The Light – Former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery

The Light is located within a sensitive woodland setting adjacent to Aykley Wood nature reserve, requiring careful consideration of ecology and the impact of external lighting.

TGA developed a sympathetic lighting approach that provided an appropriate presence within the night-time economy while minimising impact on the surrounding environment. Internally, the project included new gallery spaces requiring flexible lighting systems, controlled environmental conditions and enhanced security measures to meet Government Indemnity Scheme requirements.

TGA’s Building Performance team worked closely with the client and wider design team to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and associated carbon emissions while maintaining appropriate conditions for the museum environment.

TGA Specialist Lighting designed a bespoke feature installation for the new three-storey atrium, creating a focal point that visually connects the different areas of the building.

Gallery spaces incorporate track-mounted lighting systems to provide flexibility for changing exhibitions, with individual wireless Bluetooth control allowing luminaires to be precisely adjusted to suit individual objects and minimise unwanted light spill.

Environmental conditions are carefully controlled to achieve GIS compliance and support the protection of collections.

The project demonstrates TGA’s ability to integrate specialist lighting, sustainability and environmental performance strategies within a modern museum environment, balancing conservation with visitor experience and operational needs.