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The Light Durham demonstrates how existing buildings can be thoughtfully adapted to meet contemporary cultural needs while preserving the heritage, memories, and stories that make them significant to their communities.
Acting as Architect, we worked alongside Durham County Council, Avison Young, and Willmott Dixon to transform the former DLI Museum, unused since 2016, into a vibrant cultural destination. The design restores the clarity of the building’s original modernist architecture while retaining its historic connection to the Durham Light Infantry Regiment, with permanent displays drawing on objects, documents, creative responses, and film footage from the DLI Collection to tell the story of the “Durhams.”
Today, The Light provides world-class museum, gallery, education, and exhibition spaces, creating an enhanced visitor experience while establishing a lasting cultural asset for Durham, celebrating both heritage and contemporary creativity.
Photo Credits: Durham County Council and Chris Pugh