Circus Street Development | Brighton, UK

Brighton, an ever-evolving coastal city, has seen remarkable transformations in recent years, with one of the most significant being the Circus Street development. This formerly disused area has been reimagined into a dynamic social, cultural, and economic hub, enriching both the local community and visitors alike. The ambitious project has now been completed, earning recognition for its exceptional contribution to the city’s regeneration.

The Circus Street development draws inspiration from Brighton’s rich heritage, particularly its historic agricultural laines and the urban grain of the city’s older areas. Led by U+I PLC, renowned for its creative approach to urban regeneration, and supported by Brighton and Hove City Council as a key partner, this mixed-use development includes 142 shared ownership and private homes, 450 student accommodation bedrooms, 30,000 sq.ft of office space, and retail, food, and drink units. Notably, the development also features Brighton’s first purpose-built dance space, operated by South East Dance, contributing to the city’s thriving cultural scene.

Key collaborators in the design process, renowned architects shedkm and landscape architects J & L Gibbons, worked closely to deliver an architectural and landscape vision that complements Brighton’s unique identity. Michael Grubb Studio was brought on board to craft a bespoke public realm lighting strategy and develop detailed technical designs, ensuring the lighting design aligned with the project’s innovative goals.

Lighting Masterplans and Public Realm Illumination: The Role of Lighting Strategy

Michael Grubb Studio’s expertise in lighting masterplans played an essential role in creating a lighting solution that not only illuminated the public realm but also enhanced the spatial experience. The lighting strategy was designed with the core principle that lighting should transcend mere visibility, actively relating to the surrounding architecture and public spaces, creating a lasting impact on those who use them.

The Circus Street site features three distinct gateways, each highlighted by a unique catenary lighting flow system. These super-sized pendants, designed in pyramid, cube, or sphere forms, draw inspiration from the architectural style of the adjacent buildings and provide a clear navigation system for both pedestrians and vehicles. These sculptural lighting elements are directly informed by shedkm‘s bold architectural approach and create a seamless flow between the public realm and the built environment.

Seamless Integration of Lighting and Landscape Design at Circus Street

In addition to the sculptural lighting elements at the entrances, Michael Grubb Studio’s lighting strategy ensures harmonious integration with J & L Gibbons’ landscape design. The exterior lighting system employs both horizontal and vertical illumination techniques, creating a multi-layered effect that highlights the landscape’s soft and hard features. The central square and core areas are particularly notable for their combination of architectural lighting, which creates an inviting atmosphere and ensures functionality after dark.

The lighting design enhances Brighton’s bold and dynamic cultural identity, while also integrating energy-efficient lighting solutions that support the development’s sustainability goals. This seamless balance of aesthetics and function ensures the development’s success, making it not only a valuable addition to the city but also a model of sustainable urban regeneration.

Energy-Efficient Lighting Solutions and Sustainable Urban Design

The completion of Circus Street marks the successful regeneration of a previously neglected brownfield site, transforming it into a thriving urban quarter. The development has already begun to make a significant impact on the local economy, expected to create over 400 new jobs and generate more than £200 million in gross value to the local economy in the next decade. The project has earned multiple accolades for its contribution to the city’s growth, including recognition for its innovative design, public realm enhancement, and sustainability initiatives.

Michael Grubb Studio’s lighting strategy was integral to the success of this regeneration project, bringing forward a lighting masterplan that not only complements the architecture and landscape but also aligns with the broader vision for the development. The lighting design encourages a vibrant, sustainable community model and creates a welcoming environment that supports the needs of residents, students, and businesses alike.

Revitalising Brownfield Sites with Innovative Lighting Design

The project has revitalised an underutilised area of the city and is now a celebrated example of urban regeneration. Circus Street is a symbol of how thoughtful, integrated lighting design can enhance both the functionality and experience of a space, contributing to the creation of a thriving, vibrant community for years to come. Michael Grubb Studio’s lighting strategy has played a pivotal role in ensuring this project stands as a beacon of creativity, sustainability, and forward-thinking urban development.

This project is featured in the articles below

The RIBA Journal  | RIBA | ArchDaily | Architects’ Journal