CEILING COMPLETE IN VICTORIA GATE ARCADES

In the coming weeks, Leeds Victoria will get two new rooftop restaurants with great views over Kirkgate. A spiral stair and oak lined atrium connects them to the new arcade, lit from above by a sculptural ceiling. The computer generated dome design was built with 18,000 pieces of stained oak. The offset in three dimensions between the oak pieces allows daylight through and creates sensations of levity and movement, despite the weight of 4 tonnes. The continuity of oak on walls, balustrade and the domes seeks to unify walls and ceiling, to evoke the visual sensation of a tall and mysterious contemporary grotto.