Corner Bar, Tate Modern

Nestled along the scenic banks of the River Thames, Tate Modern’s Corner Bar stands as a beacon of innovation, seamlessly blending art, gastronomy, and sustainable design. From dawn till dusk, and well into the night, Corner Bar orchestrates an immersive experience where lighting plays a pivotal role in shaping ambiance, enhancing artistic installations, and fostering a sense of community.

A Fusion of Art and Gastronomy

Corner Bar isn’t just another riverside venue—it’s a cultural oasis where art and gastronomy converge. Tate Modern’s newest addition offers visitors a multifaceted experience, serving as an all-day café and transforming into an enchanting evening bar. From families seeking a respite during the day to friends gathering for post-gallery drinks, Corner Bar caters to a diverse array of patrons, each seeking solace in the intersection of art and culinary delights.

Sustainability at its Core

At the heart of Corner Bar’s design lies a commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. Collaborating with design firm Holland Harvey, the venue underwent a transformative process that embraced eco-conscious principles. From bespoke furniture crafted from recycled materials to innovative tabletops repurposed from Tate Coffee grounds, every element of Corner Bar reflects Tate Modern’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

Crafting Bespoke Lighting Solutions

There’s Light, revered for its innovative approach to lighting design, undertook the task of illuminating Corner Bar with a vision to seamlessly transition between day and night atmospheres. Recognizing the dual purpose of the space—functioning as a vibrant café during the day and an intimate bar at night—the lighting design had to be adaptable, functional, and aesthetically captivating.

Circular Lighting Solutions

To align with Corner Bar’s sustainability goals, There’s Light and Holders Technology collaborated with British manufacturers employing circular economy principles. Fixtures were meticulously designed for longevity and recyclability, with raw aluminium chosen for high-level track spotlights to eliminate toxic paints and enhance sustainability. Every aspect of the lighting design embodied Tate Modern’s ethos of environmental responsibility.

Adaptable Solutions for Day-to-Night Transitions

The transition from day to night demanded a nuanced approach to lighting design. Techniques such as neutral matte finishes and cool colour temperatures during the day enhanced brightness and reduced contrast, creating an inviting atmosphere for daytime visitors. As twilight descended, warm tones and focused directional lighting enveloped the space, ushering in an intimate ambiance befitting an evening bar.

Artistic and Culinary Integration

There’s Light seamlessly integrated their design with Corner Bar’s artistic installations, drawing inspiration from cinematic experiences to create a visually captivating atmosphere. Bespoke decorative fixtures, reminiscent of brutalist streetlights, adorned the space, while carefully curated lighting accentuated culinary displays, connecting food, drink, and art in a symphony of illumination.

Smart and Sustainable Control

The lighting installation at Corner Bar is controlled using Casambi’s wireless solution, enabling centralized configuration and control from a single platform. This innovative approach not only facilitated the implementation of the lighting concept but also allowed for customization of scenes, optimizing energy efficiency and resource utilization while providing a seamless user experience for staff and patrons alike.

Illuminating the Tate Modern Experience

There’s Light’s contribution to Corner Bar at Tate Modern has transcended mere illumination—it has transformed the space into a captivating and inclusive environment that seamlessly unites art, culinary delights, and the enchanting charm of riverside evenings. As visitors immerse themselves in the interplay of light and art, Tate Modern solidifies its commitment to democratizing art and providing a communal space for all to cherish. Corner Bar invites you to experience the moment where it is illuminated in a way that transcends the ordinary, inviting patrons to linger and indulge in the beauty of the intersection between art and gastronomy.