Month: April 2025

As part of London’s East Bank development, a new cultural quarter in East London alongside the BBC, UAL’s London College of Fashion, UCL East, and the V&A East Museum and Storehouse, Sadler’s Wells East recently opened its doors at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. This vibrant creative hub features a 550-seat theatre and six studios designed for the creation and development of dance productions.

Staying true to its promise of offering ‘dance from every angle’, the venue not only supports the production of new work and artist development but also offers a unique architectural design. The Dance Floor, a public performance space in the theatre’s expansive wrap-around foyer, provides a platform for community groups and guest artists, making it a welcoming space for all dance styles.
Over the past few years, White Light (WL), a d&b solutions company, has worked closely with Sadler’s Wells’ technical team, including former Technical Manager Christian Wallace, to develop a detailed technical specification for the new venue. As the project progressed, WL continued collaborating with Plann’s Associate Jason Barnes, who oversaw the lighting aspects, and Tim Hardy, Sadler’s Wells East’s Technical Manager.

Reflecting on the project, Tim shared his insights into what makes the venue truly unique: “Sadler’s Wells East is a mid-scale venue, bridging the gap between our smaller studio space, Lilian Baylis Studio, and the larger Sadler’s Wells Theatre, which seats 1,500. The 550-seat venue features retractable seating, allowing us to create a 35m by 25m stage, a unique and flexible feature. Our opening in-house production, Our Mighty Groove, took full advantage of this capability. In the second half of the show, the retractable seating created a central space, immersing the audience in the performance.”

Whilst primarily a receiving venue, Sadler’s Wells East also provides space for emerging artists and companies to develop their work. Tim highlighted the versatility of Studio 1, which shares the same dimensions as the main stage, making it easier to transpose productions with minimal technical adjustments.

Committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Sadler’s Wells prioritised sustainability when selecting its lighting equipment. Tim explained: “We made a conscious decision to move away from tungsten lighting, opting exclusively for LED sources. We consulted with designers who we knew will be working with us in the venue’s first year, and they were fully on board with the transition. Our equipment selection focused on flexibility to cater to the diverse range of users. The venue’s main profiles feature ETC Series 3 fixtures, paired with a variety of lens attachments for greater versatility. These are positioned in the auditorium, where innovative niches; concealed doors in the walls, allow for rigging positions to be added without compromising the space’s architectural aesthetic. For additional flexibility, the venue uses ETC Desire Fresnels, which can operate in standalone mode; perfect for students or visiting artists seeking quick, straightforward lighting setups. The fixtures also offer the ability to mimic various light sources, including tungsten and HMI. The team opted for an ETC Apex 5 lighting desk, supported by two Paradigm processors—one managing the auditorium and the other overseeing the building. This separation ensures that front-of-house lighting areas remain distinct from the studios and performance spaces.”

Whilst the stage rig presented no major challenges, the lighting setup above the auditorium required careful consideration due to the two gantries. Bespoke rigging positions were installed upstage and downstage of each bridge, with the added ability to run bars around the perimeter through the niche system.
Tim also redesigned the downstage left and right perch positions, ensuring they were accessible from outside the auditorium walls. This thoughtful integration maintained the venue’s sleek architectural aesthetic whilst maximising flexibility with built-in handrails, rigging points, and power infrastructure.

Tim joined Sadler’s Wells East a year prior to its opening and immediately immersed himself in the project, including its technical design. He later welcomed Head of Lighting, Paul Milford, and together, they worked with WL’s Jonathan Haynes and Ally DeCourcy to finalise the lighting design. Tim praises the collaboration: “Our experience with WL was fantastic. The process was a continuous dialogue, particularly when designing our bespoke IWBS. Jonathan and Ally’s expertise, adaptability, and flexibility were invaluable; especially as both Paul and I joined halfway through the project. WL’s support allowed us to shape the final design effectively.”

This project highlights WL’s longstanding relationship with Sadler’s Wells, providing both rental and sales services over the years. Jonathan Haynes comments: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work on the Sadler’s Wells East project. It is a phenomenal space. Seeing it open and already thriving as a creative hub for East London is incredibly rewarding. We’ve greatly enjoyed working with Tim, Paul, and Oli Clark, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as their partner of choice. We were also proud to sponsor their fundraiser, Everybody Dance, which helped raise funds to support their local, national, and global work.”

Since its opening, Sadler’s Wells East has already staged a variety of performances, including Our Mighty Groove, Infinite, and Birdboy, to name but a few; highlighting the venue’s commitment to diverse and innovative dance productions, truly fulfilling its promise of ‘dance from every angle’.

Sadler’s Wells & Sadler’s Wells East Team:
Tim Hardy – Technical Manager
Paul Milford – Head of Lighting
Oli Clark – Technical Director

Much of Bath's Georgian architecture and picturesque landscapes
have provided backdrops for several cinematic masterpieces and TV shows. This added to the importance of preserving heritage charm in Bath & North Somerset's latest LED lighting upgrade at the iconic Gravel Walk.

Gravel Walk is one of Bath's most famous walks (and can be spotted in the Netflix series Persuasion). Built in 1771, the wide gravel-covered walkway links the Royal Crescent and the Circus with Queen Square, which sits further down the hill. Known as a lover's lane in Jane Austen's era, the path was a route for sedan chairs heading to and from the town centre.

Bath & North East Somerset Council identified Gravel Walk as a location for
transitioning the existing SON and SOX lanterns to LED lighting as part of a wider
upgrade scheme.

To help the council maintain the heritage charm of this iconic location, Acrospire
suggested replacing the existing SON and SOX lamps with Its budget-friendly 3000K
Streetcare heritage lanterns.

The luminaires were specified with leaf embellishments to give a classic look fitting
to the city's Georgian architecture and scenic surroundings.

Crafted using locally sourced materials in the UK, Streetcare offers exceptional
quality and durability and contributes to a reduced carbon footprint.
Stephen Burrell, Principal Engineer Street Lighting at Bath & North East Somerset
Council commented, "Streetcare helped us transition to LED in the most affordable
way. The luminaires ticked many of our boxes, providing efficient performance,
styling that befitted the area, and responsibly sourced materials. They look as if they
have always been there."

St Paul’s Cathedral Gardens in London have been revitalised with a carefully considered lighting scheme featuring DarkSky Approved solutions that enhance safety and promote environmental sustainability while maintaining the site’s historic charm.

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 17th century, St Paul’s Cathedral has been a central part of London’s cultural and historical heritage for centuries. Adjacent to the Cathedral, the Cathedral Gardens, which were created in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, now serve as a hub for socialisation and relaxation. However, the outdated lighting in the gardens offered inadequate coverage and clashed with the historic architecture, detracting from the area’s overall appeal.

To address this, DW Windsor collaborated with the City of London to deliver an innovative lighting solution that complemented the Cathedral’s historic surroundings with modern energy-efficient lighting technology. DW Windsor supplied 20 Pharola DS bollards featuring 2700K LED modules that provide warm, inviting illumination. With a slim, compact design and black finish, the new bollards blend seamlessly into the landscape. Additionally, nearby columns were fitted with Milano lanterns, ensuring a cohesive and elegant aesthetic throughout the space.

One of the key benefits of the new lighting scheme is that the upgraded bollards are DarkSky Approved, aligning with the City of London’s Lighting Strategy developed by Speirs Major. This strategy, published in 2018, provides a statutory set of guidance on best-practice lighting design for illuminating building exteriors and the public realm.

The new installation also addresses key environmental concerns. Whereas the old bollards consumed 32W each, the new bollards only use 20W, resulting in a 37.5% reduction in energy usage. The improved luminaire design also eliminates upward light, reducing light pollution. This improves the quality of the public realm and ensures an intelligent, sensitive approach to public lighting that prioritises safety and accessibility while protecting the historic character of the City.

The 2700K colour temperature was carefully chosen to complement the existing lighting of St Paul’s Cathedral and its visitor centre while eliminating light spill and preventing unwanted glare for visitors, enhancing the overall visitor experience. The new scheme delivers sufficient luminance for wayfinding and guidance around the gardens after nightfall, ensuring safety and security while conforming to DarkSky regulations and minimising the impact of lighting on local wildlife.

Andy Rogers, M&E Manager at City of London, remarked: “The lighting upgrade to St Paul’s Cathedral Gardens achieves a perfect balance between aesthetics, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. The DarkSky Approved solutions from DW Windsor have enhanced safety and accessibility in the gardens while respecting the historical significance of the space and helping to protect the night sky.”

Clients and partners

Client – City of London Corporation

Zumtobel and its sister brand Thorn, have delivered a sophisticated and sustainable lighting solution for the redevelopment of 34 Grosvenor Street, one of Mayfair’s most prestigious addresses. Their innovative products have brought together timeless design and advanced technology to illuminate this Grade II listed property while respecting its historical significance and meeting the demands of a modern workplace.

A Historic Building Reimagined

Originally constructed in 1725, 34 Grosvenor Street is part of the esteemed Grosvenor Mayfair Estates. Located just steps from iconic Grosvenor Square and benefiting from exceptional transport links, including the nearby Elizabeth Line, the building underwent a sensitive refurbishment to preserve its character while introducing over 14,000 sq ft of contemporary office space. The redevelopment included executive offices, open-plan spaces, wood-panelled meeting rooms, and break-out areas, alongside modern amenities such as air conditioning, full data cabling, and two automatic passenger lifts.

A significant addition to the property is a landscaped courtyard terrace, created by relocating the building’s plant to the basement. This tranquil outdoor space provides a unique setting for wellbeing activities, informal gatherings, and even yoga sessions—a rare luxury in central Mayfair.

The Lighting Challenge

The refurbishment of 34 Grosvenor Street required a lighting solution that was as innovative as it was sensitive.
The Grade II listed status of the building posed challenges in terms of preserving its historic features while integrating modern lighting systems. Furthermore, the lighting design needed to enhance the architectural integrity of the space and provide a functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution for office users.

The Lighting Solution

Zumtobel and Thorn supplied a range of luminaires that met the project’s unique requirements. Zumtobel’s ONDARIA, PANOS infinity, LANOS, SLOTLIGHT infinity II luminaires, AMPHIBIA, RESCLITE PRO, ARTSIGN and COMSIGN were deployed throughout the building’s interiors, providing versatile and elegant lighting solutions.

The feature luminaires included:

ONDARIA circular luminaires installed in the offices and reception areas, offer soft, homogeneous illumination that enhances the perception of space while eliminating glare on computer screens. Their understated design seamlessly blends with the building’s period interiors. LANOS, with its clean geometric form and unique halo effect, added a timeless aesthetic to the stairwells and corridors, while delivering excellent light quality and ease of installation. PANOS infinity, an award-winning downlight range, was selected for the toilets and smaller spaces, where its high efficacy and precision lighting were ideal. Lastly, SLOTLIGHT infinity II luminaires, integrated perfectly into the office ceilings, providing high-quality ambient lighting that supports productivity and comfort
within workspaces.

For the external courtyard, Thorn supplied robust and stylish luminaires that elevated the outdoor areas. Piazza, and Cesar were chosen for their durability, weather resistance, and ability to enhance the courtyard’s visual appeal, making it both functional and inviting.
Advanced lighting controls were introduced through Zumtobel’s LITECOM system, ensuring flexibility and efficient energy management to support the building’s sustainability goals.

The Results

The collaboration between Zumtobel, Thorn, and the project partners has resulted in a lighting scheme that is both fit for purpose and visually stunning. The luminaires not only enhance the functionality of the office spacesbut also respect the architectural heritage of the building. By incorporating energy-efficient technology, the luminaires combined with the lighting management solution significantly improves efficacy, contributing to the building’s overall sustainability credentials.
Matt House, Key Account Manager at Zumtobel Group, commented:
"Working on 34 Grosvenor Street has been an exciting challenge. The combination of Zumtobel and Thorn products allowed us to deliver a lighting solution that honours the building’s rich history while meeting the demands of a modern workplace. Our luminaires have brought a new lease of life to the spaces, and the use ofLITECOM lighting controls ensures the solution is future-proof and highly efficient."

Leading upholstery and furniture manufacturer NaughtOne, part of the MillerKnoll collective of brands, has opened the doors to its new London showroom. Proudly sitting in The Old Trading House, Northburgh St, London, this recent renovation covers 4,349 square-feet over two separate floors.

As NaughtOne’s new global flagship showroom, The Old Trading House provides a powerful showcase of its inspiring portfolio and goes beyond the traditional showroom to include a CMF studio and product lending library for specifiers and creatives. Featuring a floor dedicated to showcasing products, clients can see, feel and try NaughtOne’s distinctive portfolio first hand. They can find inspiration in the showroom studio and continue to explore the diverse specifications and finish choices in their own workspace due to the lending library, fully immersing themselves in the brand’s design.

The aim of the lighting design was to accentuate the rich materials of the upholstered pieces on display, bringing out the colours and textures in contrast to the neutral palette of the interior design. Luminaires were specified from Lucent Lighting’s extensive portfolio, installed throughout the showroom and studio to provide the perfect display lighting.

The Victorian warehouse is decked out in neutral tones and wood flooring to evoke a natural, subtle space which allows the furniture to be the star of the show. Lucent Lighting’s TUBE LED HO spotlights are used for dramatic gallery lighting with a focus on accentuating the products, while the brand’s MINITRIM downlight has a subtle appearance which blends in with the overall design and provides a soft ambient glow.

The lighting at NaughtOne is both visually striking and highly functional, enabling an appreciation of the full spectrum of color, fabric, and finish in the furniture under ideal lighting conditions. To enhance the showroom’s ambience, Lucent Lighting provided a custom adaptor for installing decorative suspension lights, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in key areas.

Lucent chose a mains voltage dimmable 1-10V track system, ensuring smooth, precise dimming that can be adjusted throughout the day to suit different moods and settings. Additionally, the use of two distinct beam angles offers tailored illumination, from highlighting a spacious seating area to softly accenting a single desk chair, leaving the surrounding area subtly shadowed to draw attention to focal points. The mains voltage track also allows for flexible, plug-and-play options, enabling the client to move and reconfigure the decorative suspension lights as desired.

Giovanni Premi at Lucent Lighting said, “The lighting immerses creatives in the warm, rich colours and textures of the fabrics and interior design. The design of the studio challenges the convention of a traditional showroom with the inclusion of the innovative studio and library. The cosy ambience creates a welcoming warmth which embodies the creativity and homeliness of NaughtOne.”

Project credits:

Client – Herman Miller Knoll – NaughtOne
Architect – FOUND Associates
Electrical Contractor – Concepto Solution
Contractor – JAYSAM – London

Electrical Engineer – IWP Consulting – Leamington Spa

Photography – Office Curator

Products used:
TUBE LED HO on 3CT 1-10V dimmable – 3000K in 24 and 38 beam angle
TUBE LED HO Monopoint by the window display
MINITRIM downlighter (bathroom/restrooms)
3CT MAINS voltage track “recessed version”

The options open to lighting industry manufacturers to get their sustainability credentials independently certified can be bewildering. And making the wrong choice can have big impacts on customer perceptions and costs.

Science based targets, Ecovadis and B Corp certification all provide credible corporate sustainability assessments. But what are the similarities and differences? And to what extent do they require businesses to actively decarbonise and move towards net zero? Do they all include non-climate related requirements such as labour practices, ethics and supply chain? And what are the costs and benefits?

The Net Zero Lighting 2025 conference sets out to explain and demystify the options. Taking place on 29 April in London, the one-day event features presentations and panels from companies that have already made their choice. Delegates will hear of the opportunities, challenges, and the pitfalls from those with first-hand experience.

Presentations will also reveal the extent to which certifications support the decarbonisation of lighting businesses, as they move towards net zero.

Now in its second year, the conference is organised by Recolight and chaired, as always, by Ray Molony. The conference uses case studies, authoritative presenters including Science Based Targets initiative and BSI, and panel discussions to give delegates the practical advice and guidance they need to decarbonise their operations.

Nigel Harvey, Recolight CEO said “We are delighted to be hosting Net Zero Lighting 2025. The direction of travel in the industry is clear and unstoppable: customer demands and government requirements for decarbonised lighting manufacture will only increase. We are thrilled that our experienced and knowledgeable speakers, drawn from within and beyond the lighting industry, are willing to share their expertise.”

He added: “The climate crisis is the defining issue of our generation, and every business on the planet has a role to play. We are confident that this event will empower delegates with the knowledge they need to help their businesses make a meaningful contribution.”

First collaborative product launch brings cutting edge lighting technology for enhanced focus and eye comfort on sale in China in the following weeks
Integrating Signify’s precision illumination with a premium design inspired by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, fans are now able to bring the high-performance aspect of Formula One into their homes
Shanghai, China: Today, Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team launched a co-designed performance desk lamp. The desk lamp showcases a shared commitment to enhance performance and well-being through lighting innovation.

Conceived and created by optics engineers at Signify the desk lamp incorporates cutting-edge technologies and specifications with a design inspired by Mercedes F1. The Signify Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Desk Lamp provides precision illumination, with a range of color temperature options, supports eye comfort and aids alertness in any scenario it is used for – from drawing and studying, to watching movies and playing e-sports.

The dimmable lamp features EyeCare light desktop technology with curved micro prism light emitting surfaces on both sides, which spread the light source without glare, making it ideal for any workspace or setting. The lamp is equipped with a resting reminder function to promote eye care and rest, as well as a motion sensor that turns the lamp off when the user walks away.

With a sleek design inspired by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team – incorporating carbon fibre accents, a sand brushed aluminum stem and the team’s iconic color scheme – the lamp flawlessly spotlights the efforts of two world leaders in their respective fields. The high-performance materials not only reflect the race car design but also embody its exceptional wear resistance, resulting in a durable product.

The desk lamp will be on sale in China in the following weeks.

Richard Sanders, Chief Commercial Officer, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team, said: “Our partnership with Signify goes beyond logos on a car; it’s about our shared commitment to bringing to life meaningful and responsible innovations. As our first collaborative product, this lamp stands as a testament to our joint passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We’re proud of our creation and look forward to fans being able to experience cutting-edge design and technology in their own homes.”

Olivia Qiu, Chief Innovation Officer, CEO Greater China Business ad interim, Chairwoman of the Board of KLITE added: “At Signify, we are dedicated to unlocking the extraordinary potential of light to improve performance, well-being and our everyday surroundings. From lighting some of the world’s most iconic night races, to supporting the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One team at its HQ and as the team travels the globe, our products allow people to see, feel and perform at their best in the most demanding of circumstances. This desk lamp is the product of a deep collaboration, and we’re thrilled for customers to be able to purchase in China, in the coming weeks.”

In a sport where success is driven by marginal gains in performance, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and Signify, as its official lighting partner, are collaborating on lighting installations to deliver optimal conditions for athletes and team members to see, feel, and function at their best. Signify lighting innovations have been installed and integrated across multiple locations and facilities across the team’s estate and as they travel the world.

Signify’s NatureConnect technology has helped the team’s engineers focus during long simulator sessions at the team’s UK headquarters by mimicking natural daylight cycles in windowless areas. On the road, portable travel lamps help regulate circadian rhythms, helping drivers and engineers adjust light levels, controlling their exposure to stimulating blue light. Finally, as part of the scientifically designed jet lag plan, developed with the team doctor, light exposure is managed precisely to aid sleep, speed up recovery, and optimize cognitive function.

The Signify Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Desk Lamp will be available for purchase in China in the following weeks via: https://philipszm.tmall.com/ (Priced at CNY 2,299).

To register your interest in the Signify Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Desk Lamp, please go to: https://pages.information.signify.com/mf1-desk-lamp-6702.html

An impressive art installation comprising a series of sculptures within the newly renovated Hagymatikum Spa in Mako, Hungary, is drawing crowds as an immersive experience, made possible with a system by Pharos Architectural Controls.

The spa in the quaint Hungarian town is now home to Atlantis World, a series of Atlantis-themed sculptures based on the designs of famed Hungarian architect, the late Imre Makovecz, which were found hidden in his possessions.

The sculpture group dazzles visitors with light shows and three themed films, evoking the mythical world of the legendary lost city. To make this a reality, the production manager of the project, Hungarian designer Péter Horgas, specified Pharos to deliver the control elements of the attraction.

This new installation is just part of the appeal of Hagymatikum Spa, a hugely popular destination in its own right. The recent refurbishment means the site now offers 15 indoor and outdoor pools, a slide park, a dedicated children’s area, and spa facilities including a sauna and a thermal waters space. With interactive programmes and events, plus sports facilities and green spaces to enjoy outside, there’s something for everyone.

A single Pharos Designer LPC 1 (Lighting Playback Controller 1) is responsible for the complete lighting control and systems automation tasks – including all external systems such as audio and video projection. To complete the system, DMX and RDM signals are distributed via a Pharos Designer EDN 20 (Ethernet Data Node 20).

The Designer LPC is an award-winning, all-in-one DIN-rail mounted DMX lighting control solution for themed entertainment and LED lighting installations. It features individually controllable and independently running timelines and scenes letting you build dynamic, precise, fully customisable pre-programmed lighting effects with the freedom of real-time manual overrides and the versatility of powerful show control and integration features.

The Designer EDN is a convenient and scalable solution, providing cost-effective Ethernet-distributed DMX ports. It’s an easily configurable networking node that is specifically designed to add physical DMX ports to Pharos Designer controllers and integrates natively with the full Pharos Designer range.

Mark de Gruyter, Sales Director at Pharos Architectural Controls said: “The Hagymatikum Spa is an amazing destination, and the new Atlantis World installation only adds to its appeal. It’s fantastic to know that technology from Pharos Architectural Controls is bringing the inspirational designs of celebrated Hungarian designer Péter Horgas to life.”

Gábor Nyéky from Lisys-Project added: “The innovative immersive experience at Hagymatikum Spa wouldn’t have come to life without the advanced solutions and expertise provided by Pharos. From the start, we were confident that the LPC and EDN would meet all the client’s needs in terms of control and versatility.”

The renovated spa has attracted high levels of national and international attention. Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán described the new building as the most beautiful thermal bath in Hungary.

Project Credits:
General contractor lead: Attila Péjó, Fehérép Kft.
Electrical lead: István Csorja, Fehérép Kft.
Production designer: Péter Horgas, Artevia Kft. 
Sculpture artist: István Vanyúr     
Video Production: Gábor Tóth & Endre Komáromi, Rentex Média Kft.
Sound: Ferenc Molnár, Lisys-Project Kft.  
Lighting, project management: Gábor Nyéky, Lisys-Project Kft.     
Lighting Controls: Pharos Architectural Controls

The enchanting production of My Neighbour Totoro has made its highly anticipated return to London’s West End! The multi-award-winning stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s beloved 1988 animated film is brought to life by the Royal Shakespeare Company, in collaboration with iconic composer Joe Hisaishi. Following its acclaimed run at the Barbican Centre in 2022, the production has now transferred to the Gillian Lynne Theatre, continuing to captivate audiences with its spellbinding storytelling and imaginative staging.

Having supplied the lighting fixtures for the original production, we were happy to be approached once again by lighting designer Jessica Hung Han Yun and associate lighting designer and programmer Tamykha Patterson to provide the lighting rig for the transfer.

The production tells the heart-warming tale of sisters Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father while their mother is hospitalised. During their summer adventures, they encounter an array of woodland spirits, including the gentle and loveable Totoro. We were delighted to speak with Tamykha about the transfer and her unique role in the production. She explains: “The unusual thing about this show is that I’m both an associate lighting designer and a programmer. During the prep leading into tech weeks, I wear my associate hat. But from the moment we step into the theatre, my programmer hat goes on. I really enjoy the dual nature of my role on this production.”

Tamykha collaborated with Jess on the original Barbican production in 2022, and she shared how exciting it was to reimagine the lighting design for the new venue: “The Gillian Lynne Theatre has a smaller stage than the Barbican, which meant the set had to be adapted. As a result, we couldn’t simply replicate the previous lighting design. We decided to cut back on generic fixtures and rework the rig from scratch. Jess and I created a new lighting rig, cross-referencing them with the Barbican’s to remind ourselves of the key effects we wanted to retain. Our aim was to make the design future-proof, budget-efficient, and easy to maintain.”

The creative team worked tirelessly to preserve the magic of the original production, while cleverly overcoming the challenges of the new venue. Reflecting on how she helped bring Jess’s lighting vision to life, Tamykha says: “The front-of-house layout is quite different, so we had to adjust fixture positions to ensure the audience experienced the same visual impact as they did at the Barbican. Some of the props were also changed from 3D to 2D, which required us to rethink how we incorporated set electrics. The reduced stage depth meant we had to find new ways to recreate shadow backlighting. Fortunately, having worked closely with Jess from early on in our careers, I understand her vision instinctively, which allows me to be more hands-on and express creative ideas.”

During the dry tech period, Jess and Tamykha meticulously refined every preset with the new rig, adjusting colours and ensuring the lighting interacted seamlessly with the set and stage floor. Tamykha explains how they maintained consistency across venues: “Jess and I are both extremely detail-oriented. There are certain key moments in the show that we know so well, we can immediately tell if something feels off. During our time at the Barbican, we documented every preset and cue to ensure continuity. Of course, creative direction evolves, so communication between all departments is essential. It’s funny how much is ingrained in you; you don’t realise it until you see it play out again. One of my proudest moments was hearing the audience gasp at our lighting effects; it’s incredibly rewarding to know that the magic is still there, no matter how many times I’ve seen the show.”

To create the production’s signature magical atmosphere at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, the lighting team increased their use of moving fixtures by 28%, while drastically reducing the number of generic units, by more than half. This streamlined rig helped cut down focus time and featured fixtures such as ETC Halcyon, Martin Mac Encore, Martin Mac Aura XB, Ayrton Eurus, and High End Systems SolarFrame, all controlled via an ETC Eos console.

Tamykha praised White Light’s support throughout the transfer process: “The support we received from WL was fantastic. We were able to use WL’s WYSIWYG suite to prep our fixture swaps and colour-match, which was especially helpful during the hectic post-Christmas period. The team was incredibly flexible and accommodating.”

WL’s Hire Business Development Manager, Stuart Porter, reflects on the partnership: “We’re incredibly proud to continue working with Jess and Tamykha. The production is visually stunning, and they’ve done a phenomenal job adapting it for the new venue. The show looks even slicker now, and we hope it continues to enjoy a long and successful run. Their hard work has elevated what was already an exceptional production.”

Following its official opening night last Thursday, My Neighbour Totoro has once again received glowing reviews from critics and audiences alike. We are honoured to have played a role in bringing this magical production to life.

My Neighbour Totoro, Gillian Lynne Lighting Team:

Lighting Designer – Jessica Hung Han Yun
Associate Lighting Designer and Programmer – Tamykha Patterson
Assistant Lighting Designer – Jeannie Fong
Assistant Lighting Designer (Placement) – Fee Dalgleish
Lead Production Electrician – Martin Chisnall

A new commercial office space, featuring over 1 million square feet and 11 storeys, has been transformed into a new head office for leading retailer Amazon. The location at Sattva Horizon business park, near Bangalore International Airport, will be host to more than 7000 Amazon employees and mark a rapid development for the company in this region.

This expansion is part of Amazon’s broader growth strategy in major Indian cities, expanding its operations within this modern, state-of-the-art facility that will house all of the company’s business sectors.

Lighting Consultant Brainwave Designs created a new lighting scheme for the innovative workplace. Sattva Horizon awarded the job to K-LITE, leading architectural lighting manufacturer, to supply a range of lighting solutions. A variety of K-LITE luminaires were installed, including Polar series poles in a variety of heights and options, Circular poles, Merin poles, alongside Wall Quad and Wall Cylin facade luminaires, and Nebula compact spot luminaires.

The lighting meets the brief by allowing the client to optimise the office space, accentuating modern design which boosts innovation and productivity. The K-LITE luminaires provide a harmonious layer of directional lighting and ambient lighting, positioned both downwards for general light to work underneath, and upwards to accentuate the architectural elements of the space.

The lighting design from Brainwave Designs, supported by K-LITE, ensures that Amazon staff have access to a dynamic working environment to support their creativity, an impressive building to meet with visitors, and a comfortable space to succeed in their roles.

The business scene in North Bengaluru is on the rise, with new commercial complexes and infrastructure projects increasing. Utilising this premium office space in this area will help attract top talent to the company and cement Amazon’s reputation in the region.

Project credits:

Client – Sattva Horizon Group

Lighting Consultant – Brainwave Designs

Lighting – K-LITE