Brickworks, Brisbane

The lighting design for this multi-functional space was designed with flexibility in mind. From gallery to function space, the lighting for Brickwork showroom had to be adaptable and user friendly.

Tucked behind vibrant James st of Fortitude Valley is Brickworks showroom. The showroom has multiple uses; an inner city office, an event space where they regularly hold architectural talks, presentations, and hire out to the design industry for functions. They also exhibitions and is an open house for clients to bring their own clients and where they can hold meetings. And of course this is the Brickwork showroom where people can see and experience their vast range of products first hand.

The lighting design had to align with the client’s myriad of requirements. Flexibility was key. The lighting had to allow the many functions and activities to seamlessly take place in this one creative establishment. The luminaires were required to be adjustable, dimmable, beam angles easily changed to suit the event, and of course relate to the elegant architectural language create by the architects, with whom I worked closely. With little ceiling cavity we were lead to a solution utilizing semi surface adjustable luminaires.

The cleverly designed the space is divided in to 5 main utilitarian display areas. The front window is often the backdrop for interesting exhibitions, whilst the main areas used for meetings, functions, standing and seated, and AV presentations. Usually situated in the main area is a long high table for meetings and displays – even this has its own designated lighting scheme. A side corridor holds joinery and drawers displaying their vast range of bricks and tiles, while the courtyard engages with Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle and also showcases their products open to the elements. At the back of the interior is a boardroom, its glass façade revealing a room incased in curved roof tiles ingeniously displayed as the wall finish. These tiles are brought to life with the lighting design utilizing light and shade; enhancing the glossy finish and the sumptuous form of the tiles.

The walls, built from a selection of Brickworks’ light coloured bricks of different sizes and laid in various patterns, divide the main room. The walls, not being full height, allow sunlight to fill the space during the day, and thus at night controlled lighting is required as to restrain spill-light from luminaires in enter other areas.

Each luminaire has its own purpose and skill to enhance and transform the space as it changes and morphs from showroom, meeting room, exhibition gallery, to event venue and beyond. Brickworks is thus abundant with lighting solutions.

Architect: Richards and Spence
Client: Brickworks / Austral bricks
Photographer: Toby Scott