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BuildBackBetter

Thames City, London by Foundry

The illumination of the transformative Thames City project in south London has won a GOLD Build Back Better Award in the lighting category for its lighting designer Foundry.

Thames City is the revitalisation of 10 acres of former industrial land into a landmark residential-led mixed-use development.
It signals a vibrant new chapter for the area, establishing Nine Elms as a global destination. It's distinguished by a stunning collection of landscape spaces, including courtyards, green podium gardens, and an expansive linear park. 
Open to the public, it features a series of beautifully designed green spaces, ideal for hosting events and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
With a thoughtfully planned network of waterside walkways, cycle paths and green areas, the landscape aims to promote active lifestyles and enhance the well-being of all who visit. 
Two towers in Phase 1 of the development —No. 8 and No. 9— rise 35 and 54-storeys respectively, from a two-storey podium . The buildings offer new luxury riverside apartments and a host of resident amenities including wellness facilities, a 30m swimming pool, residents lounge, cinema, karaoke rooms, private dining and a sky lounge. 
Independent lighting design practice Foundry worked with the client team to refine and fully deliver the initial concept masterplan created by Equation Lighting into a specific phase 1 identity and character, working in harmony with the natural texture, changing colours and movement in the foliage, stone and water, our lighting focuses on enhancing the sensory aspects of the landscape design, encouraging people to slow down and observe their surroundings. 
The blend of warm light and darkness reveals and enhances the various buildings and landscape elements of this development after dark. 
Much of the lighting is low height, creating an intimate environment that encourages people to dwell. 
Lighting to the primary circulation is focused from columns to support wayfinding, framed by highlights to the stone cladding of the building, trees and foliage, while low-level fixtures reveal the internal routes and low-level planting.
Foundry website