Princes Circus is part of an array of award-winning West End Projects. Commissioned by Camden Borough Council, the ambition was to transform key neglected areas blighted by pollution, heavy vehicular traffic and anti-social behavior into green spaces that provide the opportunity for all to dwell, relax and enjoy the newly designed, welcoming, natural habitat.
LDA Design provided the transformative Landscape Design for the West End Projects and appointed Michael Grubb Studio to provide the Lighting Design for Princes Circus, Whitfield Gardens, Alfred Place and Huntley Street. The key focus across the different areas was to extend the enjoyment of the spaces after dark and create a welcoming ambience, enhancing a sense of safety and security.
Princes Circus is laid out in two triangles. The northern triangle is enjoyed by local workers and visitors frequenting the surrounding restaurants and bars adjacent to Shaftesbury Avenue, with outside seating spilling out for use during the summer months. A procession of columns with triangular luminaries creates a wrap of warm light around the perimeter, which invites pedestrians from New Oxford Street into the newly created Princes Circus.
The lighting design to the north was inspired by the series of mature, tall trees that create a focal point and woodland area, enhanced by the surrounding distinctive woodland planting and seated areas by LDA Design. Gobo projectors mounted at height, discretely hidden amongst the trees, project a dappled leaf effect in cool light, creating a moonlit forest floor at the base of the trees. In contrast, warm uplights carefully directed into the high tree canopies dramatically highlight their scale and form, for visitors to enjoy for a limited time during the evening.
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