University of Central Lancashire UCLan

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has undergone a £200 million transformative Campus Masterplan, featuring a £60 million Student Centre and University Square, which serve as the focal point of the vibrant Preston Campus.

The new Student Centre is a key element of the transformation, with the courtyard providing a vibrant hub for students and staff, designed with greenery, seating areas, and art installations. It encourages relaxation and social engagement, providing a refreshing outdoor space amid the hustle of campus life.

Architects Hawkins Brown led the campus transformation with fresh and contemporary design inspired by Preston’s textile heritage and future in aerospace & electronics.
A key feature is the illuminated “light threads,” designed by Jason Bruges Studio, to reference delicate strands of cotton. The Light Lab developed the ‘light threads’, fabricating custom Glowline Inground fittings, with digital content by Jason Bruges Studio. These motion-sensitive lights, embedded in the stone paving of University Square, create a striking path that extends into the Student Centre.

The Light Lab manufactured these 300+ ‘light threads’ by developing a custom version of the Glowline Inground-GL50.

Each 1m fitting, though using a single-color white LED, featured 10 individually controllable pixels; affording Jason Bruges Studio a large scope for their digital content culminating in the interesting, dynamic and varied animations that play out across the site, giving motion and form to the path of the threads.

Additionally, each Glowline fitting was self-addressing, streamlining installation by making it possible to link up to 25 fittings and utilising a small number of driver locations, minimising cabling and simplifying the setup across the site.

This innovative installation enhances the aesthetic appeal of the campus while also reinforcing UCLan’s commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with artistic expression, creating a truly immersive experience for students, staff, and visitors alike.