Beacon of Light
The first of its kind in the UK, Beacon of Light is a unique sport and education centre for the Foundation of Light, designed to engage and inspire a diverse range of people—including traditionally ‘hard to reach’ individuals within the local community.
Located next to Stadium of Light, the home of Sunderland AFC, Beacon of Light provides a vibrant and feel-good environment where people can meet socially; where they can learn and take part in courses to gain skills and qualifications; and where their fascination and love of football will start them on a journey to improve their quality of life. Through its work at Beacon of Light it is predicted that the Foundation will generate up to £73m worth of social return-on-investment over a period of twenty years.
The materials are familiar, construction and detailing is straightforward. Yet the architecture of the building feels celebrated throughout; both in the stacked interior volumes and its enveloping façades, cool by day, alive at night.
Judging Panel
RIBA North East Awards 2019
Stacking of Facilities
The efficient building form stacks a roof-top ‘Football Barn’, created under a lightweight structure, on top of shared community and education facilities and a controlled, insulated ‘box’, housing the sports hall. The arrangement maximises the external space for revenue generating 5-a-side pitches, and creates height, emphasising the building as a regional beacon, especially in the immediate context of a stadium.
The triple-height ‘street’, running through the building, facilitates visibility - engaging the interest of the community and passers-by from the outside and from within, across the multiple spaces, to encourage ‘cross-participation’. A feature staircase, rising through all floors encourages people to use it as their main point of circulation, increasing physical activity. This procession up the building is also a physical representation of the power of sport to enrich and uplift.
Inspiration for All
My son does little dribblers and it was the first session held at the beacon today. Wow! The facilities are amazing. Really well designed, light, spacious and the pitches on the top floor are brill!
Claire Fraser
Visitor
It’s an outstanding facility, it really is. It’s a brilliant place for people to come and work, play, be educated and be inspired.
George Clarke
Architect, Foundation Trustee
Awards
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Civic Trust Awards 2020
Special Award for Community Impact and Engagement -
Civic Trust Awards 2020
Civic Trust Award -
RIBAJ MacEwen Award 2020
Commended -
RICS Awards 2019
Community Benefit Award -
RICS North East Awards 2019
Project of the Year -
RICS North East Awards 2019
Regional Award -
RICS North East Awards 2019
Community Benefit Award -
RIBA North East Awards 2019
Regional Award -
CIAT Awards 2019
Technical Excellence in Architectural Technology -
LABC Northern Region Building Excellence Awards 2019
Best Educational Building -
IStructE Northern Counties Regional Awards 2018
Best Large Project
Press
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RIBA Journal
Beacon of Light in Sunderland is on the ball
31/01/20 -
Arch Daily
Beacon of Light Building / FaulknerBrowns Architects
26/06/19 -
RIBA
Beacon of Light by FaulknerBrowns Architects
20/05/19
