Christ Church in Swindon’s Old Town recently underwent major remodelling of its interior for the first time in 166 years, with integrator Enlightened choosing a GDS ArcSystem for the new lighting system of the Grade II Listed building.
Enlightened was invited to design and install a completely new lighting system that would best complement and enhance the interior architecture. The brief was for flexible control over daily and specialist lighting states, at the same time as being economical to run and maintain. Director Simon Marcus of Enlightened designed an entirely LED system, the main body of which comprised GDS ArcSystem fixtures.
“The installation has completely transformed the ‘Old Lady on the Hill’ by creating a warm and attractive environment that really emphasises the beauty of Sir Gilbert Scott’s Gothic Revival architecture,” said Marcus. “For example, a number of task lights in the nave and chancel were focused to give a scallop of lighting onto the stonework beneath the clerestory windows, whilst key light for the alter and eagle lectern was achieved by the use of two carefully positioned ArcPro 2 Cell 19 Degree fixtures. GDS fixtures were also used to individually feature light some of the church’s beautiful stained glass. It’s fair to say that the church has been completely rejuvenated by the recent programme of works and the new lighting system is central to this achievement. As always, working with GDS was a pleasure.”
Matt Lloyd, managing director at GDS added: “In recent times we have collaborated with our friends at Enlightened on a number of new lighting schemes for houses of worship, all of which have had a dramatic effect in enhancing their interior features. Not only are some of the hidden gems contained within the buildings now beautifully illuminated but in holistic terms, each setting now has a much warmer and more welcoming ambience. As the use of churches diversifies beyond weekly worship into a range of community-based activities, the need to create adaptable and attractive spaces within the buildings grows. Fitting GDS ArcSystem has minimal impact on the fabric of the building and offers the highest possible light quality, reliability and flexibility whilst simultaneously reducing energy consumption and as a direct consequence – very importantly in this sphere – costs.”
