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and amber-red hues for the hot copper stills.
Programmed scenes allow a strong focus on a single
entity where appropriate, or a full revelation of the
space. Lighting cues allow these scenes to evolve over
the course of a tour, to support the whisky-making
story. Working closely with the exhibition designers,
light is meticulously integrated into the experience
of each display: from backlit text, to orchestrated
shafts of ‘sunlight’, to an illuminated single drop
of liquid. In parallel to this creative and theatrical
lighting, operational light is added as a layer within
the design, accommodating the stringent working
requirements of the facility without compromising
the visual impact of the visitor experience.
The journey culminates with an immersive experience
in the Cave Privée – a circular whisky store – where
programmable dynamic light combines with black
polished surfaces to create kaleidoscopic effects.
Showcasing the product is key to the concept and
the scheme fully exploits the play of light on liquid
and glass. Different qualities of light are deployed
throughout the bar and visitor experience, alluding
to the breadth of tasting notes that characterise
the whisky, and revealing the depth and purity of the
liquid when ‘nosing’. A soaring brand wall comprising
hundreds of bottles forms a dynamic tapestry of light,
glass and liquid, a visual foil to the quiet shadows of
the bar where customers taste the whisky.
Above: the Cave Privée, where
programmable dynamic
light combines with black
polished surfaces to create
kaleidoscopic effects
Top right and right: the
interaction of light with liquid
and glass is fully exploited
