Alleyways in Nottingham constitute an important heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. During that period, urban blocks were constructed with narrow alleyways separating them. Many of these alleyways were built over at the main road façade, forming enclosed, intimate passages that contribute a distinctive character to the city. Despite their historical and spatial value, the majority of Nottingham’s alleyways have received little attention and deserve greater emphasis within the urban fabric.
Today, some alleyways in the city centre have been adapted for commercial use, housing small shops or coffee shops, while others function merely as pedestrian passages. Certain alleyways are used occasionally for servicing adjacent buildings, whereas others terminate as dead ends. Unfortunately, many of these spaces remain underutilised and neglected, having lost their significance over time. As a result, people are unable to experience and enjoy the positive spatial, social, and sensory qualities that these alleyways can offer.
St Peter’s Chambers is one such alleyway, located in the heart of Nottingham city centre. It lies between two historically and socially significant areas: the Market Square and St Peter’s Square, from which numerous streets branch out, accommodating shops and restaurants in all directions. This area is surrounded daily by thousands of people who are shopping, resting, or meeting before moving on to other destinations.
Despite its prime location, the alleyway remains largely unknown and overlooked, as it currently offers no positive contribution to people’s everyday lives. Therefore, the aim of this project is to revitalise the alleyway in order to raise awareness, reintroduce its significance, and encourage regular public use. Through the proposed design, people will be guided to engage their senses and strengthen their emotional connection to the space.
The project seeks to revitalise the alleyway through the creation of a Light Design Framework (LDF) in Nottingham, in collaboration with the V&A Museum. This framework will serve as a platform for festival exhibitions, enriching people’s lives and inspiring individuals and creative industries alike through the promotion of knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of the designed world.
Light has been selected as the principal design element, as it provides extensive opportunities for experimentation in both system and form, allowing the space to be transformed through sensory experience and atmosphere.
