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industry updates

Ansell Reveals All-New Aztec Range

Setting a new standard in durability and performance, Ansell Lighting has unveiled a series of new upgrades to its popular Aztec floodlighting range.

Now manufactured from marine-grade aluminium as standard, every product in the Aztec range has been designed to deliver superior corrosion resistance and is ideal for use in swimming pool areas, chemical plants, coastal and other adverse weather environments.

In addition to upgrading its robust construction, Ansell Lighting has made several other significant upgrades to the Aztec range, which features models with both asymmetrical and symmetrical beams.
The first is that energy efficiency has been vastly improved, with all products now delivering a market-leading180 lm/W, making it one of the most efficient floodlights available on the market.
All Aztec floodlights are now also CCT selectable as standard, providing users with the flexibility to change colour temperature as needed; this includes the addition of a 3000K option that offers a warm white hue which is kinder to the natural environment.

Photocell functionality has also been integrated into every product as a standard feature, providing efficient and automatic control based on natural, ambient light levels.

Ansell Lighting has also revised the design of all Aztec products to help streamline the installation process. Supplied pre-wired, it now features loop-in loop-out terminals and a hinged, screwless front, allowing easy access to internal wiring and switches for quicker installation in all applications.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting said: “We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the demands of our customers. With these upgrades to the Aztec range, we are ensuring that our products not only meet the highest standards of durability but also offer unparalleled efficiency and flexibility for application in a variety of different environments.”

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Pharos adds dynamic element to new transport link bridge in Sydney

Sydney Gateway Twin Arch Bridge, Sydney, Australia

A new bridge in the Australian city of Sydney has become a captivating landmark through the use of dynamic lighting, controlled by a system from lighting control specialists Pharos Architectural Controls.

The Sydney Gateway Twin Arch Bridge is a new and vital transport link, connecting the suburb of St Peters and surrounding areas with Sydney Airport. This has improved the connectivity and accessibility of the area, making it easier for those travelling to and from the airport.

While the bridge is providing an important function, it has become a visually stunning element of the built environment through the addition of colourful and dynamic lighting. This effect has been achieved with the specification of Coloon’s Spectrum RGBW IP, controlled by a number of solutions from Pharos.

The Pharos system is creating a mesmerising kaleidoscope of colours, displayed with smooth colour-changing transitions illuminating the underside of the imposing archways of the bridge. A spectrum of richly intense hues are visible on the bridge, bringing delight and levity for commuters to enjoy. The lighting design was created as a partnership between Arcadis and Aecom who joined forces to bring the structure to life.

A four-universe Pharos Designer LPC 4 (Lighting Playback Controller 4) controller is working in harmony with a five-inch Designer TPS 5 (Touch Panel Station 5) touchscreen to deliver the control elements of the lighting scheme. A Pharos Expert Switch – a one-in-four-out, unmanaged Ethernet switch that has four PoE-enabled output ports to provide simple power and data distribution – completes the system.

The LPC is an award-winning, all-in-one DIN-rail mounted DMX lighting control solution for LED lighting installations and themed entertainment. It 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 a compact form and minimal power requirements, the LPC can be installed virtually anywhere.

The TPS offers an elegant interface with a customisable, capacitive touch screen, compatible with any Pharos Designer controller. With a unique and innovative universal mounting solution, the TPS is easy to wall mount into any installation.

A customised web interface allows for personnel from Transport Management Centre (TMC) of Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to trigger the lighting shows remotely, via fibre link.

The lighting shows were designed by Coolon, and feature 14 colour presets that adhere to regulations set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and TfNSW. Each show is 10 minutes long, with a 2-minute fade transition between sequences to ensure smooth visual changes.

Adding to these preset shows, Coolon programmed extra scenes and shows that could be manually triggered from the Traffic Management Centre (TMC). An additional 25 distinct scenes were created to mark various special occasions throughout the year, such as Australia Day, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, R U OK Day, Breast Cancer Awareness Day and many more.

These special scenes not only enhance the bridge’s visual appeal, they also allow for meaningful and sympathetic displays that mark significant events and help to raise awareness of important causes. The ability to manually trigger these scenes from the TMC ensures flexibility and timely responsiveness to various events, allowing the bridge play an important cultural and societal role, both locally and internationally.

To enhance the functionality and responsiveness of the lighting system, Coolon implemented an astronomical clock to automate the triggering of scenes. This feature ensures that shows are activated at different times of the year based on seasonal requirements, providing a dynamic and adaptable lighting display that aligns with natural changes in daylight and seasonal conditions.

The colours illuminating the bridge are uniform in appearance, thanks to Spectrum’s quad-chip LED that allows precise colour mixing to occur in each diode.

Tony Symms, Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific at Pharos Architectural Controls said: “The Gateway Twin Arch Bridge in Sydney is an impressive structure, with imposing arches and a huge footprint. Offering a new level of connectivity between busy areas of the city, it has been very welcome by residents and visitors.

“The decision to make the bridge more iconic and a notable landmark is very positive. Through the use of a Pharos system, the bridge offers great visual appeal with stunning aesthetics. The variety of colours and different scenes mean there is always something new to see, alongside the event lighting that can be utilised, as and when required, to align with calendar events.”

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Pharos brings dynamic colour to Rainbow Bay

Awaken Residences Rainbow Bay, Queensland, Australia

An exclusive new residential development in Queensland, Australia, has become a visual marvel thanks to illuminated artworks controlled by Pharos Architectural Controls.

Awaken Residences in Rainbow Bay is a collection of nine luxury apartments, the second of a trilogy of residential projects by S&S Group on the southern Gold Coast. The lavish living accommodation offers eight full-floor apartments and one two-storey penthouse.
All deliver stunning panoramic views, opulent interiors and exceptional dining options located on the ground floor of the development.

An important part of the design and architecture of the residential project is the striking artwork that adorns the building. This installation, which during darker hours creates an immersive atmosphere, was created by artist Lindy Lee in collaboration with
S&S Group and UAP and pays tribute to the Southern Gold Coast. To enhance the façade’s visual impact, dynamic lighting has been integrated, made possible through the specification of a system from Pharos.

Pharos technologies were selected and supplied by integrated solutions provider, bluebottle, who also specified and provided a number of luminaires from Coolon LED Lighting. A Pharos Designer LPC 1 (Lighting Playback Controller 1) is working in harmony with
Coolon’s DMX self-addressing technology which is integral in the ARIA luminaire. Bringing these together made commissioning a simple process and provided more than enough capacity and functionality to deliver both the static and dynamic colour change requirements
of the site.

Featuring individually controllable and independently running timelines and scenes, the compact Designer LPC 1 offers the ability to build dynamic, precise and fully bespoke pre-programmed lighting effects. The controller provides the added benefit of real-time
manual overrides.

Offering a holistic solution, the system is also utilising Pharos Cloud, enabling the end-user to manage, schedule, and trigger lighting shows as required. The award-winning Pharos Cloud offers simple, secure remote lighting installation control and management,
from any Internet-connected device, anytime, anywhere in the world.

Together the ARIA RGBW luminaires and the Pharos solution adorn the Awaken Residence façade in a spectrum of dynamic and alluring colours, enhancing the artwork through the use of vibrant hues and effects.

Tony Symms, Regional Sales Manager Asia Pacific at Pharos Architectural Controls said: “Awaken Residences is a truly luxurious collection of homes, located in a beautiful spot overlooking the ocean. The eleven-storey artwork created by Lindy Lee is a visual
feat, adding to the appeal and captivating architecture of the new residences. The decision to illuminate it during darker hours has made it even more attractive and means it can be appreciated well into the night.

“Pharos is delighted to be part of the project, and to see our technology bring Lindy’s artwork to life. Given it celebrates the local area, it’s even more important that it can be seen from further afield, something our technologies have made possible.”

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Smith Dixon and Associates (SDA) Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Product and industrial design consultancy, Smith Dixon and Associates (SDA), are marking 10 successful years in business. Since its inception, the firm has delivered over 500 projects worldwide, establishing itself as a trusted partner in the design and development of innovative luminaires across diverse industries.

SDA’s portfolio showcases a remarkable range of projects across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The consultancy has designed luminaires for a variety of settings, from churches and historic buildings to private residences, schools, factories, and even Formula 1 environments. Notable installations include public institutions such as parliaments and advanced research facilities, illustrating the breadth and impact of SDA’s work.

Having developed a diverse range of luminaires, SDA has expertise and experience of solutions ranging from 50 lumen night lights to 70,000 lumen high bays. The designs of these involve a wide variety of production methods such as die casted aluminium, blown glass, injection moulded polymers, machined brass, laser cut steel, and spun aluminium.

Reflecting on the milestone, SDA Managing Director, Lewis Smith, said: “It’s been a fantastic decade since we founded SDA. The breadth of projects we’ve supported worldwide across such varied sectors is a testament to our dedication and expertise.

“SDA has survived seven different British Prime Ministers, Brexit and a global pandemic, so we’re confident in our abilities to weather any storms that may come our way.”

As expert product designers, SDA consider all elements of lighting, providing for current demands while planning for future needs. They continue to push boundaries, delivering cutting-edge solutions that provide lasting value to clients around the globe.
For more information about Smith Dixon and Associates and their services, visit https://www.smithdixonassociates.co.uk/.

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Light Forms Collaborates with Crown Paints to Bring Light to the Liz Hickson Academy

Crown Paints has opened the Liz Hickson Academy, a vibrant and functional addition to its historic headquarters in Darwen, Lancashire. The Academy is a creative and inspiring hub where employees can come together to learn, relax, and socialise. The space is divided into two distinctly designed areas – The Hangout and The Hideaway – each with a unique aesthetic for different activities.

As a partner of Material Source, Crown Paints collaborated with a range of partners from Material Source Studio to bring the design to life, including specifying luminaires from Light Forms.

The Hangout space is designed for socialising and fun, reflected in its bold colour palettes and vibrant furnishings. Large sofas in cosy fabrics encourage interaction and are the perfect host for movie screenings, accompanied by cosy alcove seating for intimate conversations or playing board games.

Crown Paints and Light Forms worked together closely to blend a colour palette and lighting scheme which introduced a joyful energy into the space. Warm colours are enhanced by the fun lighting, tying the design together through playfully shaped fixtures and colours. This includes the Moonband 60, suspended circular MoonRings, and the suspended linear Lightplane 2.5.

In contrast, The Hideaway is centred around a biophilic design made from sustainably-conscious materials. This serene, nature-inspired environment supports wellbeing and relaxation. Natural wood finishes, trees and air-purifying plants provide quiet, intimate areas that are a sanctuary in the workplace.

Crown Paints’ Clean Air paint in earthy tones such as green reflect the brand’s commitment to creativity and sustainability, while Nova Track Spot luminaires from Light Forms accentuate this relaxing mood by setting ambient illumination through dimming lighting controls and tranquil colour changes.

Paul Shoosmith, Director at Light Forms said, “It was a joy to collaborate with our partners at Material Source and Crown Paints on this exciting project. We have an excellent working relationship which allows us to collaborate creatively to bring together the interior design, colours, and furnishings in harmony with the lighting design to accentuate the overall aesthetics of each space. The Academy is a fun place for staff to socialise and meet up, as well as taking time to relax and unwind to improve their wellbeing.”

Project credits:

Client – Crown Paints

Interior Design – Material Source Studio

Lighting – Light Forms

Photography – Hayley Lightfoot

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Catellani & Smith wins the 2024 Good Design Awards with the sculpture-like Ensō lamp

Ensō, which has already earned industry honours, has now secured the prestigious 2024 Good Design Award, one of the longest-standing and most prestigious accolades in the field of international design, bestowed by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.

This recognition highlights Catellani & Smith’s commitment in creating lighting pieces that blend elegant design, artisanal craftsmanship, and technological innovation.

Judged by a panel of prominent experts in the field, Ensō stood out for its design quality, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

The lamp takes inspiration from the ancient art of Japanese calligraphy, where a single, fluid gesture creates an “imperfectly perfect circle” that springs from a gentle movement of the hand. This spontaneous motion is transferred in Ensō’s design, whose starting point appears to be infused with ink, gradually fading until it reached the end of its execution, leaving the circle unfinished.

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Ansell Adds Trinity to Linear Range

Engineered to deliver exceptional versatility and reliability, Ansell Lighting has unveiled Trinity, the latest addition to its leading range of linear lights.

Ideal for education and healthcare settings, Trinity is a high quality, high performance, UGR<19 rated linear, that can be used to create comfortable, visually pleasing environments that support learning, enhance focus, and promote health and recovery. Featuring a high-transmittance polycarbonate diffuser to ensure superior light uniformity, Trinity is also CCT and wattage selectable, enabling users to customise lighting output for their specific needs. Additional options including Switch Dim, DALI Dimming, Analogue Dimming, Corridor Function, Microwave Sensor and Emergency functionality are also available for enhanced flexibility and control. Available in both 1200mm and 1500mm lengths, Trinity suits rooms of various sizes and is both suspension and surface mountable (via BESA box), making it ideal for projects requiring consistent lighting across different ceiling types. Designed for effortless installation, Trinity also features piano-key and push-fit terminals, along with retractable, lockable end caps to ensure secure electrical connections. These end caps also protect internal components, adding waterproof, dustproof, and tamper-proof layers for greater durability and reliability. Trinity is backed by a five-year warranty Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, commented: "Trinity is the most comprehensively adaptable linear fitting on the market. Built with functionality and safety in mind, it combines high performance with user-friendly installation, making it an ideal choice for environments where comfort, safety, and durability are paramount." For more information visit www.ansell-lighting.com

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industry updates

CU Phosco Lighting Illuminates London Luton Airport Expansion Project with Cutting-Edge Lighting Packages

Award winning, London Luton Airport, one of the UK’s busiest airports, is poised for
remarkable expansion to accommodate its growing air traffic and passenger influx.
CU Phosco Lighting partnered with ATG Airports and Ryebridge Construction to
deliver innovative lighting solutions and infrastructure for the airport. 
Voted Europe’s best airport in ACI Europe Best Airport Awards, London Luton
Airport (LLA) is one of the UK’s busiest airports, carrying over 16.2 million
passengers in 2023. As part of its plans for responsible growth, LLA is undertaking
an ambitious investment programme aimed at enhancing its infrastructure and
improving the passenger experience.

One recent project saw the airport adding seven new serviced Code C stands and
dedicated parking areas for Ground Support Equipment (GSE). These additions are
vital for accommodating aircraft and improving operational efficiency. Several
taxiways were realigned to optimise aircraft movement and reduce congestion as
part of the infrastructure enhancement efforts. New fillets were also installed to
improve the efficiency of aircraft taxiing and minimise wear and tear on the
infrastructure.

The new infrastructure and layout required an advanced, energy-efficient and
regulations-compliant lighting solution to keep lighting-associated energy costs low
while ensuring the safety of passengers and airport personnel.
CU Phosco, in collaboration with ATG Airports and Ryebridge Construction, provided
cutting-edge lighting solutions, high masts and lantern carriages tailored to LLA’s
unique requirements.

The main goal was to ensure effective illumination of the new and existing stands
utilising a mix of new high masts and existing masts, prioritising optimal visibility and
safety for operations.
CU Phosco provided a comprehensive solution, leveraging the superior efficacy of
the FL800D floodlights. With an impressive luminaire efficacy of 156lm/W, these
floodlights ensure exceptional illumination while minimising energy consumption.
The FL800D floodlights offer versatility and efficiency for LLA. They are arranged on
masts with full azimuth rotation and tilt function, allowing precise positioning to meet
the project's specific requirements. A selection of optical distributions, wattages and

elevation angles result in a combined luminaire photometric output tailored to the
project's needs.
Additionally, the FL800D configurations come with built-in drivers, making them self-
contained units that simplify installation and maintenance.
The complete solution consisted of three new 30m high masts, five new lantern
carriages, and 36 FL800D floodlights.
By leveraging the benefits of the FL800D floodlights, lantern carriage design, and
robust mast construction, CU Phosco delivered a lighting package that not only met
the project's stringent requirements but also ensures long-term reliability, efficiency,
and safety for LLA.

Salvatore Cardinale, Project Manager at Ryebridge Construction, expressed
satisfaction with the result, stating, "Working with CU Phosco has been instrumental
in achieving our lighting objectives for London Luton Airport. Their manufacture and
design expertise and the FL800D floodlights have significantly contributed to the
success of this endeavour, ensuring optimal illumination and safety standards."

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Key promotion sees Pharos welcome product director to leadership team

Jack Neill’s promotion demonstrates continued commitment to innovation

Pharos Architectural Controls has announced a key promotion that recognises the hard work and dedication of their team, along with a demonstration of the company’s continued commitment to product innovation and development.

Jack Neill will take up the role of Product Director, following over 13 years’ experience of using Pharos technology – both in house and through specifying control systems on projects. Jack will move into the role of Product Director from the position of Senior
Product Manager – a post he has held since 2022.

Jack started his career with Pharos in 2011 after completing a degree in Lighting Design and Technology. His first role was in the technical support team, which he would later manage. In 2015, Jack moved to a role with a Pharos customer where he worked extensively
on projects using Pharos systems across a wide range of applications. He then joined SixEye in its early stages in 2018, before returning to Pharos in 2020 as a Product Manager.

Jack’s new post will see him join the leadership team, where he will spearhead the company’s development programme and lead the product management team as they bring new products and features to market for Pharos.

On his promotion, Jack said: “For me, it’s all about developing incredible products and the technology that drives them, to deliver the best possible outcomes to customers and partners. I’m excited to continue delivering new products and features across
all the Pharos ranges.”

Pharos CEO, Simon Hicks, said: “This is a well-deserved promotion for Jack, following two years of great performance at the helm of the product management team, during which time we have released the Expert software and added many new features to Designer,
on top of several hardware launches.

“Jack will be responsible for delivering our ambitious product roadmap. From his new position on the leadership team, he will influence the company’s goals and objectives and will bring his experience to key strategic discussions on product development.”

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Blackfriars Bridge shines thanks to DW Windsor’s heritage lighting upgrade

Blackfriars Bridge, a Grade II listed structure spanning the River Thames in London, recently underwent a significant refurbishment. This comprehensive project included the renovation of cast iron parapets, upgraded heritage lighting, and essential maintenance to enhance safety and energy efficiency.

The existing street lighting on Blackfriars Bridge faced multiple problems, including structural damage to columns, inadequate lighting coverage in key areas, poor uniformity and an outdated control system. These issues, compounded by wear and tear from traffic and environmental exposure, posed safety risks for both pedestrians and vehicles. Some pedestrian underpasses also lacked functional lighting, creating additional hazards.

To resolve these issues, DW Windsor worked with the City of London and contractor FM Conway to provide a unique lighting solution that balanced the preservation of the bridge’s historical character with modern lighting technology. DW Windsor supplied 14 replacement Edinburgh columns and 28 Strand luminaires mounted on custom double-arm brackets, which feature a decorative floral infill that replicates the original design. The columns and brackets were finished in a bespoke red paint with white highlights to match the bridge’s existing colour scheme.

One key challenge was safely securing the replacement columns to the bridge structure. To overcome this, DW Windsor worked closely with the installation team to develop custom flange plates that accommodated the bridge’s original ironwork mounting points.

Another crucial aspect of the upgrade involved lowering the column height from 10 metres to 8 metres and adjusting the colour temperature from 4000K to 3000K, which aligns with the City of London’s Lighting Strategy. These changes reduced light pollution and minimised light spill into the river. Additionally, by replacing the 250W SON-T lamps with LED technology, the scheme was able to achieve an initial energy saving of 55%. However, this saving was increased to over 75% as the City of London operates its lanterns at a reduced output during normal use.

DW Windsor also collaborated with Urban Control to install control nodes and antennas, enabling the City of London to monitor energy usage and adjust illumination levels via a central management system (CMS). This system allows for quick adjustments to light levels in response to emergencies, including the ability to increase illumination to 50 lux during critical situations, ensuring safety and accessibility for emergency personnel.

Alex Winship, Specials Product Design Manager at DW Windsor, remarked: “This project demonstrates how traditional design and modern technology can coexist. By integrating energy-efficient solutions while respecting the bridge’s historical significance, we’ve delivered a scheme that ensures safety, sustainability, and aesthetics for years to come.”

Andy Rogers, M&E Manager at City of London, added: “The Blackfriars Bridge lighting upgrade delivers a careful balance of safety, historical preservation, and environmental impact. DW Windsor’s solution preserves the bridge’s heritage while integrating modern functionality through energy-efficient LEDs and advanced controls, helping to enhance the visual appeal of the bridge, particularly from the Thames and surrounding embankments.”

Clients and partners

Client – City of London

Contractor – FM Conway

Lighting – DW Windsor