Portfolio
Phoebe Philo at Bergdorf Goodman, New York
Architect: Jean-Philippe Sanfourche
The lighting design for Phoebe Philo’s first physical store at Bergdorf Goodman centres on delivering a sleek, minimalist aesthetic in line with the brand’s luxury fashion identity. High-quality LEDs are integrated within the joinery, including hanging rails and vitrines, to create soft, shadow-free illumination that enhances the visibility of garments and accessories. The diffuse lighting in the rails ensures even lighting, while the carefully concealed LEDs in the vitrines highlight displayed items without disrupting the clean, refined look. This approach balances elegance and precision, crafting an atmosphere where lighting subtly elevates the product presentation without overpowering the space.
Ekseption, Marbella
Architect: Jean-Philippe Sanfourche
The lighting for Ekseption in Marbella was designed to offer a dynamic shopping experience by blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. Integrated curved lighting within the joinery serves as the main focal point, adding a layer of complexity to the detailing. This diffuse illumination accentuates the merchandise without creating harsh shadows or glare, ensuring a smooth interaction between the lighting and the architectural curves. High-quality ceiling lighting with a soft distribution complements the space by gently illuminating it and guiding customers through the store. The result is a carefully balanced design where lighting not only enhances the flow of the space but also heightens the visual impact of the merchandise, creating an inviting and captivating environment.
Projects completed during Pavlina's tenure at Arup
The Broad Museum
Designed the daylight experience using a facade veil and skylights to introduce controlled, diffused light into the galleries, incorporating daylight harvesting and low-energy LED fixtures to achieve LEED Gold certification. Developed custom LED wallwashers for even light distribution, meeting California’s Title 24 standards.
Royal Academy Masterplan
Led the design for the Royal Academy of Arts, incorporating bespoke lighting solutions such as track-mounted spotlights and custom LED pendants. Utilised advanced daylight systems with translucent glazing and redirecting films to enhance light quality in both new and historic spaces, creating a cohesive lighting experience across the complex.
Jumex Museum
Designed the lighting, using saw-tooth skylights with diffusing glass, acrylic layers, and matte white louvres for even daylight distribution. Combined fluorescent lights and track-mounted spotlights ensure proper illumination when daylight is insufficient, with the LED track lighting system rigorously tested to optimise intensity, colour, and distribution.
Gagosian Gallery
Developed an electric lighting solution for the Gagosian Gallery to replicate natural daylight, using high-quality LED strips with varying colour temperatures to backlight glazed laylights. Dynamic lighting conditions, controlled by exterior photocells, adjust in real time to mimic changing daylight, while three-circuit tracks offer flexibility for wallwashing and spotlighting exhibits.
CELINE Fashion Shows
Designed the lighting to achieve high-quality illumination for showcasing garments and facilitating photography. Each show required a unique, quickly assembled temporary lighting setup tailored to its artistic and architectural design, integrating daylight and electric lighting to enhance fabric textures and colours through bespoke solutions developed in collaboration with artists and architects.
Royal Academy Track Lights Replacement
Advised on replacing halogen fixtures with LED luminaires to maintain light quality and protect artwork without requiring infrastructure changes. The new system reduced setup time by 50%, allowed for quick dimming adjustments, and minimised ceiling clutter, improving both visitor experience and art display in the Grade II* listed building.
Science Museum Medicine Gallery
Developed and managed the integration of lighting within over 100 custom display cases, combining diffuse lighting and spotlights to optimise illumination while adhering to budget constraints.
Manchester Museum South Asia Gallery
Oversaw the design, combining adjustable track-mounted spotlights and in-case lighting for optimal illumination of wall-mounted exhibits and display cases. The performance space features Bluetooth-controlled spotlights and advanced projection mapping for diverse events.
British Museum Islamic Galleries
Oversaw the design of a system that channels daylight onto central display cases while incorporating controlled sunlight on the rear wall to reflect the spiritual significance of daylight in Islamic architecture.