Lighting in Design Q2 2022

Illuminating an art gallery in Zimbabwe Aberfoyle Art Gallery is a privately owned art gallery and exhibition venue, situated in the lush Honde Valley in Zimbabwe. The intent was to have a modern, multifunctional venue with lighting to suit its needs.

I n 2018, Architectural Planning Studio (APS) was commissioned by Nyangani Renewable Resources to design an Art Gallery on the grounds of Aberfoyle Lodge, Hauna, in the scenic Honde Valley of Zimbabwe. The first thing that the architects considered was the uniqueness of the site. Nestled within a working tea estate, partially surrounded by temperate rainforest, it was para mount that the gallery be unique, and respond to its particular context. Several sites were considered, and eventually one was selected for its incredible views, and its proximity to the existing lodge. To take full advantage of the views, APS oriented the gallery north west towards the golf course, tea terraces, and distant mountains. The gallery brief was to be flexible enough to accommodate a variety of art (including pictures

and sculptures of different sizes), and should be secure enough for high value works, all within a climate-controlled environment that would cater to sensitive works. The architects envisaged the gallery interior as a celebration of light and space, allowing the works of art to be showcased to their best advantage. Internally the curved roof segments are layered, and clerestory windows allow ambient light to flood the gallery space. Large concertina doors open up to a cantilevered balcony which reaches out towards the pond, where sunlight and panoramic views allow contrasting relief from the shaded rainforest. Landscaping complements the gallery building with verdant planting and carefully maintained tree species, drawing attention to the deck and the reflection pond. Programmatically, APS designed

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LiD Q2 - 2022