area’ description of the Cathedral interior, noting architectural features and uses of the space, with specific comments on lighting requirements where relevant.
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Manchester Cathedral
Lighting Brief - Summary of Requirements
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The method of installation and the design should fully account for the historic and Grade-1 listed status of the Cathedral
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An overall level of good general lighting to all areas when required
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Zoning and timing of individual and multiple areas as required
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Individual control of luminaires
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User-friendly interface with rapid transition between ‘scenes’
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Colour-change facility to zones and individual points of interest
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Interface option for ‘sound to light’ control and programming
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Locate luminaires in such a way as to reduce their visibility and any ‘glare’ as much as possible
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Colour fittings and wiring to blend discreetly with the Cathedral fabric
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High quality materials with a proven record of longevity
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Cabling should be sized for need plus 20% additional loading. It should be suitable for the conditions and have a proven longevity
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Energy efficiency and environmental sustainability
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The design should take into consideration current and anticipated developments in lighting technology, however fittings and control equipment should be selected on the basis of proven usage
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The schedule for phased lighting installation should take into account the regular use of the building and the desire to clean substantial parts of the interior in conjunction with the installation of lighting fittings and infrastructure improvements
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The main control equipment should be located in an agreed, secure location. Control and ‘scene setting’ should be operated from this location with a real-time viewing of set-up scenes. A remote wireless tablet interface should be included. The control system should include pre-programmed lighting settings for ease of use
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The possibility of a simple, hand-held control should be explored, for use by Cathedral Guides to highlight religious, historic and architectural aspects of interest
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Manchester Cathedral
Design Considerations Artificial Lighting Research indicates that through the applications of Lighting technology within the Cathedral, all three principle forms of artificial lighting have avoided running infrastructure at high level within the wooden roof: Candlelight Since the Cathedral’s original status as a Collegiate Church any early engravings depict the cathedral lit by natural light with no evidence of candelabra. This is despite the fact that candles would have been the principle means of artificial lighting at that time. Whilst the omission of such equipment from illustrations may have been ‘artistic licence’ it indicates that artificial lighting and its associated equipment did not play a large role in the architectural scheme. Conducting a survey of the original historic ceilings we also find no evidence of infrastructure remains for Candelabra positions within the roof. The existing Candelabra within the Quire are not shown in position in photographs of 1901. We do however find engravings of the Choir conducting a funeral service within the South Quire Aisle showing Torcheres covered in silk. This hints at a technique that is very common pre-19th century, for candles only to be used sparingly and only by individuals carrying them, or locally positioning them where needed. These would have created small pools of light and flickering shadows in contrast to expansive areas of enveloping darkness. This would have greatly reduced the legibility of the interior and the ability to appreciate architectural detail. At the same time the extreme contrasts of light and dark would have created a dramatic quality that greatly contrasted to the daytime appearance. As most of the light sources were placed at low level all of the light would have been upward, with a very warm flickering tone. Gaslight The beginning of the nineteenth century saw the use of gas for street lighting and by the middle of the century this new light source was widely used in industry and at home. It is likely that when the Cathedral underwent its most intensive phase of redevelopment in 1882 this would have been when the gas lighting infrastructure would have been installed throughout the floor. Gas lighting was more efficient and reliable than candle light and could be controlled to provide different levels of illumination. Gas light provided soft lighting with even distribution and would have created a rather flatly lit environment. The quality of the light lacked the sparkle, warmth and flicker associated with candlelight and its introduction therefore changed the character of the cathedral after dark. It should also be noted that gas light would also have had a deleterious effect on the internal fabric of the building possibly being a major factor in the blackening of the wood finishes. Photographs taken in 1901 show gas torcheres on either side of the primary Nave columns as well as in the middle of the Quire stalls. They demonstrate that the full infrastructure for this system was provided through the floor areas of the cathedral and that there is no precedent for running any systems at high level. Lighting Design Concepts
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Manchester Cathedral
Electric Light At the end of the nineteenth century the electric filament lamp was introduced. Initially it was fairly slow to take off which was partly due to the extensive infrastructure for gas already in place, inefficient conversion of electricity to light and short lamp life. A photograph taken in the 1920’s shows what appear to be a clamped metal collar with glass un-diffused lamps positioned along its length, sited around the primary Nave column capitals. In the background of the photo it can be seen in the south aisle that the gas torcheres are also still in use. As electric filaments were far brighter than the gas flames these lamps will have produced a very unflattering bright flare around the tops of the columns. After the significant bomb damage of the 1940’s the reconstruction of the cathedral saw a down lighting and pendant system installed throughout that was insensitive to the ceiling materials and required visible cabling to run across stonework to get power to the suspension points. The excessive visible cabling was due to the primary routes for services all still running through the floor infrastructure. One of these Chandeliers is still is use within the Chapterhouse. Finally a new and comprehensive lighting scheme was designed and installed in the past 30 years. This system uses a systematic lighting position throughout the Cathedral to deliver a low glare down light strategy delivering a standard uniform light level to the floor. The only up lighting installed is from poor lamp sources shielded but not directing the lighting onto the side aisle ceilings. Conclusion Up to the middle of the last century each of the forms of artificial lighting over nearly 250 years appear to have had one consistent theme; they have all been low level lighting schemes that have minimised any intervention of lighting system to the roof and it’s ceilings. The permanent effect of this is that the night - time image of the Cathedral has always been to illuminate the people, the congregation, the Clergy within the space, keeping the dark ceilings and details of the interior in a mysterious haze. It is important that the new lighting scheme maintains the orientation of the light to the congregation that inhabit the place of worship, and that it doesn’t lose this essential mysterious character of the Cathedral, the lighting just needs to make sure it is usable for all. The primary method of how we will achieve this, will be through the use of a comprehensive Lighting Control System that will simply and elegantly transform the Cathedral for its intended purpose. This will occur through the selection and dimmed control of ‘Layers of Light’ that can be interchanged to create different moods within the space depending on time of day and liturgical requirement.
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Manchester Cathedral
Objectives The design objectives of the lighting scheme may be summarised as: •
Provide general interior lighting to the building, considering its role as a Liturgical Space, while being sympathetic and complementary to each individual space and its architectural form, function and construction. The emphasis upon form and function will be dependent upon the nature and use of each space.
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Illuminate both vertical and horizontal surfaces appropriate to the specific tasks taking place, supplying the building users with a comfortable and safe environment which is easy to navigate.
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Control the lighting to provide illuminance levels suitable for the task taking place within each space, including Liturgy, performance, architectural display, security, maintenance while also maximising lamp life, minimising energy consumption and maintenance.
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Provide a cost effective, sustainable and energy efficient system, in terms of initial capital costs and continuing operational use. Select lamp types for their efficacy, colour rendition and longevity to provide an efficient lighting solution with a predictable maintenance regime.
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Utilise lamp types appropriate for the character and function of each space while retaining a coherent, rationalised illumination system in terms of lit effect, lamp types and equipment installed. The combined needs that the Lighting needs to balance
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Select lamps and luminaires for their performance, material construction, design, fabrication and ingress protection. Identify luminaires from standard product ranges and site equipment in accessible locations.
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Safety is an inherent requirement. Equipment will be located in accordance with the CDM regulations and be fit for purpose in all aspects.
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Provide emergency escape route lighting and open area (anti panic) emergency lighting sufficient to enable occupants to safely escape the building on loss of mains power to the normal lighting systems. In addition, illuminate items of fire safety equipment.
Which areas would most benefit from better lighting?
have you experienced any of the following problems?
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Manchester Cathedral
Background The cathedral is envisaged to become increasingly used for various purposes once this and other upgraded modern systems are installed. Each of the varied purposes has a distinct requirement hence the lighting system will need to cater for each of these. As per its historic purpose and majority of its working life for most of the time daylight will fulfil the majority of these varied lighting requirements. As mentioned primarily the lighting will only supplement glare and provide views to the ceiling. Where winter or other dark clouded days require, supplementary down lighting will also provide the required light level at low level. These conditions can be maintained for much of the Cathedral’s use into the evening as a standard lit condition that illuminates the architecture and provides the basic conditions for way-finding, legibility and orientation. For services, distinct high contrast spotlighting is required to the pulpit and location of the celebrant. When this scene is selected all other lighting around the space will dim slightly to enable clear vision to the specific site of the liturgy being enacted. For evening settings the ‘candle-lit’ atmosphere from low-level will enhance the ambience whilst the service is taking place. For special events and festive occasions there is an additional requirement for the cathedral to be more fully lit in a way that creates a special atmosphere. This may go as far as the use of saturated colour to provide a distinct background against which the white lighting to the vent will crisply cut through. This will also assist in clarifying the Cathedral to be in a secular rather than sacred mode of activity. For each of these conditions it is important that each of these scenes enhance aspects of the physical material of the Church, such that all equipment that provides this high level of technology is to be integrated seamlessly within the architectural details so that they do not form a distraction in either their ‘On’ or ‘Off’ modes. Special Events often require a lot of lighting kit at high level which would be unsightly should it remain for long periods of time. The lighting system as a contiguous single network across the whole structure of the Cathedral provides an opportunity to install primary elements of cabling and data infrastructure for theatre companies to plug into. This would mean that large elements of lighting could be installed for an event with on risk of temporary cabling or scaffolding damaging original fabric. Latest lamp technologies such as LEDs are offering great savings in energy and maintenance costs, though they have a significantly higher installation cost for quality warm white, candle-lit output. Implicit care will need to be taken at the Detailed Design stages to ensure that full compatibility of lamps, drivers and controllers provide smooth, flicker-free dimming down to 1% of full lighting output.
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Manchester Cathedral
Approach
Each of these separate requirements form a distinct lighting requirement that are each fundamentally independent in terms of light level, orientation and focused accent. These differences form distinct ‘Layers of Light’ as follows: • • • • •
Flush recessed Ceiling Up lighting General Ambient Downward to Floor Focused Accent to Liturgical Areas Up lighting to architectural features Event systems at high & low level to identified stage
None of these are assumed to be viewed in isolation but each can be combined in different ways and dimmed to differing percentages to create distinct ambient scenes that are specifically tailored to the purposes of each required use: Legible The day lit condition is enhanced with general illumination applied to all the darkest surfaces to minimise contrast against the windows. General ambient down lighting is also applied when needed. Liturgical Special illumination of liturgical spaces. This includes lighting for daily worship and also for performances and ceremonies. The lighting will follow the existing hierarchy with the main emphasis placed upon the High Altar and Crossing Dais, Chapels and other places of liturgical importance. Zoning of lighting controls will also enable distinct areas of the Nave that were former chapels to be called out if required. Architectural Lighting to architectural features and details from concealed sources integrated within the architecture. Also provides supplementary lighting to support the general lighting but accenting is primarily legible in evening and nighttime settings. Theatrical Lighting used to create a special atmosphere for a range of different occasions. This will provide flexibility to create different theatrical techniques including front lighting, silhouetting, spotlighting, texture projection and variation over time.
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Manchester Cathedral
Area by Area Description Nave Background lighting must make it possible for all to read text easily throughout the nave area. During a service, the congregation should normally be drawn to focus on the altar, whilst also paying attention to officiating clergy behind it and to the choir desks. The flexibility of possible lighting scenarios is paramount in this area, due to the variety of configurations of furniture in regular use. It must be noted that: • the altar table may be removed; • the lectern’s, choir desks, bishop’s chair and clergy seating may be moved or removed altogether; • this liturgical furniture itself may be re-designed as part of the organ project; • additional platforms may be set up; • an orchestra or large choir may need to be accommodated, and illuminated; • chairs are usually arranged to face the altar but may be moved or removed entirely. Warm soft lighting with a candlelight quality will enhance the volume of the Nave. The majority of lighting used in this area will be the powerful linear LED fittings discretely mounted at Triforium level. This will provide accenting illumination to the central high ceiling with no indication of where the light is coming from. Spotlighting from the column capitals will create a glow into the Triforium arches and a gentle wash to the wood carved angels to supplement the general ambient lighting. Four spotlights will also accent downwards, fitted with low glare optics and glare shields, these will provide direct ambient to the floor and provide reading light to the congregation at an optimum direction to minimise glare and keep visual clarity to the illuminated ceiling. Directed towards Liturgical positions, narrow beam high focus spotlights will brightly accent liturgical positions throughout the Nave from West to East. Each bay of the Nave is to have independent addressing should this be cost effective. Permanent infrastructure for theatrical fittings with a limited number of theatrical projectors will be provided to create more dramatic lighting effects for special events. Flush floor recessed up lights mounted around the columns will provide a candlelit accent to the columns and bases, bringing the lit effect down to the level of the congregation, also increasing the accent light in the floor reflections.
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Manchester Cathedral
Area by Area Description Lighting Equipment •
All Up lights to be wide beam asymmetric distribution, invisible mounted within the deep recesses of the cornice
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All down lights to be deep recessed dark optics with glare louvres, maximum angle of orientation to be 30 degrees to avoid glare
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An option is to be pursued to see whether a solid bronze cover is more or less intrusive than extensive lighting equipment at cornice level.
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Each option to be mocked up and tested at Detailed Design Stage
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Flush recessed up light to be mounted within the floor
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Manchester Cathedral
Area by Area Description Column Capital Detail •
All Up lights to be wide beam asymmetric distribution, invisible mounted within the deep recesses of the cornice
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All down lights to be deep recessed dark optics with glare louvres, maximum angle of orientation to be 30 degrees to avoid glare
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An option is to be pursued to see whether a solid bronze cover is more or less intrusive than extensive lighting equipment at cornice level.
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Each option to be mocked up and tested at Detailed Design Stage
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Flush recessed up light to be mounted within the floor
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Manchester Cathedral
Area by Area Description Tower & Rear Nave Of particular historical and architectural interest are: • the stonework, especially the medieval ‘green men’ carvings around the pilaster capitals; • the fan-vaulted ceiling; • the name boards, listing dignitaries, and carved surrounds. This area needs four possibilities: • total darkness, for dramatic effect; • darkness with low-level lighting enabling the reading of texts and music; • normal lighting, allowing the choir and congregation to read; • flood lighting of the central nave area. At Christmas, the ‘Holy Night’ sculpture is placed centrally under the tower and at Easter a large crucifix. Spotlights for these would ideally be individually controlled with the ability to change the colour. The lighting for the ceremonial west entrance will accentuate this area as a room with ante-chambers. A formal lighting treatment is proposed to give special emphasis to the main volume of space below the fan vaulted ceiling. Concealed linear lighting at cornice level will softly up light the vaults and provide reflected light to the area below. Focused low glare spotlights will illuminate the placards and historic notices placed across the walls in this area. Further accents at night times will be provided by low level accents within the floor. Discrete spotlights mounted at triforium level will provide special emphasis to liturgical pieces and supplement functional lighting. Spotlights will employ precise optical control and use louvres and cowls to minimise glare. High powered focused spotlighting from Triforium level in the Nave will call out the West Entrance for Ceremonial purposes.
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Manchester Cathedral
Area by Area Description Quire and High Altar There should be lighting to enhance the architecture and woodcarving, but also low-level, focussed lighting on the choir and clergy desks in the stalls so that music and service sheets can be read. The lighting must also allow choir and clergy to be seen, but without over-illuminating the central area and losing the intimate atmosphere. • the carved oak stalls, • the misericords, (a few could be selected for highlighting); • the ceiling bosses, eagles and angels • the carvings in the ceiling spandrels, high up against the west wall of the quire arch (switchable highlighting, for emphasis, would be ideal for guided tours); • the high altar (it needs good, controllable lighting to the lectern and higher-thanaverage general lighting to emphasise its importance). The Quire is at the heart of the religious life of the cathedral. It is highly decorative with some of the oldest original wood carving in the Cathedral but as it is all black this is a particular area where the contrast issue is at its most acute. A wealth of liturgical pieces including the Great Organ, High Altar, Original Screens and Quire Stalls enable a highly articulated, theatrical and responsive atmosphere to be created. The individual control of lighting layers allows the flexibility to create different lighting scenarios from daily service to special ceremonies. The existing two candelabra are not original though they are popular with the Clergy for their use in certain services. We do not propose to refurbish or upgrade the lamp technology as this will require cabling across the ceiling. To lower contrast within the space, the first refurbishment is to the existing lighting to the choir stalls which will be replaced to provide less visually intrusive glare free task lighting but using all existing cable routes. The design for the new fitting could incorporate a wax candle holder. A detailed investigation is needed to assess cable ways to see if lamps can be applied directly into the high level Quire wood carving. If this is feasible with three layers of up and down lighting invisibly integrated into the carvings, contrast will be dramatically lowered and the Quire as a whole will increase in apparent brightness. Should this be too intrusive single suspended pendants could be mounted to the top of the screens for minimal cabling as per York Minster.
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Manchester Cathedral
Area by Area Description North aisle The north aisle is naturally darker and so the background level of light needs lifting. The area must be separately zoned and dimmable. As with the south aisle, the area is occupied by congregation / audience for large services and events, is a processional route, and may accommodate overspill from services in the Regiment Chapel: lighting requirements given above similarly apply here. Other key points are as follows: •
performance space, requiring variable beam-width spotlighting in the central area.
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used for prayer groups, perhaps requiring softer and calmer lighting possibilities.
• • •
temporary exhibitions, requiring spotlighting or infrastructure for temporary lighting.
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temporary feature lighting may be required for notice boards or other displays.
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enhance the spaciousness of the northwest corner.
plaques and memorials on the walls
These are primarily circulation spaces therefore lighting levels will be relatively low but meet functional requirements. These spaces are essentially seen as extension spaces to the primary Nave so will be lit uniformly as part of it. All lighting will come from the same Column Capital location with a combination of wide beam up lights washing the wooden ceilings and low glare spotlights providing the down lighting condition. The column bases will also be up lit from flush, deep recessed up lights providing a warm candle-lit glow to all sides of the Nave columns. Specific narrow beam spotlights are to provide accents to Liturgical features such as the Font and Specific services within the former Chapel areas.
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Manchester Cathedral
Area by Area Description South Aisle • • •
• • • • •
This is a multi-purpose area. All activities require appropriate lighting; the area should be separately zoned and dimmable. Normal reading requirements apply, processions pass through, and require readinglevel lighting. The congregation for services in the Jesus Chapel may spill into this area, so the south aisle and the Jesus Chapel must allow to be treated both individually and a whole space. The choir may sing from the Jesus Chapel steps to an audience in the south aisle it is used for social events, houses temporary exhibitions, needing spot-lighting or an infrastructure for temporary lighting. Plaques and memorial should be legible. Facsimiles of the Cathedral’s charters, which should draw the visitor’s eye. Notices and leaflets may be displayed, at times, along the recessed portion of the south wall, immediately east of the south
Baptistry •
• •
Lighting needs to set a welcoming ambience. Provision is required for lighting a welcome desk (position to be determined, probably by the south entrance or possibly mobile) as an initial focus for visitors entering the building, and a good working light for those on duty. The font has been relocated to this area, and may require spotlighting. As explained in the liturgical brief, it is also forms part of a processional route. Stonework surrounding the south door should have sympathetic lighting, as should the interesting carved stone corbels in the area.
The intention is to create a warm welcoming atmosphere whilst providing an appropriate level of light with respect to the adjacent lighting conditions. Large contrasts in brightness and reflections on shiny surfaces can interfere with visual perception, particularly for the visually impaired and elderly, however careful control of lighting levels to mediate the transition from a brighter environment to a darker environment can help to mitigate this problem. Lighting levels will be variable. Higher levels of lighting are necessary in the entrance area by day whereby after dark lower levels of lighting will be required in this area. Existing positions will be used where possible. Additional fittings will only be applied to modern interventions to provide increased up lighting to the soffit during daylight hours. An additional layer of high accent spotlighting will render all specific art-works which will also be independently dimmable.
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Manchester Cathedral
Area by Area Description Regimental Chapel • • • • • • • • •
Historic Regimental Colours are hung along the north and south side of the chapel, The lighting scheme must minimise any bleaching or other detriment to the fabric. Positioning of luminaire and the life span of the lamps should take this into consideration. the altar and lectern should be highlighted and individually controllable. books of remembrance and their cases; the ceiling detail, with ornate wood carvings of angels holding coats of arms; the Manchester Grammar School memorial tablet on the west wall; photographs of wartime devastation on the west wall. consideration might be given to the reuse of the existing lighting boxes in the ceiling trusses
The chapels are to receive a consistent architectural lighting treatment and create a special atmosphere appropriate for private prayer, that give them a distinct look in contrast to the other spaces of the Cathedral. All Chapels benefit from local screens that could enable power provision to be applied to the tops of the screens. This position in each of the chapels allows for dramatic uplighting to the ceiling. For the Regimental Chapel, a specific requirement of clear illumination to the Flags and Regiment Standards is required. Central positions need to be determined between each flag, which may be ideal within the 20th Century roof construction, particularly on the North facade of the Chapel. Integrated case lighting will subtly illuminate the books of remembrance with Museum grade lamps, positioned in a precise way to eliminate reflection or lamp visibility. Small spotlights are to be integrated into the cornice to highlight the altars, carved altar screen and other liturgical pieces. Additional discrete spotlighting from high level behind the altar is to be provided to ensure the celebrant can clearly read. The chapel central vault will be lit from cornice level using small spotlights concealed at the back of the cornice.
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Manchester Cathedral
Area by Area Description Fraser Chapel • •
Sympathetic lighting of the Fraser memorial within it. Altar focus and a good level of lighting to the altar and lectern for services apply.
Lady Chapel • • •
Drawing light to the altar and lectern; Defining the altar by rear lighting; Highlighting the tapestries, icon and aumbry without damaging the textiles.
Jesus Chapel • •
The reredos forms a natural focus and would benefit from sympathetic lighting. The lectern and altar need independently controllable lighting over and above a level of background illumination which allows service texts to be read.
The chapels are to receive a consistent architectural lighting treatment and create a special atmosphere appropriate for private prayer, that give them a distinct look in contrast to the other spaces of the Cathedral. All Chapels benefit from local screens that could enable power provision to be applied to the tops of the screens. This position in each of the chapels allows for dramatic up lighting to the ceiling. Small spotlights are to be integrated into the cornice to highlight the altars, carved altar screen and other liturgical pieces. Additional discrete spotlighting from high level behind the altar is to be provided to ensure the celebrant can clearly read. The chapel central vault will be lit from cornice level using small spotlights concealed at the back of the cornice. The Jesus Chapel is the only space within the body of the Cathedral where we propose 4no Chandeliers. These are to be positioned at quarter points within the Chapel so that they frame both views of the Altar and oblique views to the windows. The uniqueness of the Chandeliers in this Chapel only will increase the sense of intimacy and uniqueness of this space. All chandeliers are to be fitted with three circuits to enable the full ‘Layers of Light’ philosophy with varied: up lighting, down lighting or spotlighting.
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Manchester Cathedral
Area by Area Description Chapter House • • •
Used for meetings but also the signing of marriage certificates. Natural light in the room is often low and the existing light fitting provides insufficient illumination for meetings. When not in use for a meeting it is open to the public and is a very attractive space to visitors. It has been used in the past for display of part of an art exhibition, and has been discussed as a possible location for drama performances
North & South Quire Aisles & Retroquire • • • • • •
These areas are used for processions and require adequate lighting for reading service texts and music. Memorials on the walls and the prayer board in the southeast corner would benefit from sympathetic lighting, as would the carved oak screens. Display cabinet in the northeast corner requires feature lighting. Carvings either side of the Lady Chapel arch are important in telling the history of the building and should be well defined. Important painting above the Chapter House door, and to enhance the particularly elegant stonework of these doorways. The ceiling has some beautiful carvings South quire aisle can also be used for serving refreshments
The Quire aisles are to be primarily illuminated from the Column Capitals as per the iconic image of the Cathedral. The Capital locations will provide uniform illumination to the ceilings plus additional general ambient to the floor areas. Particular attention is to be paid to the various changes of level where particular spotlighting will be required. Throughout the quire aisles there are wooden screens that could have discrete LED tape applied to the top conditions if Heritage allows. In the North Aisle there are additional benches that are of modern fabric that can allow for lighting intervention, possibly up lighting to the screens as well as under-bench lighting to the floor. The South Aisle has a feature stone Arch as the entrance to the Chapterhouse. We propose to fix a discrete high level wash within the stone detailing to call out the fine stone detailing. The Chapterhouse lighting is proposed to have a fully recommissioned 21st Century Candelabra suspended centrally within the ceiling. This will have three independent circuits that will allow separate: up lighting, down lighting and accent spotlighting in keeping with the ‘Layers of Light’ philosophy of the Cathedral. The full extent of floor recessed infrastructure does not extend fully eastwards. All details to the Eastern end of the Cathedral are subject to a detailed survey to be conducted prior to commencing the Detailed Design and Tender Stages.
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Manchester Cathedral
Area by Area Description Dais Crossing, Rood Screen & Organ
Will become a major architectural feature of both the nave and quire. The lighting design should capture and enhance the elegance of the organ and its case, setting it in its context and without detracting from it. The organ loft and stairs leading to it will require good working light for the organist. Care should be taken, however, that this light is not visible from any other part of the Cathedral, if possible. This area serves as the central Liturgical and Performance Space. In addition to all the lighting features of the Nave, there will be a significant increase of Spotlighting to this Central Area to brightly accent the Pulpit, The Dais and the Organ. To form a back drop to all services and performances within this area, the Rood Screen is to be accented by a series of bright up lights flush recessed within the floor. The form of the Rood Screen is excellently shaped to graze the light within its concave surfaces. Much of its materials are gold embossed with red detailing which will shine out. As the Screen is original fabric we propose to only up light this from the modern flooring. The Organ will also be given dramatic prominence as the back drop to any services held within the Dais or Quire. We propose to integrate lights within its facade wherever possible in addition to the spotlighting applied to it, both back and front. The strategic sectioning of lighting circuits on a bay by bay basis will be most pronounced around the Organ, facilitating the ability to dramatically spotlight the Organ, make it shine out brilliantly or alternately drop into silhouette. Liturgical lighting from theatrical fittings mounted at Triforium level will provide drama and texture and highlight the Dais and pulpit. In addition to this a retractable theatrical lighting gantry is to be located on each Western flank of the Triforium to allow Theatrical fittings to be placed temporarily. The gantry will be stored out of view.
Manchester Cathedral Organ Project Interim Design Report to the CFCE 18 April 2014
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Manchester Cathedral
Area by Area Description Display of works of art and other objects of interest •
carved ceiling bosses and angels;
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the pulpitum (or screen);
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the angel stone (an important artefact in the history of the cathedral) to the north of the screen;
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carved faces and other detail in the arcade stonework.
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Manchester Cathedral
Technical Appendix Lighting Controls
Maintenance & Operability
Technology
The control of the Cathedral will be from one centralised control system. This will give the facility for automatic scenes triggered by astronomical time clock so that day to day management will not require intervention. There will be a user interface to select specialised scenes and programming of temporary scenes. This interface is likely to be through iPad (or tablet) communicating with the central control system via Wi-Fi.
The lamp types will be LED. These not only use the minimum of energy but also have service life (to 70% output) typically quoted in excess of 50,000hours. Whilst the operational day is long, the scenes we propose mean that the bulk of the lighting will either be used during daytime or at night-time (not both) and so we can assume a 12 hour daily operation 365 days a year. This equates to approximately 10 year service life.
The predominant lighting technology will be LED, because of its longevity, controllability, heat properties, and also efficient energy use. The use of lighting control as set out above will further reduce energy consumption. Additional benefits of LEDs is the near zero output of Ultra Violet (UV) ad Infra Red (IR) light that is prominent in other light sources, both of which are potentially damaging to historic woodwork and other sensitive materials.
There will also be a fixed hard wired touchscreen positioned in a secure non-public area that will enable scene call up should the iPad (or tablet) be out of use. All luminaires will be dimmable. These will either be controlled in groups of single architectural bays where flexibility requires or in groups where appropriate. Control protocol will be dictated by lamp type, cost and control wiring/heritage constraints. It is likely to be a combination of 0-10V, DMX and mains dimming. DALI will not be acceptable as it does not have the speed of response in entertainment situations, cannot guarantee flicker free dimming and can cause different elements of the installation to dim at different rates within one fade instruction. An entertainment control interface (DMX) will be installed and run to an agreed lighting control position to allow incoming Theatre or TV companies to quickly plug in without recourse to temporary supplies. Override control of the architectural lighting will be investigated, but the default position would be that the TV operators would be given access to the iPad interface that could be run in parallel with the entertainment desk. Normal Daytime schedule of scenes would include: 1. Cleaning – full light without decorative lighting 2. Daytime 1 (morning) 3. Daytime 2 (afternoon) 4. Evening 5. Night 6. Special Service 7. Performance
We anticipate day one levels to be dimmed to approximately 70% to allow for the maintenance cycle, accumulation of dirt and lumen depreciation. This will allow for lighting levels to be ramped up over the 10 year period to ensure that there is not a deterioration in provision. The majority of lighting is proposed to be at Column Capital positions which are all easily accessible via standard access platforms. High level Triforium positions need to be checked particularly located above the Quire. TV & Performance Hard wired infrastructure can be provided to minimise access at high level. Automated self climbing trusses could be utilised with minimal impact on the Cathedral fabric though this would need to be explored with local providers.
Budget & Power Estimates These will be provided at Detailed Design Stage.
Electrical Strategy •
All luminaires are to be fed via the floor infrastructure within the majority of the Cathedral. Areas of the Eastern end will require power routes to be run at Triforium level and fed downwards. A detailed survey is required to determine exact routes.
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Whether the horizontal route is at high or low level all cabling is to route to the new floor infrastructure and thence to existing plant areas that will house distribution and dimming control.
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Existing containment and cable routes to be reused wherever possible. This will reduce cost and minimise disturbance.
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Containment to be fixed by approved methodology following existing practice where possible. Resin fixes are not recommended due to chemical leaching. This methodology will be replicated generally where wiring or conduit is dressed along wooden surfaces.
Historic Fabric (see details) Where mounting at high level, luminaires are planned to be fixed to non-visible stone cornices only with fixings only applied to mortar joints where possible. Wiring would be dressed or laid in to avoid the need for fixings. All luminaires will be low heat to avoid scorching. Stone Where mounting on stone we would use a combination of hanging from stone reveals or compression fits (without drilling original stone work). Resin fixings would be avoided because of chemical leaching into original stone. Existing wiring routes will be used wherever possible. All fixing and wiring details would be fully detailed for approval before implemented.
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Manchester Cathedral
Design Approach The following is a narrative describing our approach. For the detailed scope of service please refer to the separate fee proposal Concept Design 4 weeks This document will form the Dean & Chapter Lighting Proposal that will be taken to Stakeholders for consultation with the endeavour to seek approval. Should approval be granted the following steps are proposed. Schematic Design 8 weeks This phase is to ensure that the concept is feasible in all respects. In particular heritage, cost (capital and on cost), CDM, maintenance, technical compliance etc. We would propose a workshop with English Heritage at the beginning and the end of this process. In our experience is important to bring their concerns into the design process rather than run the risk of adverse comment late in the process. A detailed measured survey of the Cathedral will be required to commence this stage. We propose fortnightly DTMs throughout the period to report progress, to gain feedback and request information as required. We would need to gain access to the relevant parts of the roof and windows to assist in developing the mounting and wiring details. This would happen early in the process to enable us to work with suppliers to gain robust cost information particularly for the custom elements.
Tender Review/Construction/Commissioning 13 months
Programme
We intend to be an integral part of the construction process and wish to be in close contact with the contractor. Heritage buildings frequently present unforeseen situations and we will need to be on hand to assist resolve these quickly as they arise.
The following is a proposal based upon the method statement above and assumptions about the construction programme. STAGE DURATION weeks
For the purposes of the fee proposal it is assumed that the mock-ups will occur during the construction phase.
COMMENCE
The resource recognises this with a planned fortnightly site attendance, plus attendance at mock-ups and a period at the end to assist with scene setting and programming of the control system.
CONCEPT 4
The lighting work will need to follow the general refurbishment to minimise the disturbance to the Cathedral and to make full use of the access arrangements when they are in place. For that reason we anticipate:
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
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DETAILED DESIGN
Early installation of the control system and primary containment and wiring.
CLIENT CONSULTATION 8
CLIENT CONSULTATION 8
ISSUE FOR TENDER •
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A phased signoff of the installation to ensure that it has been put to work (with the control system), and focused correctly as access allows Final commissioning to avoid a mixture of lighting effects at the end of the period.
TENDER RETURNS
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TENDER SELECTION
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START ON SITE
Detailed Design 8 weeks Having gained approval for all salient design information we would now draw and specify all lighting elements and associated wiring to enable the project to be tendered. The information will be sufficient for the winning contractor to use as construction information.
This makes certain assumptions about the design, the details of the programme will need to be developed with the client team/project manager/refurbishment contractor and electrical contractor.
COMPLETION 52
It is almost certain that mock-ups will be required to prove lit effects and mounting strategy. Given the access requirements it has been assumed that this will be during the construction process. If it is possible to bring all or some of these forward to this phase of design, there would be the advantage of reducing risk and increasing cost certainty.
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BDP Lighting 11 Ducie Street Piccadilly Basin Manchester M1 2JB Tel: +44 [0]161 828 2200 www.bdp.com/lighting
