Light Helix
Prince Consort Restaurant
The Royal Albert Hall, London
Architect (Prince Consort Restaurant): Softroom, London
Engineer: Ove Arup & Partners, London
Lighting Concept: DHA, London
2002 - 2003

A curved helical structure forms the sculptural centrepiece of the refurbishment of the restaurant in the famous concert hall. It also functions as a device to reflect the light from remote sources, illuminating the tables.

Two 25m long double-helices of cables and struts and 148 circular acid-etched reflectors spiral through the curved spaces. Each reflector can pivot in two axes to reflect the light from fixtures in the banquette seating down at any given angle to the restaurant tables. Each strut and pair of movable reflectors is held up by a tiny cable that is secured at a raking angle into the ceiling, while the thicker helical cables take the horizontal forces produced by the curved plan back to the end walls of the room.

The custom designed and fabricated glass reflectors within the stainless steel cable and rod structure can be individually adjusted to reflect a gently diffused light to the tables while highlights from the bevelled edges provide a vibrant atmosphere.

The project won the 2003 FX Design Awards in the categories "Best Hotel, Bar or Restaurant" and "Best Leisure Lighting Scheme".
In 2005 it was short-listed for the Bombay Sapphire Award.