The New Student Centre is in the heart of UCL London’s prestigious Bloomsbury campus, It provides a mix of learning spaces varying in character and size, creating different types of individual study and group collaboration settings, as well as more social learning environments. With 1000 new ‘study seats’, the building is focal point for university study and events

RIDI Group were delighted to have been selected by BDP and Nicholas Hare Architects as the main lighting system throughout the building. The Student Centre is a benchmark of excellence for all future UCL development projects. With a use of sustainable technologies this new building went beyond regulatory and planning requirements, resulting in the highest possible BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating at final certification, a significant achievement matched by only a handful of buildings in the UK back in 2020. RIDI Group were pleased to play their part in that achievement by providing an ultra-efficient lighting system.

The main lighting system used throughout was the RIDI VENICE system incorporating an efficient low-glare microprism diffuser. These were used in recessed, suspended and surface modes with an additional version made to run between the timber slates. All were supplied with DALI gear to integrate with UCL’s lighting control system with some stand-alone versions incorporating light sensors. RIDI worked closely together with Derry Building Services to ensure a seamless coordination of the many special size variations required on the project.

For sustainability purposes, the VENICE system incorporates a plug-and-play LED module that can be pulled out and replaced/serviced in years to come – all without any disruption to wiring or demounting of the luminaire body.

Elsewhere in learning spaces with higher ceilings, RIDI’s H-LINE system was used in large continuous runs to provide an additional high level of indirect light. RIDI also provided RK-LED fixtures in the core stairwell areas as well as Marathon 2 IP65 spotlights to all external canopy areas.

In summary the building achieved the following:

• • • • ‘Passive first’ approach to design based on highly efficient building fabric which helps to regulate temperature and minimize energy use
      • Projected 35% reduction in building carbon emissions compared to Building Regulations requirements (Part L 2013)
      • Approximately 250m2 of photovoltaics (electric solar panels) on the roof – and stretching across to the adjacent Bloomsbury Theatre – provide clean, renewable energy