1. Case Studies

King’s Stables Road

Soft, even lighting illuminates the open courtyard, making the space feel safe and welcoming for pedestrians in the evening
Client
HarrisonStevens in coordination with City of Edinburgh Council
Project location
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Project date
2020
Modern luminaires provide uniform light along the walkway and green space, ensuring visibility and comfort for people passing through.

Urban regeneration through light: Reconnecting a historic part of Edinburgh

The King’s Stables Road project is a standout example of urban redevelopment in the heart of Edinburgh, transforming a disused council depot and nightclub into a thriving mixed-use destination. With residential apartments, student housing, a 4-star apart-hotel, and retail units surrounding public courtyards, the development aimed to rejuvenate this overlooked part of the city. A key requirement was high-quality, sustainable exterior lighting that would improve safety, visual comfort, and support the area’s renewed connectivity and identity.

Products

Benches and landscaped areas are highlighted by gentle lighting, creating inviting spots for rest and social interaction after dark

Custom-fit urban lighting for design freedom and visual comfort

Thorn provided an adaptable lighting solution that balances aesthetic appeal with functionality. The Urba series was selected for its sleek, modern design and ability to integrate seamlessly into the architectural setting. Edinburgh’s first-ever catenary lighting system allowed luminaires to be suspended flexibly, eliminating poles and directing light only where needed—reducing glare, light spill, and energy usage. Wall-mounted Urba versions further supported the project’s clean, open-space aesthetic.
Wall-mounted lights at the building entrances offer clear orientation and enhance the sense of security for residents and visitors at night.

Precision LED performance with Piazza II and Urba luminaires

The Piazza II LED bulkhead complemented the main lighting by delivering controlled, forward-throw illumination with a ULOR of less than 2.5%, making it ideal for walkways and entrances. Designed with directional LED optics, Piazza II enables spacing of up to 12 metres while maintaining uniform coverage. Together, Urba and Piazza II create a well-lit, welcoming urban environment that highlights architectural elements and provides a safe, pleasant experience for all users.
Soft, even lighting in the courtyard creates a safe and welcoming atmosphere, guiding pedestrians along the pathways and highlighting seating areas.

“With a strong identity, embedded in the social and urban history of King’s Stables Road, this site now offers an active, animated and dynamic urban space. The lighting forms an intrinsic part of this: the courtyard is freed from the clutter of ground-mounted lighting and design features are highlighted – all in an environmentally sound manner.”
Liz Leech, Senior Landscape Architect at HarrisonStevens

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