Month: December 2024

UK, December 2024 – Acrospire collaborated with, Volker Highways and Bath &
North East Somerset Council to upgrade the lighting infrastructure along London
Road, a historic artery in Bath. Recognising the need to preserve the area’s Victorian
charm while enhancing energy efficiency, the project replaced inefficient SON and
SOX lamps with LED technology. Acrospire’s solution, the Holburne Heritage
Lanterns, not only met the technical requirements but also blended seamlessly with
Bath’s architectural heritage.

London Road, nestled in the heart of Bath, offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich
history and industrial past. Despite being overlooked by more tourist-centric areas,
London Road holds its own with quaint antique stores and a gritty, time-worn
ambience reminiscent of Victorian times.

Bath’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscored the importance of
preserving its architectural integrity, particularly when attempting to modernise the
city’s lighting. Bath & North East Somerset Council collaborated with Spiers and
Major to devise a lighting strategy that specified using light not only to create an
appropriate ambience after dark but also to help define the city’s overall character
and distinguish between different areas. This approach was applied to a recent
heritage lighting LED upgrade project along London Road.

Stephen Burrell, Principal Engineer Street Lighting, Highways Maintenance &
Drainage, Environmental Services, Bath & North East Somerset Council, comments,
“We had finished the upgrade of our functional streetlighting, which was quite
straightforward. However, when it came to our heritage lanterns, every location was
different, effectively making each project bespoke. We have about 400- 500 heritage
luminaires across the region and the upgrade from the designs to the installation at
each site has been unique.”

Acrospire developed new heritage lanterns specifically for the London Road project,
replacing the existing SON and SOX lamps with LED while retaining a classical
Victorian appearance. The new heritage lantern, named Holburne, takes its name
from the Holburne Museum, where the core of the present-day collection was
established by Sir Thomas William Holburne (1793–1874).

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and using locally sourced materials, these
lanterns embody the timeless elegance of Bath’s architectural heritage. Available in
two sizes, small and large, the Holburne lanterns boast a warm 3000K colour
temperature and precision optics to maintain the area’s classical charm while
directing light where needed.

The upgrade to LED technology resulted in energy savings while paying homage to
Bath’s cherished heritage status.
By introducing the Holburne heritage lanterns along London Road, the project
improved energy efficiency and contributed to the continued celebration of Bath’s
architectural characters and legacy.

Stephen says, “As cities strive to balance progress with heritage conservation,
initiatives like this serve as good examples of sustainable urban development. With
every project unique, what helps is working with a manufacturer like Acrospire, who
are always there to help, make suggestions and problem solve for each location.”

Illuminated in vibrant red and situated prominently on the corner of Plumstead High Street, the newly restored fire station lantern serves as a beacon from another time. Opened in 1907, Plumstead Fire Station remains a key architectural landmark set within the heart of the area’s high street. To protect the integrity of the historical building, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) commissioned William Sugg & Co to restore the lost fire station lantern with support from restoration charity, the Heritage of London Trust (HOLT).

The lantern restoration formed part of the London Fire Brigade’s larger regeneration project of the Grade II listed Edwardian fire station. Originally built for horse-drawn fire engines, the station required a new appliance bay to house its modern fire engines. The redevelopment created a finite window for the London Fire Brigade and Heritage of London Trust to also restore the lantern and restore its luminated exterior, once more.

From the Archives

With nearly 200 years of heritage lighting experience, William Sugg & Co was specified to fabricate the lantern by the London Fire Brigade with funding provided by HOLT, which works across 32 London boroughs and the City of London to rescue heritage at risk in underfunded areas. Without intervention, these historic buildings and monuments are in danger of permanent loss or decay. HOLT’s wider work surrounds the empowerment of the next generation through its ‘Proud Places’ programme, which engages the local youth community in conservation. The lantern was one of the key architectural features commissioned for Plumstead Fire Station, to bring the station back to its former glory.

Thought to be lost around the Second World War without a trace, the fire station lantern was recreated using archival imagery and similar lanterns scattered around London as a source. Using the historical images, the team designed a replica of the lantern that had disappeared in the mid-20th century with only its original iron-fixing straps left in place. Using architectural drawings supplied by Benedict O’Looney Architects, a practice specialising in conservation architecture, William Sugg & Co identified that the original lantern was based on a Windsor design. The team analysed existing Windsor designs and combined relevant elements to create an entirely bespoke 3D design. Each component was thoroughly considered to understand which could be made using existing Windsor components or tooling to reduce the cost and difficulty of manufacturing.

William Sugg & Co handcrafted draft models of the lantern and bracket parts to develop the assembly model, adjusting and reviewing until the lantern fit the architect’s specifications. The team created engineering drawings to carefully handcraft each component, including the copper frame, replacement bracketing and fitting for the bespoke engraved red glass, in line with the London Fire Brigade colour scheme. To keep it up to date with current standards and controls, the lantern was updated with LED lighting in place of gas, maintaining the atmospheric glow and flicker of original gas lighting with modern technology. Specified to be over a metre tall, the lantern is an impactful feature and reminder of its historical presence to guide the local community in times of need.

Restoring the Past

Throughout the lantern’s restoration process, HOLT brought local young people to the historic site to learn practical conservation skills and open their eyes to new lines of work. The enlightening programme shines a spotlight on specialist skills and trades by showcasing the restoration work of William Sugg & Co and other heritage crafts.

John Willans, Head of Projects at HOLT commented, “Through many years of careful stewardship by the London Fire Brigade, Plumstead Fire Station has survived as an architectural highlight of the high street. The lantern was an important feature that had been lost, and the wider renovation was a once in a lifetime moment to restore an element of Plumstead’s heritage. William Sugg & Co is an important name in the history of London’s built environment, so we knew the project was in safe hands. They carefully considered each step in the ten-week process and communicated with us throughout, showing us regular updates on the different stages until completion. The reinstated lantern is an eye-catching reminder of the fire station’s history and will contribute to the community’s sense of pride in place.”

A Fire Station Revived

The original Plumstead Fire Station was built during the revival of Christopher Wren and English Baroque architecture at the turn of the last century by the London County Council. One of more than 50 fire stations built across London between 1895 and 1925, many of these historic fire stations have been sold and refurbished. The empty site beside Plumstead Fire Station afforded a unique opportunity to build the new modern fire engine annexe, without disturbing the Grade II listed building. With the station well-documented by the city’s architects, the building and surrounding features could be restored by the detailed and considered work at Benedict O’Looney Architects. The team were eager to create a junction between the old and new, whilst celebrating the arts and crafts architectural features of the building and the prominent lantern.

Benedict O’Looney, Principal Architect, commented, “Plumstead Fire Station is the most prominent landmark in the town centre. It occupies a central corner side and the lantern, so beautifully made by William Sugg & Co, is that eye-catcher at the corner where two streets come together. It shows a determination to do the right thing with this important Grade II listed historic landmark and celebrate the importance of the fire brigade in both historic periods and in modern times.”

He continued, “The restoration of Plumstead Fire Station is an homage to one of the greatest times in London’s architecture. It’s amongst an unusual ensemble of 40 fire stations that respond to the different vernacular and urban settings that each is located in. Inventive, fresh, lovingly detailed and filled with visual interest, they are serious public landmarks in every neighbourhood. There’s a sense of optimism in creating art for the people through these buildings that are for everybody.”

A Beacon of Heritage

The restoration of the Plumstead Fire Station lantern and the wider project is a vivid reminder of the value of preserving history. Through a collaborative effort, the fire station now stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the past and the dedication to conserving it for future generations. The William Sugg & Co lantern restores a lost piece of local heritage and helps to rekindle the community’s pride in this architectural landmark. The project also highlights the importance of conserving history, offering a glimpse into London’s architectural heritage and lighting the way forward.

Visitors to this year’s LiGHT 24 exhibition, held on the 20th and 21st of November at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, received the unique opportunity to view the never-before-seen art installation ‘Intra-spectrum’ by artist Frankie Boyle, powered by leading architectural lighting manufacturer formalighting.

Frankie Boyle is a renowned experiential creative director and artist specialising in immersive and experiential design, with a profound focus on light and colour theory. With over a decade of experience in the event and lighting industries, she is recognised for crafting innovative installations and experiences that guide audiences through transformative emotional journeys.

This was Frankie’s first time creating an art installation for a trade show, and she shares the learning curves that came along with this project. Frankie says, “Intra-spectrum was artistically one of the most challenging installations I have ever created. This installation was about painting with light, like an artist that works with paint and canvas, you never know what the outcome is going to look like until you get there, this installation was no different. One of the biggest challenges when working with light is that clients will often want to know what the final piece is going to look like before an installation begins, but light interacts differently dependent on materials and space.

Frankie’s work revolves around human behaviours, and the exclusively created Intra-spectrum installation aimed to ignite and resurface memories and emotions as visitors moved through the space. Frankie says, “Our goal was to highlight the reflection and refraction of the light and how it made people feel, creating something for people to experience and enjoy, rather than focusing on the products themselves in contrast to the rest of the trade show. Light is a language that everyone speaks, on a subconscious level, and I get the most enjoyment from seeing the effects my installations have on people in person.

“It was an exciting challenge to bring together both architectural and entertainment lighting to provide a moment in time where people could stop and pause and feel peace and tranquillity within an overstimulating space of the trade show. The installation ignites your inner light, taking you on both a physical and emotional journey.”

To create the kaleidoscope of vibrant colours and reflections in this artwork, Frankie used dichroic film, a material that exhibits different colours when viewed from different angles, creating a colour-shifting effect. The lighting products provided by formalighting were the brand’s Moto Zero and Cobra luminaires, which provided incredible CRI to bring out the rich colour palette at work. The lighting was Casambi-controlled to create panning spots and soft movement that emulated the natural flow of water.

Sustainability was also at the forefront of this project, with the art installation designed to be reusable. Since the exhibition, the material has been disassembled and transported to Barts Health NHS Trust, a group of hospitals which provide vital services to over 2.5 million people in east London and beyond, to create bespoke artwork for the hospital to promote patient healing.

Frankie adds, “As a neurodivergent individual, sensory spaces were integral to my development, and I am proud that Intra-spectrum can be reused and rebuilt to provide sensory experiences to patients in hospital to support their wellbeing. It is an amazing continuation of the story of the installation to help people in the community while being sympathetic to the planet.”

Naostage new KRATOS 1.7 tracking and show control software boasts full support for PosiStageNet, further boosting the potential applications of its award winning and industry-first beaconless tracking solution, K SYSTEM.

PosiStageNet (PSN) is an open standard for live, on-stage 3D position data. Co-developed by MA Lighting (of grandMA console fame), the PSN protocol facilitates the easy transmission of tracking information between servers, such as K SYSTEM’s AI-powered KORE computing unit, and hardware systems including lighting and sound desks.

The v1.7 update to KRATOS adds support for incoming PSN signals, allowing users of older-style tracking systems, such as physical ultra-wideband (UWB) tracking beacons, to also take advantage of the superior precision offered by Naostage’s beaconless K SYSTEM solution. Now, when the KORE server receives a PosiStageNet input (for example, from an UWB beacon), it will combine this with the highly accurate location data provided by K SYSTEM – whose KAPTA sensor uses multiple multi-spectral cameras to scan the stage in real time – offering the best of both worlds to technicians already invested in less precise beacon-based systems.

KRATOS 1.7, with its full support for the PSN protocol, will also able to fully automate the process of tracking people on stage, with no human intervention needed to assign a detected performer to a given output.

“By adding support for PosiStageNet, and the ability to accept identities from other tracking systems, Naostage confirms its commitment to the ongoing development of K SYSTEM – already the most advanced tracking solution on the market – making our patented beaconless tracking technology accessible to even more professionals”, comments Alexis Reymond, sales director at Naostage.

KRATOS – available as a free download from the Naostage website – is the centrepiece of Naostage’s K SYSTEM, allowing users to manage automations and output tracking data in real time to any third-party AVL system. The software allows users to design their own stage, set up zones to automate AV and lighting effects in sync with tracked targets, set up modules to send and receive the position of targets, send any other useful information and commands to third-party systems, and script actions to automate a show.

“PSN integration in KRATOS v1.7 is one of many improvements in this latest software version, which also includes a skeleton recognition preview. We look forward to presenting all these advantages at the coming ISE show (4-7 February 2025 in Barcelona) on our ISE 2025 visitors on our stand #6L900”, concludes Reymond.

Renowned UAE-based lighting designers, Studio Lumen, has recently expanded its team to include new lighting designers. This increase in the team reflects the growth of the business, having secured a significant number of new clients and projects.

Joining the Dubai team are Priyanka Viegas who has joined as an Intermediate Lighting Designer, and Poonam Mehta as Senior Lighting Designer. Danish Sayed has bolstered the team at the Studio Lumen Kochi office, in India, having joined as an Associate.

Priyanka Viegas’ background is in interior design and visualisation, and after moving to Dubai she became involved in the lighting industry. She recognised that this blended all of her interests. Priyanka became aware of Studio Lumen having seen the team’s work at various lighting events. When looking for a new job, she connected with Studio Lumen Partner Siddharth Mathur who offered her the role of Intermediate Lighting Designer.

As a new addition to the team, Priyanka is working on a number of projects that are in the conceptual stage. “What I find more rewarding is the level of detail and attention each project receives, along with the coordination with other disciplines,” she said. “This collaborative effort ensures that our concepts are progressing in the right direction.”

Senior Lighting Designer Poonam Mehta joined Studio Lumen as recently as last month. As a graduate in Product Design, she developed a keen interest in luminaire design, which led to her pursuing a career in lighting design. After working in Australia for nearly a decade, she decided it was time for a new opportunity.

“Having admired Studio Lumen throughout my career, securing a role with the team felt like a natural next step in my career,” she said. “The studio’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries through its independent, concept-driven approach really sets them apart in the industry.”

Completing this trio of new joiners, Associate Danish Sayed brings a wealth of experience from the lighting sector. His interest in the industry began when he recognised the effort and creativity required for a landscape lighting project, which led him to explore architectural lighting and pursue a career in this field.

Danish has already made an impact on Studio Lumen’s clients, including his work on a Polo equestrian lighting project. “It was interesting to understand how horses perceive lighting, and gain more insight into equestrian lighting,” he said. “The project was multifaceted, bringing together lighting for stables, polo fields, escarpments, and public realm, which gave me exposure to a number of new areas.” It was Studio Lumen’s projects that drew Danish to want to become part of the team. “The projects show such a personal touch and careful curation,” he explained. “We really go with a new approach to a new project. There is no recycling, but rather a bit of upcycling in design. We treat each project very personally right from ideation till the final coordination and handover. This sets us apart from the industry as we offer more of a handcrafted experience and less of an assembly line situation.”

The expansion of the team has allowed the lighting design studio to increase its capacity, enabling more client projects to be worked on simultaneously. The new members of the team have also brought their own skills and knowledge, which broadens the capabilities of the studio and supports a more holistic approach to lighting design.

Siddharth Mathur, Partner at Studio Lumen said: “It is wonderful to have three new members of the Studio Lumen family, each bringing their own expertise and experience to create a richer understanding of lighting design for our studio. This in turn will benefit our clients, allowing us to work on more projects, but also draw in the skills from across our talented team.”

Thorn Lighting is delighted to announce that its Spennymoor factory has been
awarded the Sustainable Manufacturing Award at The Manufacturer MX Awards
2024. This accolade celebrates Thorn’s innovative approach to sustainability,
showcasing its ability to integrate environmental responsibility into every aspect of
operations.

Presented at the prestigious gala ceremony at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool, the
award highlights Thorn Lighting’s leadership in creating tangible environmental and
operational benefits. The Spennymoor factory achieved remarkable milestones,
including a 1.3 million kWh reduction in energy consumption between FY21/22 and
FY22/23, a 50% decrease in water usage since March 2021, and a projected
900,000 kWh reduction in gas usage through upcoming optimisations to the paint
plant.

Asif Moghal, Director, D&M Market & Industry Development, Autodesk from the
judging panel commented, "It was a pleasure to visit Thorn Lighting and witness the
impressive strides they are making to embed sustainability throughout their
operations. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by the teams during our visit
highlighted a business-wide commitment to sustainability, where innovative ideas
are celebrated and actively contribute to their success.

Thorn Lighting exemplifies how strong leadership for sustainability, combined with
effective project management, can deliver tangible actions and measurable results.
The introduction of their new software system for monitoring utilisation and
enhancing safety was particularly noteworthy and demonstrated a forward-thinking
approach to both operational efficiency and employee wellbeing."

Mark Helm, Quality Assurance & Lean Six Sigma Manager at Thorn Lighting’s
Spennymoor plant, expressed his pride in the achievement:
"This award is a reflection of the dedication and innovation of our team at
Spennymoor. Sustainability is woven into everything we do, from cutting energy
consumption to designing environmentally conscious products. It’s fantastic to see
these efforts recognised on such a prestigious stage."
Saurabh Pandhi Vice President – Thorn Lighting, emphasised the significance of this
recognition:

“It showcases the dedication of the entire team at Spennymoor and their ability to
turn ambitious sustainability goals into tangible results. Achievements like this not
only strengthen our reputation as a leader in sustainable manufacturing but also
motivate us to keep driving progress for the benefit of our customers, communities,
and the environment."

Paul Kilburn, Managing Director at Thorn & Zumtobel UK & Ireland, added:
"Winning the Sustainable Manufacturing Award is a proud moment for everyone at
Thorn Lighting and the Zumtobel Group. This recognition reflects the innovative
spirit and collective effort of our teams, who are driving meaningful change in how
we approach sustainability. The Spennymoor factory stands as a beacon of what
can be achieved when sustainability is fully integrated into a business’s operations
and culture. We remain committed to leading the industry with solutions that not only
meet today’s challenges but help build a more sustainable future for generations to
come."

As they strive towards net-zero, Thorn Lighting’s sustainability journey continues
with ambitious plans, including introducing a rainwater harvesting system to reduce
water usage further, enhancements to the paint plant to cut gas consumption by
15%, and investments in advanced waste management systems to minimise
hazardous waste by 90%.

This award also provides customers with the assurance they need in today’s
climate, affirming that they are partnering with a producer fully committed to
sustainability and aligned with global environmental priorities.

The Manufacturer MX Awards, delivered in partnership with the Institution of
Mechanical Engineers, is the UK’s premier celebration of manufacturing excellence.
With rigorous evaluation processes and peer-reviewed criteria, the awards
recognise the exceptional achievements of companies setting benchmarks in
innovation, sustainability, and industry leadership.

The gare de péage de Vienne-Reventin, situated on the A7 motorway south of Lyon
and the largest toll plaza in western Europe, has undergone a significant lighting
upgrade. CU Phosco, in partnership with French distributor LEDENCO, replaced
outdated HPS luminaires with state-of-the-art LED floodlights. This upgrade aimed to
boost energy efficiency while maintaining optimal visibility and minimising glare for
drivers.

The Vienne-Reventin toll plaza is a pivotal infrastructure on the A7 autoroute, often
referred to as the “Autoroute du Soleil”. It is part of the highways network operated
by ASF (Autoroutes Sud de la France), part of Vinci Autoroutes, the largest highways
concessionarie in France. This location is crucial for motorists travelling between
Lyon and Marseille. The A7, renowned for its scenic views of vineyards and lavender
fields, is a key component of the European road network.

ASF aimed to transition from high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights to high mast LED
lighting technology to achieve significant energy and cost savings. The challenge
was to design a high mast lighting solution that met stringent specifications for light
levels and uniformity in critical areas while also reducing glare for drivers
approaching and exiting the toll plaza. Additionally, the solution had to address the
needs of residential areas and the picturesque landscape surrounding the toll
booths, minimising light pollution.

In collaboration with LEDENCO, CU Phosco developed a tailored high mast lighting
solution for the Péage de Vienne toll plaza. The installation included:
– 67 FL810-1 high mast floodlights
– 4 FL810-2 high mast floodlights
– 9 FL800R-1 high mast floodlights

Local contractor REEL Méditerranée carried out the installation. The FL810 high
mast floodlight, known for its low-glare design, was chosen to minimise glare and
control light distribution. Its fully cowled, full-cut-off design with a front visor
effectively limits unwanted light spill and glare.

The FL810 high mast floodlight meets stringent luminance and visibility standards,
ensuring safe and efficient operations at the toll plaza. Its dark-sky-friendly features
minimise environmental impact and preserve the natural nightscape by reducing light
pollution.

The new high mast LED lighting system successfully addressed all project
requirements, providing bright and safe illumination for toll operations while
minimising light spill into residential areas and protecting the surrounding natural
beauty. The advanced optics of the FL810 high mast luminaires significantly reduced
glare and light pollution, aligning with ASF's environmental and operational goals.

Christophe Liffraid, President of LEDENCO, commented, "Collaborating with CU
Phosco is always a positive experience. They go beyond providing lighting products
to ensure the most suitable solution for our clients. CU Phosco's commitment to high
standards, minimising environmental impact, and state-of-the-art optics perfectly
aligns with our values, making every partnership successful."

For more information on CU Phosco’s high mast lighting solutions please visit:
https://www.cuphosco.com/products/category/high-mast-lighting

Val Thorens’ renowned nightclub, Malaysia, has undergone a spectacular €2.5 million transformation to become Malaysia 2.0, all thanks to video installation overhaul featuring SMODE’s real-time compositing and media server platform. This upgrade has slalomed the iconic venue into a next-level sensory experience, offering ski resort visitors a club experience like never before.

Perched at an altitude of 2,310m, The Malaysia club, established by Jean-Pierre Roux in 1985, is open seven days a week for the entire winter season. Dubbed the biggest dance floor in the Alps, it attracts around 700,000 people per season, hosting over 2,000 partygoers every night for live concerts and DJ sets. After almost four decades, the venue needed a “facelift” to create a unique identity using digital art to stand out in the après-ski scene.

The transformation of Malaysia, spearheaded by the integrator Kinesik, involved developing a complete 3D model of the club to simulate the layout of the LED screens and the flow of visuals. SMODE video operator at Club Malaysia, Jessy Laurent, explains: “SMODE played an important role in identifying all surfaces before and during the integration of the LED screens.” Laurent collaborated closely with Erwan Tehel, product specialist at Smode Tech and Armand Béraud and Martin Hance from Salut la Compagnie, who led the project’s design before the installation. Throughout the project, Erinn Guillon, from Positive Films as well as Julien Bedane and Tarik el Maarouf, who were responsible for technical direction, played a vital role in coordinating with Alexandre Buge, CTO at Smode Tech, ensuring smooth execution of the entire project.

The 3D model, which was worked on with virtual headsets, enabled precise planning and mapping, making the complex process of screen positioning and content synchronisation easier. The SMODE media server’s support for 3D environments, including modelling, texturing and mapping, proved ideal for creating a virtual set for the nightclub. Laurent highlights the importance of the 3D stage environments in projects like Malaysia: “It saves valuable time during setup and encoding stages, allowing external devices to be methodically organised within SMODE’s hierarchy, making it easy to locate elements at any time.” The creation and modification of generative elements are quick and efficient, even during a short DJ residency.

From the moment guests step into the 1000sqm festive chalet, they are greeted with LED panels covering the ceiling, walls and pillars, creating an immersive atmosphere where stunning visuals move and change with the music. Smode Tech’s SMODE media server is the brain behind the operation, ensuring visuals are always in sync with the high-energy music coming from the club’s sound system. The lighting effects are subtle and perceptible, never ostentatious and immersion is fully realised in certain scenes, making the venue unique and timeless.

SMODE’s real-time capabilities shine during live performances. The media server enables Malaysia’s operators to tweak media content dynamically, responding to the audience’s energy as the night progresses. “SMODE manages generative graphic content adapted in real-time for dynamic effects,” explains Laurent. He also adds that one of the reasons the team chose SMODE because of the “incredible” creative control: “The ability to adjust visuals on-the-fly is essential for a nightclub, where the atmosphere is constantly changing and SMODE allows us to capture that energy and play off it, creating a truly immersive experience.”

Colour palettes, strobes and other visual elements are synchronised with the GrandMA console to deliver dynamic effects. All media is displayed on a Streamdeck using real-time screenshots, while XTouch controller manages dynamic VJ effects. Both are adjusted in real-time to match the BPM (beats per minute). SMODE handles generative graphic content, ensuring adaptability — crucial in a nightclub setting, where no two nights are the same and the mood can change in an instant.

To achieve this integration, the installation prioritised simplicity and reliability. The SMODE interface was designed to be “plug-and-play” and “start-and-stop,” reducing the need for deep technical knowledge and allowing the club’s creative team to focus on the experience. Laurent says: “DJs and VJs are already familiar with the basics of visual operation, so they require minimal training.”

The technical setup at the nightclub is a combination of Behringer MIDI console and Streamdeck offering intuitive control. Four 4K video streams generated from SMODE are connected to Novastar H0 interface with eight inputs, ensuring seamless distribution throughout the venue. Located on one side of the room, about ten metres from the stage, the control room, where the main and backup SMODE servers guarantee uninterrupted performance, is equipped to manage video, lighting and sound for live bands.

A dedicated NUC PC running SMODE Compose is linked to the media servers, managing the technical workflow, including handling SMODE’s layer hierarchy and communication between the servers via SMODENet. “This setup enables Kinesik, Smode Tech and Positive Film’s (production) creative teams to use desktop SMODE layers for real-time adjustments and direct control over the visuals,” Laurent explains.

According to the owner, the installation has completely changed the atmosphere, with the visuals grabbing the clubbers’ attention because they are curious about what plays on the screens next and they are staying longer in the club than before.

With the new ski season about to begin, the team is already experimenting with more complex 3D effects and creative visuals to keep things fresh. “We’re always tweaking and learning,” concludes Laurent. With SMODE’s media server powering the dynamic visuals, the venue has become a must-visit destination for the after-ski crowd.

Picture credit: ©Positive Films – Erinn Lotthé Guillon

British exterior lighting manufacturer, Acrospire, is proud to announce the launch of a new state-of-the-art, twin-amber hazard warning lightdesigned specifically to enhance safety around school environments.

As children across the UK return to school, research* from leading road safety charity, Brake, highlights that as many as 64% of schools do not have 20mph speed limits on all roads nearby, leaving many parents too afraid to walk their children to school because of busy, fast-moving traffic.
Twin-amber hazard warning lights are a vital part of the solution.

In response to these concerns, Acrospire is proud to introduce the aGlow Road Safety Light – a twin-amber IoT hazard warning light designed to meet TSRGD standards and enhance safety around schools. With its durable, vandal-resistant design and smart-control options, aGlow provides a reliable visual signal to alert drivers and protect vulnerable road users.

Speed Kills: Reducing Speed Saves Lives

Reducing speed around schools is critical; a crash at 30mph has twice the kinetic energy of one at 20mph. aGlow’s bright amber lights serve as a clear reminder for drivers to slow down and stay alert, helping to prevent accidents before they happen.
The aGlow Road Safety Light is engineered with a vandal-resistant design and features a slim profile housing two 48-LED clusters. The device’s construction includes a 5mm black ABS body and a 4mm UV-stabilised lens, ensuring long- lasting durability and resistance to environmental damage.

Smart, Efficient, and Secure

Equipped with a highly accurate Real-Time Clock (RTC) and advanced calendar and
CRON scheduling, the aGlow Road Safety Light offers precise control over lighting
schedules. Its low power consumption, <5W, ensures energy efficiency whether
powered by solar panels or mains electricity.

aGlow also incorporates secure two-factor user authentication and authorisation,
making it one of the safest options for public safety lighting. It supports various
control methods, including a key-operated activation via Bluetooth App and the
SimpleSwitch Wand option, providing users with flexible and secure control options.

Advanced IoT Connectivity

A standout feature of the aGlow Road Safety Light is its IoT connectivity, enabling real-time fault monitoring, event logging, and smart control through MQTT, REST, and SMS integration. The device supports multiple communication protocols, including NFC, Bluetooth, 4/5G LTE, and NB-IoT, ensuring seamless connectivity for monitoring and management. It also features GPS/GLONASS/QZSS/Galileo/L1
location services and is equipped with a high-performance antenna that supports various IoT standards.

Easy Installation and Versatility

Designed for ease of installation, the aGlow light can be pole-mounted (with poles sold separately) and offers convenient access through a hinged front panel with anti- vandal fixings.

Certifications and Compliance

The aGlow Road Safety Light is certified under Elexon Unmetered CMS and meets
rigorous standards for safety and performance, including IK10 and IP65 ratings,
ensuring it withstands harsh outdoor conditions.

The Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting (ICEL) is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference, following the incredibly successful events in 2023 and 2024. Mark your calendars for Thursday, 11th September 2025, as we once again bring together key stakeholders from across the emergency lighting industry.

Curated by ICEL, this conference is the event for emergency lighting professionals, designed to deliver valuable insights and expertise. Attendees will have access to expert speakers addressing critical topics, including; your responsibilities, legislative updates, and future strategies.

Presentations throughout the day will provide actionable knowledge, and the tools to stay ahead of the latest advancements in emergency lighting.

With dedicated networking sessions, the conference is an excellent platform to engage with industry professionals, manufacturers, and other influential stakeholders. Forge partnerships, exchange ideas, and explore business opportunities to drive success in your endeavours.

The 2024 conference was met with incredible praise from attendees:

“Thank you for an excellent day yesterday. The hard work was evident, and it was a really informative day.” – Victoria Sadler, CPW
“Well done those at the ICEL conference for Emergency Lighting.” – Brendon Airey, Light Projects
“A great day with the Lighting Industry Association (The LIA) at the ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference.” – Jamie Brown, Sealite UK
“Excellent work everyone. Really enjoyed seeing it all ‘come alive.’” – Emma Williams, E Williams Projects

Admission to the ICEL Emergency Lighting Conference 2025 is free of charge, thanks to the generous sponsorship of emergency lighting manufacturers. However, due to high demand and venue capacity, registration does not guarantee attendance. A selection process will ensure a balanced mix of industry representation. Confirmations will be sent in August 2025 to those who register their interest.

To register your interest, complete this form: https://www.thelia.org.uk/member-services/events/icel-emergency-lighting-conference/register-to-attend.html

Exhibitor and sponsorship packages are available for those looking to showcase their latest emergency lighting solutions. To explore these opportunities, please contact icelconference@thelia.org.uk.

Join us at the Cavendish Conference Hall, London, on Thursday, 11th September 2025, and be part of shaping the future of emergency lighting.

We look forward to welcoming you to another exceptional event!