Architectural Lighting Archives - A1 Lighting Magazine https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/category/architectural-lighting/ Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:37:04 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 Luce&Light open their first Asian showroom in Vietnam https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/company-news/lucelight-open-their-first-asian-showroom-in-vietnam/ Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:37:04 +0000 https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/?p=40768 Luce&Light has strengthened its global presence with the opening of its first exhibition hub in Asia. Located inside LightHub – LK Technology’s Smart Lighting and SmartCity Experience Center – in Ho Chi Minh City, it was officially opened on 4th August 2025. Vietnam is a key location for the company in the Asian market, thanks ...Read more

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Luce&Light has strengthened its global presence with the opening of its first exhibition hub in Asia. Located inside LightHub – LK Technology’s Smart Lighting and SmartCity Experience Center – in Ho Chi Minh City, it was officially opened on 4th August 2025.

Vietnam is a key location for the company in the Asian market, thanks to its strategic position and the sector’s rapid growth. In recent years, Luce&Light has taken part in several significant projects in hospitality, retail and contemporary architecture, including Lim Tower 3 and Park Hyatt Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, the Salvatore Ferragamo flagship store in Tokyo, and the Rosewood Hotel in Bangkok.

“We were eager to open this showroom,” says Marco Celsan, CEO of L&L Luce&Light, “because it marks a key step in consolidating our presence in this area. This milestone was made possible through our collaboration with LK Technology, a partner with whom we share a vision of innovation, quality and the integration of light, architecture and smart technologies.”

The new Luce&Light Hub has been conceived as a permanent space dedicated to exchange, learning and dialogue. Intended for local lighting designers, architects and professionals, it offers the opportunity to explore LED lighting solutions for indoor, outdoor and underwater applications up close, and to directly put their performance and potential to the test. This meeting point will foster collaborative design and provide tailored support, with direct assistance from the Luce&Light team.

The Vietnam Luce&Light Hub confirms the company’s vision: to develop high-quality lighting systems designed to integrate harmoniously with architecture and landscape – delivering flexibility, control and creative value to projects worldwide.

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William Sugg & Co. lights up the entrance of Marylebone Church https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/architectural-lighting/william-sugg-co-lights-up-the-entrance-of-marylebone-church/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:55:57 +0000 https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/?p=40667 St Marylebone Parish Church, an architectural jewel of London, stands as the fourth church built on or near its historic site, with the present structure completed in 1817. The Grade I listed building within the Regent's Park Conservation Area recently underwent a significant restoration to remove it from Historic England’s ‘At Risk Register’. Designed by ...Read more

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St Marylebone Parish Church, an architectural jewel of London, stands as the fourth church built on or near its historic site, with the present structure completed in 1817. The Grade I listed building within the Regent’s Park Conservation Area recently underwent a significant restoration to remove it from Historic England’s ‘At Risk Register’. Designed by Thomas Hardwick in 1814 as a chapel-of-ease, the building was altered upon completion of construction to serve as the parish church. Throughout its history, the church gained a vaulted crypt, a neoclassical and pre-Raphaelite transformation and narrowly survived a bombing during World War II. As part of the St Marylebone Changing Lives campaign, heritage lighting specialist William Sugg & Co. was commissioned to restore four distinctive pedestals and three lanterns, as well as create two replica bespoke lanterns that would honour the church’s legacy.

Beyond its architectural significance, the church plays a vital role in the life of the community. It hosts a wide range of services, concerts, exhibitions and outreach programmes. The church is also home to the Marylebone Health Centre and the Marylebone Project, which supports vulnerable women. The recent restoration project sought not only to preserve the church’s historic fabric but to enhance its accessibility and relevance as a vibrant, inclusive hub for all.

Specialist restoration

Beginning in 2013, Caroe Architecture was chosen to undergo the intensive conservation of the building, a project that called for a sensitive approach that respected the church’s architectural heritage. In early 2022, William Sugg & Co. was entrusted with the restoration of the two lanterns and pedestals at the main South Entrance, and the bracket and cradle-hung lantern that guides parishioners to the doorway. By 2024, the project expanded to include repairs and the replacement of missing decorative elements, including the ram heads and laurel swags on the north side pedestals, as well as the creation of exact replicas of the original front lanterns for the North Entrance

“Being part of the St Marylebone Parish Church restoration offered our team an incredible opportunity to revive cherished heritage features and ensure their preservation for future generations. The unique challenges of the project allowed us to utilise traditional skills together with innovative tools to restore and craft solutions that support the aims of the Changing Lives campaign,” commented Lucy Bubb, MD of William Sugg & Co.

History meets technology

The original lanterns on the north side of the church had been lost to time, with only historic references and surviving examples at the South Entrance to guide the restoration. The original restored lanterns could not be removed without disrupting church activities, so William Sugg & Co. enlisted Darren Bennet of Benetex to undertake detailed 3D scans of the lanterns in situ. Over successive site visits and collaboration with the William Sugg & Co. team, these scans were transformed into precise 3D models, forming the blueprint for restoration and replication. Many ornate lantern components originally cast in iron were rendered in aluminium, where casting would have been prohibitively slow and expensive.

Restoring and designing the lantern and pedestal parts from external 3D scan data posed unique difficulties, as the scans captured only outer surfaces. The process required careful internal design assumptions and hands-on problem-solving, with the absence of internal geometry leading to thoughtful discussions and live adjustments throughout the manufacturing process. This modern approach allowed the team to recreate intricate historical details and modernise the fixtures in line with current standards.

Andy Jones, Fabricator at William Sugg & Co., commented, “We needed to produce replicas that were visually identical to the historic lanterns at the church’s main entrance. The hands-on process evolved as we went, with 3D scanning giving us a solid starting point. From there, we used our experience to resolve functional issues, such as water ingress, until they perfectly replicated the originals. There’s a real sense of pride in seeing the finished lanterns light up the church, knowing every detail was considered, crafted and improved along the way.”

Illuminating a lasting legacy

The newly restored lanterns feature a top-mounted LED light source, complemented by frosted glass, creating a warm, authentic glow reminiscent of the original gas lighting. The project culminated in four beautifully restored and striking pedestals, three restored lanterns and two replicas using modern techniques outside St Marylebone Parish Church, ensuring that every aspect of the church’s historic lighting remains true to the original Neoclassical vision. William Sugg & Co.’s lighting solutions now illuminate the church’s facade and create a welcoming atmosphere at the newly restored entrance, symbolising the church’s renewed role as a beacon of hope and opportunity through the St Marylebone Changing Lives campaign.

 

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Collingwood lights up Grand Designs carbon zero house https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/latest-news/collingwood-lights-up-grand-designs-carbon-zero-house/ Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:22:34 +0000 https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/?p=40655 Collingwood Lighting has supplied the lighting to help artist Sarah Nelson realise her dream of a net zero carbon home which featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs TV show. Lighting is very important for Sarah who lives and works from the house and attached studio. In the living areas she specified Collingwood’s 1901 spotlights, which ...Read more

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Collingwood Lighting has supplied the lighting to help artist Sarah Nelson realise her dream of a net zero carbon home which featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs TV show.

Lighting is very important for Sarah who lives and works from the house and attached studio.

In the living areas she specified Collingwood’s 1901 spotlights, which she can rotate and tilt to direct light where she wants it. The fittings have a contemporary black cylindrical design and produce a warm light of 2700K for a relaxing atmosphere.

To create an intimate but modern feel around the eating area, the company also supplied its Linear Prism fitting in black which is suspended above the table. With colour switchable options to choose what light source she wanted, Sarah opted for a warm light of 3,000K.

And for the gallery hall Sarah chose the company’s OKTO 4 architectural lights. They have a similar sleek black cylindrical design as the 1901 spotlights and provide ambient lighting for large areas with their 85o beam angle.

Commenting on the installation, Sarah explains: “I wanted energy efficient LED lighting with a modern contemporary design. The black, sleek design of all the fittings really work as a visual statement, especially when set against the textured grey Hempcrete walls.”

In the studio, where she works, Sarah specified industrial looking lights with Collingwood’s Caiman Versa anticorrosive fitting. The two fittings are suspended from the steel ridge beams, and their steel bodies work well set against the bare hempcrete walls and this exposed metal girder. With plenty of glazing facing north, the studio has an abundance of natural diffuse light for her work, which the light fittings supplement as it gets dark with a cool white light of 5700K that is similar to natural light.

Modern LED fittings not only offer adaptable lighting solutions but are extremely energy efficient, something that is vital to Sarah who wanted a sustainable solution.

The timber frame building uses Hempcrete for insulation. This bio-based product is carbon negative because it uses material from the hemp plant which absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Sarah chose to leave the Hempcrete exposed on the internal walls.

The building has also got an air source heat pump and solar panels to provide power for the lighting and sockets, and the heating and hot water. In addition, the ceiling is clad in plywood, and Sarah sourced the kitchen units from freecycle and used plywood offcuts for the kitchen unit doors.

Commenting on her new home and studio she says: “I have shown that you can build a sustainable zero carbon building that is very individual and good looking. My emphasis has been on energy saving solutions, but that does not mean that you must sacrifice style.

As an artist light is very important to me and Collingwood’s fittings allow me to achieve what I believe in and create and showcase a space that is visually stunning.”

 

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Nulty launches an apprenticeship scheme to shape the next generation of lighting designers https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/latest-news/nulty-launches-an-apprenticeship-scheme/ Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:58:32 +0000 https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/?p=40652 Global lighting design consultancy Nulty has launched an apprenticeship programme at its London studio, creating a fully supported pathway into the lighting design profession. The pioneering scheme will offer aspiring creatives the chance to train amongst one of the industry’s largest lighting design practices, through a two-year placement with Nulty’s award-winning London team. Apprentices will ...Read more

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Global lighting design consultancy Nulty has launched an apprenticeship programme at its London studio, creating a fully supported pathway into the lighting design profession.

The pioneering scheme will offer aspiring creatives the chance to train amongst one of the industry’s largest lighting design practices, through a two-year placement with Nulty’s award-winning London team. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience working on live projects while studying for an Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering.

Structured to provide a comprehensive introduction to architectural lighting design, the programme will see apprentices spend four days a week engaged in practical learning, working under the mentorship of designers at every level. Participants will be immersed in the day-to-day realities of project work and gain firsthand knowledge of how to develop imaginative lighting design concepts and master technical skills in CAD drawing, 3D modelling and photometric calculations.

One day a week will be dedicated to academic study, supplementing practical learning with a foundation in lighting design theory and illumination engineering. Delivered by leading academics, the industry-backed qualification offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles of architectural lighting design.

Paul Nulty, Founder of Nulty, said: “Nulty’s apprenticeship scheme is part of our ongoing educational movement. Seasoned lighting designers know that theory will only get you so far – especially when it comes to the intangible medium of light. True learning comes from tackling creative challenges on real projects. To help bridge that gap, we’ve developed a holistic learning programme that blends theoretical knowledge with on-the-job expertise.

This approach feels especially important at a time when entering the job market is more challenging than ever. Graduates face fierce competition for roles, alongside wider industry shifts driven by factors such as Brexit, AI adoption and global economic pressures. We feel strongly that it’s our responsibility to support the next generation of talent by providing an experience-led path into practice.”

Ellie Combs, Managing Partner at Nulty, commented: “Most designers can point to an inspirational mentor or team who shaped their career. Our apprenticeship initiative is about giving the next wave of designers that same head start, within a nurturing environment with strong opportunities for both professional and personal growth. We look forward to welcoming the first intake of Nulty apprentices to our London team.”

Nulty’s apprenticeship programme is open to school and college leavers, or anyone looking for a new career path in lighting design. Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK, and demonstrate a genuine passion for design, creativity and the built environment.

For more information visit: https://www.nultylighting.co.uk/blog/nulty-launches-an-apprenticeship-scheme/

 

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Light Forms delivers lighting solutions for the new Munich office of an international software firm https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/company-news/light-forms-delivers-lighting-solutions-for-the-new-munich-office/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:34:06 +0000 https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/?p=40589 Light Forms was specified by architects Kinzo to deliver all the lighting solutions for the new Munich office of an international software firm, with a brief that demanded innovation, individuality, and technical finesse. Guided by Kinzo’s vision of a workspace that feels both personalised and distinctly Munich, Light Forms ensured lighting became more than a ...Read more

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Light Forms was specified by architects Kinzo to deliver all the lighting solutions for the new Munich office of an international software firm, with a brief that demanded innovation, individuality, and technical finesse.

Guided by Kinzo’s vision of a workspace that feels both personalised and distinctly Munich, Light Forms ensured lighting became more than a functional layer – it was designed as a core architectural element and a driver of atmosphere across the office’s 5,500 sqm.

Light Forms solutions combined statement pieces with highly functional systems. The Serpentine system and MoonBands introduced a contemporary signature, while custom Lightplane 2.5 fixtures provided clear, functional illumination along high-traffic circulation routes. For focused and comfortable task lighting, Light Forms integrated Nova Medium downlights across workstations and meeting rooms.

In the central social zones, a striking visual focal point was created with MoonRings, complemented by a bespoke ceiling rose – fabricated to a unique UK specification. Conceived as both a technical and a sculptural centrepiece, it symbolises the fusion of engineering precision and artistic expression.

From this centrepiece, ELOA Glass Pendants in both Hebe and Haumea versions were suspended, adding warmth and a touch of elegance that set the tone for the wider space. Each lighting decision was carefully coordinated with Kinzo to balance performance with ambience – ensuring the office’s users enjoy a workplace that inspires comfort, collaboration, and identity, all with a modern finish.

Reflecting on the result, Laura from Kinzo said: “Light Forms’ technical expertise elevated our concept in every space. Their bespoke solutions, especially the custom ceiling rose and feature lighting brought our ideas to light and made the office truly distinctive.”

The Munich office demonstrates what’s possible when architectural vision and lighting design work hand in hand. By uniting technical precision with creative expression, Light Forms helped shape an environment that is both functional and inspiring. In this project, lighting doesn’t just illuminate; it defines character, enhances wellbeing, and expresses the company’s identity in every detail.

Client: International Software company.
Interior Architects: Kinzo.
Photography: © Sorin Morar | Kinzo.

 

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Anaheim’s night-time illuminations enhanced with Pharos upgrade https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/latest-news/anaheims-night-time-illuminations-enhanced-with-pharos-upgrade/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:31:13 +0000 https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/?p=40572 The US city of Anaheim in California has unveiled an upgraded lighting system that enhances the city’s natural and architectural landscape, powered by technology from Pharos Architectural Controls. At night, rows of palm trees lining Anaheim’s streets glow with custom RGBW LED uplights, while nearby monuments are brought to life with internal LEDs. Previously, the ...Read more

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The US city of Anaheim in California has unveiled an upgraded lighting system that enhances the city’s natural and architectural landscape, powered by technology from Pharos Architectural Controls.

At night, rows of palm trees lining Anaheim’s streets glow with custom RGBW LED uplights, while nearby monuments are brought to life with internal LEDs. Previously, the city relied on a basic control system that offered only limited functionality such as RGB-only control across entire banks of palm trees, with sections run on independent cell modems that frequently dropped offline. The result was a fragmented and unreliable experience that lacked cohesion.

Seeking a more robust and creative solution, Anaheim requested a solution from Pharos Architectural Controls. California-based automation and connectivity specialists Wired Media Solutions (WMS) were commissioned to deliver the upgrade using Pharos technology.

WMS was tasked with designing a system that was not only reliable but also powerful and flexible enough to deliver different aesthetics through actual creative intention. Together with Pharos they selected the Pharos Designer LPC (Lighting Playback Controller) as the central control solution to fulfil the needs of the upgrade, connected to Pharos Cloud for simple, secure remote lighting control and management.

A key part of the upgrade project was the lighting design itself. The city provided a schedule of holiday-themed and special-event shows, with the intention of frequently updating the scenes to keep the displays fresh and engaging. Ensuring smooth, seamless transitions across miles of trees was essential – especially since residents never view the entire installation at once. With palm trees planted in pairs, many looks were designed with symmetry in mind, further enhancing the overall aesthetic.

The Designer LPC provided the perfect solution for the project. Featuring individually controllable and independently running timelines and scenes, it allows Anaheim to change their light shows at any time, while also offering real-time manual overrides for maximum flexibility.

In total, eight LPCs are in operation across the city. Designed by WMS, the network integrates fibre, cellular and 60 GHz point-to-point links – no small feat in an incredibly dense RF environment. Accuracy in distance and line-of-sight calculations was critical, as was ensuring the DMX devices met strict specifications for long-term, maintenance-free operation.

The system runs on several topologies and VPN links to create a transparent, centralised network, accessible through a portal that gives city officials straightforward control.

Michael Grosse (MG), Regional Sales Manager for the Americas at Pharos Architectural Controls, commented: “Anaheim has embarked on a fantastic project to improve its night-time aesthetics, and the illuminated palm trees do look incredible. It’s rewarding to know Pharos could offer a solution that delivers reliability, durability and full autonomy for the city’s lighting scenes and shows.”

Ryan Wilkinson, President/CEO of Wired Media Solutions, added: “It was a pleasure to be brought into this project in our home state and be part of the team to modernise and greatly improve the control and connectivity of Anaheim’s night-time illuminations. The Pharos Designer LPC gave us everything we needed, including putting creative control directly into the hands of the City of Anaheim so they can frequently change the lighting scenes. Working with the LPC provided a fantastic insight into the ease of integrating Pharos technology into a lighting system and network, and we will be sure to look for opportunities to specify this solution in the future.”

Lighting Controls: Pharos Architectural Controls.

Systems Integrator & Lighting Designer: Wired Media Solutions (WMS).

Electrical Contractor: Energy Management Solutions, Frank Kourtis.

Photography: Wired Media Solutions (WMS).

 

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Casino of the future rises from the dunes on Belgian coast with help from B.E.G. https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/latest-news/casino-rises-on-belgian-coast-with-b-e-g/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:19:17 +0000 https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/?p=40473 A dazzling new landmark has landed on the Belgian coastline which is ‘setting the standards’ in how to design, build, and protect cities from rising seas. Nestled in the dunes of Middelkerke, the stunning SILT complex has been described as looking like a ‘giant sculpture from the future’. The building is part casino, part hotel, ...Read more

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A dazzling new landmark has landed on the Belgian coastline which is ‘setting the standards’ in how to design, build, and protect cities from rising seas.

Nestled in the dunes of Middelkerke, the stunning SILT complex has been described as looking like a ‘giant sculpture from the future’. The building is part casino, part hotel, part event space – and all smart.

Covering an area the size of eight football pitches, the SILT is a 1,500 m² multi-use venue including luxury hotel rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and even a huge underground car park. But the twist is it is all wrapped in a sleek, futuristic shell inspired by a ship’s bollard which blends seamlessly into the man-made dunes that shield the town from the sea.

Built to withstand a once-in-a-millennium storm, SILT, is said to be ‘more than a playground for the rich’ but a model for how coastal towns can future-proof themselves without sacrificing luxury or style. Designed by a collaboration of top-tier architectural and engineering teams, the whole building is a ‘masterclass in design without compromise, proving that being green doesn’t mean going without’.

Hidden inside this architectural wonder is a high-tech control KNX system powered by B.E.G. – the German lighting controls manufacturer which produces some of the smartest sensors on the market. The Municipality of Middelkerke, the local government, commissioned the project as a flagship for coastal renewal, public utility, and tourism.

The KNX system is a globally recognised standard protocol for home automation and building automation which connects and controls lighting, heating, ventilation, security and blinds via a single network. As a result, these devices work together seamlessly in the SILT complex and offer optimum energy efficiency, convenience and flexibility in the management and automation of functions in the building.

Paul Jones, Sales Director of UK & Ireland at B.E.G., said: “In a world where energy efficiency and sustainability are paramount, occupancy sensors are no longer a luxury but a necessity. This advanced solution is an important contribution to the SILT project. The use of sensors makes it possible to switch lighting and other technical systems on and off automatically depending on the presence of people, resulting in significant energy savings and lower operating costs.

By choosing KNX sensors, the project was able to fulfil all requirements in terms of flexibility, reliable detection and simplified installation set out by the Municipality of Middelkerke. The detectors offer an efficient solution for presence-based lighting control and at the same time contribute to energy savings by enabling demand-based control of lighting, heating and ventilation.”

For architects, one of the most important considerations in any project is to allow ‘freedom of design’ without being restricted by technology. B.E.G.’s ultra-slim sensors are “designed to disappear” and are so discreet that visitors will barely notice them according to Paul Jones, making it a perfect solution for SILT.

The optional remote control or B.E.G. One App can be used to activate numerous functions on the master device. Values such as the switch-on brightness and follow-up time can be changed easily and functions such as party switching can be activated simply and conveniently. The detection area can be extended by connecting PD11 slave detectors in the same discrete design.

Paul Jones said: “The SILT project represents everything we believe the future of architecture should be: sustainable, intelligent, and seamlessly integrated. It’s a visually stunning development that had extremely high demands when it came to both aesthetics and performance – and that’s where our KNX occupancy detectors really made a difference.

From day one, the goal for B.E.G. was to deliver a solution that supported the architects’ creative vision without compromising on energy efficiency, comfort, or safety. We’re proud that the B.E.G technology is now part of an iconic coastal landmark that not only looks extraordinary but operates smartly behind the scenes. SILT shows how intelligent building systems can enhance the visitor experience while dramatically reducing energy use – and that’s a win for everyone.”

SILT recently bagged the prestigious Chicago Athenaeum architecture award and Paul Jones says it is easy to see why: “It’s bold. It’s beautiful. It’s built to last. SILT is proof that the future of architecture is smart, sleek – and very, very stylish.”

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The top themes of Light + Building 2026 revealed https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/show-news/top-themes-of-light-building/ Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:16:21 +0000 https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/?p=40304 Architecture and technology are evolving worldwide – driven by digitalisation, urbanisation and the goal of climate neutrality. These forces are shaping how cities expand, how buildings are used, and how spaces are designed. From 8th to 13th March 2026, Light + Building in Frankfurt am Main will spotlight key future issues for the lighting and ...Read more

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Architecture and technology are evolving worldwide – driven by digitalisation, urbanisation and the goal of climate neutrality. These forces are shaping how cities expand, how buildings are used, and how spaces are designed. From 8th to 13th March 2026, Light + Building in Frankfurt am Main will spotlight key future issues for the lighting and building services technology sectors. Three top themes will set the agenda for the future of the built environment: “Sustainable Transformation”, “Smart Connectivity” and “Living Light”.

These three top themes reflect the key developments currently shaping the industry. They provide guidance in a dynamic market environment and highlight the technological, design-oriented and societal requirements that are shaping how we will build and live in the future. “Sustainable Transformation”, “Smart Connectivity” and “Living Light” define the central fields of action in lighting and building services technology – ranging from climate-friendly energy supply and digital connectivity to the atmospheric qualities of light. They illustrate how technological innovation, architectural design and system integration can come together to create holistic solutions.

As the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology, Light + Building 2026 brings together all the key stakeholders – creating space for inspiration, connection and innovation. In a highly dynamic market, it offers orientation, practical solutions and an interdisciplinary forum for future-ready planning, construction and living.

Steffen Larbig, Director Brand Management for Light + Building, describes the significance of the top themes for this international innovation meeting point: “We use them to focus attention on the developments shaping the lighting and building technology sectors today – and which will be essential tomorrow. As an international platform, we offer the industry a space for dialogue, direction and fresh impetus. Our aim is to connect professionals from architecture, planning, industry, the skilled trades, real estate and the public sector, to promote exchange and jointly open up new perspectives for the built future.”

A closer look at the three top themes reveals the key content and priorities that Light + Building 2026 will focus on:

Sustainable Transformation

Climate goals, resource responsibility and the energy transition in existing buildings are reshaping the demands placed on tomorrow’s architecture. Under the top theme “Sustainable Transformation”, Light + Building will present how architecture, technology and infrastructure can be brought together to form an energy-efficient whole. This includes systems and technologies for intelligent energy management and efficiency, solutions for the integration of renewable heat sources, as well as the potential of energy storage and smart grid interaction. Concepts for e-charging infrastructure and ecosystems will also be explored, with a focus on planning, load management and lighting design. Integrated urban development solutions that interlink energy, mobility and design form another essential part of this theme.

Smart Connectivity

Buildings are increasingly evolving into digital systems with numerous interfaces. The top theme “Smart Connectivity” demonstrates how intelligent technologies can boost efficiency in planning, operation and usage. This involves smart building infrastructure, IoT and AI in building management, as well as software solutions and digital workflows that simplify daily routines. It also includes BIM and digital twins that connect digital planning with real-life building operations. Cybersecurity and connected security solutions ensure the protection of digital systems, while system integration and predictive maintenance help enable resilient, sustainable building operation throughout the entire lifecycle.

Living Light

Light is more than illumination – it creates atmosphere, supports functionality, influences wellbeing and transforms spaces into immersive experiences. The top theme Living Light unites aesthetic, functional and technological perspectives, showing how light can be used to design and shape environments. It focuses on adaptive and human-centric lighting systems that respond to time of day, spatial use and individual needs, promoting wellbeing, orientation and productivity. The theme also encompasses high-quality lighting design and technology, the use of light to support health, and lighting solutions in public and retail environments – from streets and façades to targeted product displays. Outdoor lighting concepts for gardens, parks and pathways complement this. Additional impulses are provided by current design trends, materials and emotionally responsive lighting. Lighting solutions for flexible working environments – summarised under the concept of New Work – round off the theme.

The three top themes reflect the topics currently shaping the industry and those that will influence it in the future. At the same time, they provide the thematic framework for the extensive event programme of Light + Building 2026. Specialist lectures, guided tours, special presentations and panel discussions will address central issues, examine current developments in greater depth and promote interdisciplinary dialogue.

Image courtesy of Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Pietro Sutera.

 

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A new Pharos-controlled facade adds colour to Cardiff’s Central Quay https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/latest-news/pharos-controlled-facade-adds-colour-to-cardiffs-central-quay/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:19:02 +0000 https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/?p=40218 A brand-new car park facility in Cardiff is making a dramatic impact as night falls, thanks to an illuminated facade controlled by Pharos Architectural Controls. As a key part of the vibrant Central Quay development in Cardiff, the eight-story car park is immediately notable for its sleek and contemporary design. The facility boasts an enviable ...Read more

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A brand-new car park facility in Cardiff is making a dramatic impact as night falls, thanks to an illuminated facade controlled by Pharos Architectural Controls.

As a key part of the vibrant Central Quay development in Cardiff, the eight-story car park is immediately notable for its sleek and contemporary design. The facility boasts an enviable location, next to the central station. Offering spacious parking, electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle racks, the site supports effortless transitions between different modes of transport as well as Cardiff’s soon to be completed metro line.

A concept was created to illuminate the façade of the new facility, adding to the site’s appeal and making it visually striking during darker hours. The contractor for the project, Goldbeck Construction Ltd, partnered with leading LED lighting solutions provider, LITE, to specify and supply the technology to fulfil the design. The lighting needed to be fully programmable and colour controllable, so LITE turned to lighting controls specialists Pharos Architectural Controls, specifying solutions from their Designer range.

The LITE team selected a Pharos Designer LPC 4 (Lighting Playback Controller 4) as the ideal solution for the project, in conjunction with a 5G router for remote connectivity. A trusted partner of Pharos, LITE were able to specify the best technology for the installation, underpinned by a recognition of the reliability and unrivalled capability of the control solutions.

The installation is connected to Pharos Cloud, providing simple, secure remote lighting installation control and management, from any Internet-connected device, anytime, anywhere in the world.

The Designer LPC features individually controllable and independently running timelines and scenes. It offers the freedom of real-time manual overrides, with the versatility of powerful show control and integration features. With its compact form, robust construction and minimal power requirements, the LPC can be installed virtually anywhere

The LPC is controlling a high number of Studio Due luminaires – in total, 88 of the manufacturer’s RGBW Compactbar 150cm solution were used on the installation. Through the LPC, the lighting can be changed effortlessly from one colour to another, while multiple colours, patterns and arrays are also available at the touch of a button.

An on-site demonstration was carried out with the selected products part-way through the car park’s construction, at which the detailed definition and highlighting of the surface textures not only satisfied but exceeded the brief for all key stakeholders.

Ryan Sainsbury, Regional Sales Manager for UK & Northern Europe at Pharos Architectural Controls, said: “While it is easy to think of a car park simply as a functional facility, the vision for Central Quay’s development has seen beyond that. The lighting during darkness is a stunning addition to the area, bringing an array of colours that are incredibly visually appealing. The LPC is the ideal solution for a lighting project on this scale, so we are delighted our technology has been chosen to deliver these remarkable results.”

Paul Taylor, Director at LITE, added: “When exploring the brief for a fully programmable and colour controllable lighting system at the Central Quay car park, we immediately knew the LPC from Pharos Architectural Controls would deliver everything we needed. The power and versatility of the LPC never ceases to impress us. From its reliability to its custom web interfaces, compact form and minimal power requirements, we are always completely confident in specifying the Designer LPC to our clients.”

The result is clear for all to see – the visual effects champion the architecture, adding to the appeal of Cardiff as a place to live, work and visit even as darkness falls.

Contractor: GOLDBECK Construction Ltd.

Lighting Controls: Pharos Architectural Controls.

Lighting Solutions Provider: LITE.

Lighting Manufacturer: Studio Due.

Photography: Matt Cant.

 

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FortaCast hits the jackpot in Las Vegas: ‘Best in Show’ win at 2025 Lightfair Innovation Awards https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/awards/fortacast-hits-the-jackpot-in-las-vegas/ Fri, 09 May 2025 09:46:30 +0000 https://www.a1lightingmagazine.com/?p=40039 Organic Lighting is proud to announce that its patented FortaCast solution has been awarded the Overall Most Innovative Product and Best Outdoor Luminaire at the 2025 LFI Innovation Awards – a prestigious honours in the architectural and commercial lighting sectors. The judging panel were highly impressed, highlighting the solution was truly innovative and “original, unique ...Read more

The post FortaCast hits the jackpot in Las Vegas: ‘Best in Show’ win at 2025 Lightfair Innovation Awards appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

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Organic Lighting is proud to announce that its patented FortaCast solution has been awarded the Overall Most Innovative Product and Best Outdoor Luminaire at the 2025 LFI Innovation Awards – a prestigious honours in the architectural and commercial lighting sectors. The judging panel were highly impressed, highlighting the solution was truly innovative and “original, unique and application specific.”

FortaCast is a floodproof drive-over inground lighting system made of low-carbon, precast polymer concrete offering endless creative design possibilities. Inground lighting has traditionally been complex, inflexible and prone to failure due to water ingress. However, FortaCast simplifies the process of installation and solves all the problems associated with conventional inground lighting. It provides durability, performance, and cost effectiveness with design flexibility, delivering seamless, high-output illumination in even the most challenging environments.

Uniquely, FortaCast offers customisable designs, including curves, circles, squares, intersections and logos, alongside long, continuous light lines of light, expanding creative possibilities for public spaces, infrastructure, and architectural applications. Its innovative engineering and patented design allow up to 15-metres of encapsulated LED to slide in from a single point, making maintenance as simple as changing a lightbulb.

The judging panel included Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) member judges Raymond Janik and Alessio Urso as well as International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) member judges Stacie M. Dinwiddy and Florin Panlilio.

 

The post FortaCast hits the jackpot in Las Vegas: ‘Best in Show’ win at 2025 Lightfair Innovation Awards appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

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