West London Academy is the UK's first all-age, all-ability city academy, with 1200 pupils ranging in age from 3 to 19 years old. Opened in August 2005, it has been created from an existing High School and Sports College.The design of the lighting was critical to achieving the designers' aspirations for a rich and stimulating environment and involved the development of special fittings by Whitecroft Lighting - as well as a number of standard products.
The lighting system was developed in conjunction with contractors Rotary Southern, working closely with the client and the rest of the design team. A key requirement was a style of lighting that was complementary to the architecture and décor.
To meet these requirements, Whitecroft developed a special suspended fitting that could be installed in a continuous run, using matching infill units to accommodate sensors and smoke detectors. The development evolved through a number of prototypes, which were then fine-tuned in consultation with other members of the team.
"Whitecroft worked really hard at getting the design right at each stage of the development," commented Rotary Southern's Ray Dagg. "Their response was superb, their commitment made a very positive contribution to the project.
Over 900 of the special suspended fittings use 2 x 54W linear fluorescent lamps, controlled through a DALI-based control system. In this way, the spaces of the school are able to achieve different lighting levels to suit varied activities, while optimising energy consumption. They are complemented by Whitecroft's Broadspread Conforma fittings, supplied with a special white louvre.
This project exemplifies Whitecroft's abilities to address the unique requirements of each project, and to develop special designs at a very cost-effective rate. The key to this approach is a deep involvement in the project by Whitecroft's designers, with regular site visits to ensure the requirements are fully understood.
This approach contrasts with that taken by most manufacturers, which generally just work from drawings without any real appreciation of the culture and ethos of the project.
For these reasons, we believe the Whitecroft approach to specials makes us stand out from the rest, and these principles are embodied in our approach to the West London Academy project.
