The light touch

Lighting has had a fundamental influence on the design of the McLaren Technology Centre. The brief to create an uplifting environment for the workforce led to American lighting designer Claude Engle being brought on board in the early days of the concept design. Engle, who had previously worked with project architect Foster and Partners on the Reichstag in Berlin, has helped shape and integrate the way light is used within the complex.

The concept of streets running between the deep plan work spaces evolved to allow daylight to come into the floors, and these are complemented by rooflights running the length of the top floor which provide natural light to the design studios and offices. Daylight spills into the boulevard through the fully glazed facade overlooking the formal lake as well as a series of circular rooflights, which provide light to the first floor walkways and stairways. Glazed off from this space on the ground floor are the production facilities, the intention is to allow people to see into these, but also to allow employees to enjoy the views out.

Targetti was the sole artificial lighting supplier for the scheme, including indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, access routes and the lake. A total 20 different types of fittings have been used, 90% of which are bespoke.