Manchester’s AO Arena, amongst the biggest music venues in Europe since 1995, has undergone an ambitious redevelopment to increase its capacity and reimagine its design to offer fans a more dynamic experience. The introduction of a brand-new lower concourse has increased the venue’s total capacity to 23,000, including standing floor capacity of 6,200.
The arena is also home to a range of new bars and restaurants, including The Mezz, which includes Michelin-star dishes. The Mezz offers guests an unrivalled view of the arena bowls, as well as direct access to the best VIP seats in the house, providing panoramic views of the main stage. The Mezz bar remains open during and after the show, with live DJs providing post-show entertainment.
Light Forms worked with Faye Robinson to supply architectural lighting to the dynamic scheme for the AO Arena and The Mezz bar. Light Forms supplied a variety of luminaires to meet this brief, adaptable to entertainment and restaurant spaces, including spotlights, track lighting and downlights.
Faye Robinson’s design approach was guided by a clear understanding of contrast in the space, which truly elevated the high-end feel of The Mezz. “It was such a refreshing change to work on an arena space which understood the idea of contrast,” said Faye. “It really heightens the hi-end feel and experience of the Mezz spaces. I knew the Nova spotlights and Powergear track combination would deliver the quality and contrast needed for this design intent.”
The team installed a mixture of architectural luminaires – sleek TinCan downlights for comfortable optics, adjustable Nova62 Track Spot lighting, Powergear Track, and a slim linear Micro S Profile for a minimalist aesthetic.
Faye added, “Taking inspiration from the boutique hotel look and feel, I selected complementary golden tones and subtle lighting details to create a warm, inviting space, flowing from the main event floor into The Mezz bar and restaurant spaces.”
The end result is subtle lighting fixtures which have a big impact, creating a harmonious lighting scheme which enhances the excitement of the musical event while ensuring comfortability and ambience for diners in The Mezz restaurant. The lighting extends the concert experience of visitors to the bar, providing dynamic illumination which sets the scene for show-stopping events for years to come.
Paul Shoosmith, Director at Light Forms, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be part of this exciting new era of the AO Arena in Manchester, helping to attract more visitors and give even more fans a memorable experience with their favourite artists. Now in its 30th year, it was time for the AO Arena to undergo a vibrant transformation, cementing it as the UK’s prime music venue for now and the future.”
Project credits:
Lighting Design – Faye Robinson
Lighting Manufacturer – Light Forms
Building Services – Lorne Stewart
Photographer – Andrew Meredith
