Ceri Baxter

LIGHTBOX // DARKBOX: RESISTANCE AGAINST A 24 HOUR CITY

Between 2004 - 2009, the area of the Peak District National Park completely unaffected by light pollution dropped from approximately 13% to 3%. This project came about as a response to this fact.

As light pollution steadily infiltrates the darker areas surrounding Manchester, it becomes increasingly important to create pockets of completely artificially light free zones deep in the heart of the city. This project not only fulfils this, but utilises excess spilled light from around the site after dark.

The building has three programmes - the "lightbox" element is a light therapy centre taking place in glowing polycarbonate rooms helping to tackle mental health issues using lightwells. The "darkbox" elements include a bat conservation "cave" for bats to roost and feed, as well as an observatory which makes the most of the dark site.