The Dorchester Hotel, London

Lead Designers Sally Storey - Arianna Ghezzi

Entry Description

The Dorchester Hotel is an iconic Hotel in London, which first opened in 1931, attracting the most illustrious guests. The lighting scheme had to celebrate and honour its history, as well convey a luxurious atmosphere, which is integral to its heritage. Warm coloured and small accent lights were chosen to resemble the gold detailing throughout the space, helping to highlight these important features. Hidden miniature lights illuminate the gold leaves, urns and columns creating different layers of light which help to create a perfect ambiance. Carefully selected narrow beam luminaires create additional drama to the tables and to the beautiful patterns on the historical carpets. Guests in The Promenade, are welcomed by colour changing lights within the ceiling cove, tuning from a cooler colour temperature in the morning to a lavish gold in the evening. The beautiful Lalique glass at the Artist Bar is lit with miniature downlights, creating multiple layers, and carefully tuned colour temperatures balanced across the different materials within the space. The ceiling downlights cast on Liberace’s mirrored piano, create mesmerizing patterns on the ceiling above. Throughout the space the lighting is very discreet and concealed with downlights hidden in the ceiling lanterns. The aim was to create a magical and ethereal atmosphere, making guests wonder where the light was coming from.

Sustainability Approach

The project was designed with LED lighting across the whole space to allow a long lasting lighting solution, supported by a control system which allowed for the whole scheme to be dimmable. This was to overall diminish the power consumption and the energy footprint of the building. In addition presence detectors and astronomical clock in built in the control system do contribute in ensuring the correct lighting levels for the specific season/time of the day.
The majority of light fixture specified are supplied from the United Kingdom to limit carbon footprint.
Mostly of the light fixtures can have parts replaced for maintenance without the need of replacing the entire fixture, to allow recycling and all drivers are remote to allow this part of the equipment to be easily replaced.
Some of the existing decorative fixtures have been restored and re-used to avoid the need of new fixtures.