Concourse redevelopment wins industry award for lighting design

The University of Sheffield’s iconic Concourse area has been honoured for its innovative lighting design by the design industry.

University Concourse

The project has won the Lighting Design award at the FX International Interior Design Awards, held online on Wednesday 25 November 2020. The award is shared with Maggie’s Centre, Leeds. 

This award is the latest in a series of honours for the Concourse. In June, the project won the top award at the International Lighting Design Awards - the highest honour in architectural lighting design across the world. 

Located in the heart of the campus, the Concourse has been brought to life as a vibrant and social space for staff, students and visitors to enjoy. 

The space beneath the brutalist concrete flyover has been transformed into a colourful gathering place for students, staff and visitors with an innovative lighting scheme, designed by Arup.

The flexible civic area has been designed to accommodate events which take place regularly such as graduation and outdoor markets. At night, the new lighting scheme has created a safer and more secure space for those passing through. 

The Concourse redevelopment was part of the University’s Campus Masterplan to improve our public realm, not only for students and staff to enjoy, but also for the wider Sheffield community.

Keith Lilley, Director of Infrastructure at the University of Sheffield, said: “We’re thrilled that the lighting design for the Concourse redevelopment has won this acclaimed industry award. 

“Arup’s innovative lighting design has made a huge improvement to the area under the flyover and is being enjoyed by students and staff.”

The Concourse project also included impressive new paving and seating, improved access for cycles, and new plants and trees. 

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