Although an impressive multi functional room, Wolfson Hall suffered from extremely poor acoustics and had outdated fluorescent strip lighting. In association with specialist consultants dpa lighting consultants and Arup Acoustics, Gray Baynes + Shew devised an elegant integrated solution - a new grid pattern lighting catenary suspended beneath the existing vaulted ceiling. Prefinished panels bonded to the vaults are both sound absorbers and light reflectors to the bespoke lighting system. The grid gives flexibility to change the light pattern and light levels to suit any function. Acoustic strips applied to the existing wood panelling combine with the catenary to increase the absorption and reduce reverberation and thus improve acoustics. All lighting was designed to be low maintenance and to meet current energy efficiency standards.