Equation Lighting has been part of the striking reimagination of one of the original buildings that make up Canary Wharf. In an extensive refurbishment project, 30 South Colonnade has been transformed with person-centric design, keeping wellbeing and sustainability at the heart. The new design honours the heritage of the address, while unveiling innovation and contemporary aesthetics with a dramatically reduced carbon footprint.
The project employed circular construction principles for this major refurbishment, delivering 408,000 sq ft of premium office, retail, and leisure space through innovative structural and architectural interventions. By reverse-engineering the complex existing marine foundations, the need for demolition over water was avoided and saved an estimated 10,260 tonnes of embodied carbon – crucial to the sustainability ethos of the redevelopment.
Renamed as YY London, the space is flooded with natural light, with the interior’s contemporary aesthetics designed to foster a connection with the outdoors. The airy, uplifting space utilises soft, balanced light alongside natural textures and tones to create a tranquil ambience, enhancing user experience.
Equation Lighting’s design scope included two main entrances with double and triple-level open areas, a feature core and connecting stairs, multiple terraces, in addition to the landmark façade lighting.
The lighting scheme was designed with wellbeing in mind, supplementing the natural light to enhance user experience throughout the building. Within the spacious double-storey reception area, tuneable white lighting is integrated with oak panelling to create visual interest with a statement media wall. Organic-shaped mirror-finish ceiling rafts are discreetly uplit, increasing the sense of space and airy feel to the entrance.
Externally, the bold new façade is strategically illuminated for understated poise, respecting the context and heritage of the site, while now delivering style with a landmark design.
Low-energy lighting was incorporated throughout, in alignment with the project’s sustainable and energy-efficient ethos.
Philip Avery, Project Director from Equation Lighting Design, said, “Our approach was centred on creating a calm, elevated user experience throughout. Through careful balancing of natural daylight with the luminaires, we created a scheme that facilitates focus, relaxation and a sense of openness, while meeting technical requirements and sustainability credentials. The strategic façade lighting continues the elevated aesthetics from within, transforming the building into a cityscape landmark.”
The major refurbishment of YY London delivers a versatile space designed with users in mind, with sustainability and wellbeing being key factors. Innovative and considered lighting elevates the ambience of the renewed space, honouring the historical foundations of the address, while delivering contemporary aesthetics and functionality to support user experience.
Project Credits
Client: Quadrant Estates
Architect: Buckley Grey Yeoman
Landscape Architect: Townshend
Photography: Timothy Soar
Notes to Editor
About Equation:
Equation Lighting is an award-winning, independent lighting design consultancy based in London, with a heritage dating back to 1986. The practice delivers creative, technically robust lighting solutions across commercial, residential, hospitality and public realm projects in the UK and internationally.
Working as a fully independent, fee-based consultancy, Equation Lighting provides unbiased, client-focused design, combining creativity and technical expertise to enhance architecture, elevate user experience and deliver sustainable, high-quality outcomes.
