Month: September 2025

Switching to an LED lighting system is an excellent first step in any sustainability journey. However, there are even more benefits to be secured by introducing a light management system. Here Head of Projects, David Goddard from LEDVANCE discusses the benefits of a light management system in an office or commercial environment.

The need for efficient, intelligent and environmentally friendly lighting has been well-documented. Outdated lighting technology, such as fluorescent and incandescent bulbs are being successfully phased out. LED technology has paved the way for a more sustainable future with regard to lighting.

While this is an important element of any drive for sustainability, maximum energy savings can only be achieved by using lighting control, and as such, has the capability to further decrease energy consumption by 50%.

Of course, not all lighting control systems are created equally. Therefore, it is important to look at the different elements that make lighting control more appealing, both from an installation and usability perspective.

Looking at the quality of the components used is an important place to start. After all, top systems need top components. Looking at LEDVANCE’s VIVARES system as an example, DALI components have been utilised. The DALI-2 certified control units, sensors and pushbutton couplers come in a new design and with extra functions, and are a perfect match for the LEDVANCE DALI luminaires. Furthermore, they perfectly integrate with other DALI systems in the market.

When considering installation, choosing a plug & play solution offers significant benefits. With a plug & play solution, such as that offered by LEDVANCE’s VIVARES system, the technology is ready to use – simply wire the control in, and it’s ready to go. The control units work for single rooms, with an area of up to 300 m2 and up to 25 luminaires.

Adding to this simplicity, VIVARES offers pre-programmed functions for manual room lighting – on/off, dim, TW and memory. No app, software or registration is required, making the system easy to get started with.

To deliver even greater benefits when choosing a lighting management system, it is preferential to specify solutions from a manufacturer that has secured environmental credentials. For example, EcoVadis is an independent sustainability assessment platform, helping companies to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of their green practices across business operations and their supply chain.

LEDVANCE has secured the EcoVadis Silver Medal award level, which only 15% of businesses reach. This evidences that LEDVANCE follows ethical and social practices, comply with labour laws, meet environmental responsibilities and respect human rights.

Adding to the sustainability advantages of a light management system, this technology has the potential to aid wellbeing when offering human centric lighting (HCL) capabilities.

Little daylight, dark floors and artificial light around the clock are working conditions that are quite common in office buildings. A system such as VIVARES uses human centric lighting to adapt the lighting in open-plan offices or on entire floors to the natural changes in daylight using a certified algorithm: automatically, intelligently and easily controllable. That means that everyone in the building will benefit from the positive effects of HCL light.

With the right light at the right time, HCL creates a working environment that simulates the changes in natural daylight with its visual, biological and emotional effects. To achieve this, the luminaires are controlled by an intelligent control system with appropriate light profiles.

Through colour temperatures and illuminance levels, human centric lighting can simulate the course of natural daylight in such a way that it provides positive support for the human circadian rhythm (our “inner clock”). A neutral or cold white light colour, for example, can energise in the morning, whilst warm white light is relaxing and ideal for the evening. HCL supports health, well-being and performance in a workplace.

By specifying lighting management systems that deliver a plethora of benefits, a sustainable future that also creates comfortable environments is an easy reality to achieve.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Project Credits:

Lighting Controls: Pharos Architectural Controls

Systems Integrator & Lighting Designer– Wired Media Solutions (WMS)

Electrical Contractor– Energy Management Solutions, Frank Kourtis

Photography – Wired Media Solutions (WMS)

An icon of Thorn, Altis is a powerful floodlight solution developed for sports stadiums
and arenas. The Altis legacy dates back to its first generation in 2013 and since
then has continuously evolved to meet the demands of world class sports venues,
with celebrated installations around the globe, from South America, Africa, to
Germany. Today, we’re proud to say the fifth generation Altis has earned a place in
the FIFA Quality Programme for Floodlights.

What is the Quality Programme for Floodlights?
FIFA is the global governing body in football with six confederations covering every
continent and 211 national associations. One of FIFA’s strategies is to develop the
game of football and provide guidance for competition organisers. The FIFA Quality
Programme for Floodlights supports stadium owners in selecting and installing
floodlight systems which meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
This is all achieved through a global testing standard for floodlight systems.

Testing, Testing, Testing
The luminaires which carry the FIFA Quality Pro mark have passed extensive
laboratory product audits and testing and calibrated installation validation, with an
emphasis on player performance and overall fan experience. For Altis G5, the
installation validation testing took place at MHP Arena Stuttgart, Germany, which
has recently undergone a major lighting refurbishment utilising Thorn’s Altis G5
floodlight.

Susanne Straub, Lighting Consultant, Zumtobel Group explains, “The project at
Stuttgart Arena saw the installation of 222 Altis floodlights. The purpose was to
improve lighting for matchdays whilst meeting the standards for UEFA Elite Level A
as well as DFL highest Level of Bundesliga. The Altis floodlights have improved
energy efficiency, leading to a better fan engagement and overall increased
satisfaction from players, staff and visitors. We were pleased to submit the MHP
Arena Stuttgart as a reference for FIFA testing.

Altis, lighting innovation for sports fans and players
Offering the peak capability of LED technology and proudly holding three design
patents, the innovative foundation of which Altis is developed on is clear.
Configurable to suit the demands of any sports lighting project. And supported by
Thorn’s control and connectivity platforms to complete the solution. In 2025 Altis
has been further extended to support dynamic lighting event shows in sports
venues, or as Thorn like to call it ‘Sportainment lighting’ with ultra-high power
RGBW.

Eliot Horsman, Director of Product Management & Application for Thorn’s Outdoor
business segment said, ‘As the world-leading authority in Football, FIFA’s standards
for testing and accreditation are understandably stringent. For this reason, we at
Thorn are proud to see Altis G5 receive the FIFA Quality Pro mark. The Altis
floodlight represents Thorn’s capability to innovate and lead the way with next
generation Outdoor lighting technology, today.

To find out more about Altis visitwww.thornlighting.com/en

As Tridonic UK continues to set the standard and trailblaze in innovative solutions, they are delighted to welcome Elias Kernbichler, Global Product Manager Emergency Lighting, on a 6-month secondment to strengthen and enhance customer experience.

In this role, Elias will focus on aligning market and customer demand with the continuous development of Tridonic’s Emergency Lighting portfolio.

Working directly with the UK market to gain deeper insights, he will be forging stronger links between industry needs and expectations, that will channel into Tridonic’s operations and R&D teams – ensuring that Tridonic solutions are future proofed across the UK and greater business regions.

His experience and product expertise, spanning over fifteen years, will support improved collaboration across departments – ultimately contributing to more forward-thinking products, and effective delivery of customer-focused solutions specific to the UK market.

Commenting on the assignment, Elias said: “This is a valuable opportunity to build greater Emergency Lighting solutions, and stronger cross-functional relationships to improve alignment between our central and regional R&D and operations teams. By working closely with my colleagues in the UK, we can further enhance services – ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality solutions for our customers.”

Beyond his professional role, Elias is looking forward to experiencing the cultural and historical heritage of the UK. He has expressed particular interest in exploring historic sites and enjoying the British countryside, noting with humour his anticipation of the “sunny” winter season.

Tridonic UK Managing Director, Richard Strode, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Elias to the UK team for this assignment. His knowledge, insights, and holistic company perspective will be invaluable as we continue to push forward greater innovation of our Emergency Lighting portfolio and collaboration across departments to deliver innovative solutions for our customers. His secondment demonstrates our commitment to advancing Emergency Lighting innovation and delivering practical, high-quality solutions that meet evolving customer needs. We look forward to the positive impact Elias will make during his time in the UK.”

Global safety innovator Swivelpole™ has officially launched its European operations, bringing over 25 years of lowering pole technology. With a new office and warehouse in Rotterdam, the company is primed to support commercial and industrial industries across Europe and the UK with safer, smarter, and more cost-effective retrofit solutions.

Swivelpole™ is the trusted choice of leading companies in the world’s toughest environments – now accessible locally for European projects.

Swivelpole’s retrofit offering makes access easy, by offering existing handrail mounted poles to be converted to lowering poles by installing a Maxis™ joint using the pole conversion tool kit. With the ability to safely lower pole mounted equipment to walkway level, the system eliminates the need for ladders, scaffolding, or aerial work platforms. The result is faster, safer and more affordable upgrades, maintenance and inspection without disrupting operations.

“Installing a Swivelpole™ costs less than building scaffolding,” said Amy Olsen, Group General Manager at Swivelpole™. “We’re thrilled to bring our proven retrofit solutions to Europe and the UK, helping companies upgrade infrastructure, switch to LED lighting, improve maintenance access and boost safety with minimal investment.”

With industrial sectors across Europe and the UK racing to modernise ageing infrastructure, improve workplace safety, and meet environmental targets, Swivelpole™ offers a cost effective and safe solution. The technology is ideal for retrofitting legacy sites and brownfield projects, providing a compliant, engineered solution for safe access to lights and pole-mounted equipment.

Swivelpole™ transforms existing poles into safer, more efficient lowering poles using the globally patented Maxis™ joint, allowing equipment to be lowered to walkway level for maintenance. This innovation eliminates the need to work at heights, significantly reducing safety risks while enabling faster LED upgrades and routine servicing. By streamlining access, it reduces operational costs and downtime, while its engineering and certification to European safety standards ensures compliance across industries. Backed by a 10-year warranty, Swivelpole™ delivers long-term confidence and performance in even the most demanding environments.

The official European launch has now opened up new markets, providing global expertise with locally available stock.

Swivelpole™ now stocks all standard products at its Rotterdam Distribution Centre, ensuring fast shipping across Europe and the UK. The company’s products are manufactured to IEC standards and carry both CE and UKCA markings for compliance in the EU and UK. Backed by decades of global experience, the team offers guidance and is available to discuss specific projects and requirements upon request. Technical drawings and related documentation are available on the website.

With over 500,000 installations worldwide, Swivelpole™ continues to lead the way in safety, performance, and reliability across Oil & Gas, Mining, Industrial, Infrastructure, and Commercial sectors.

Find Out More – To discover how Swivelpole™ can transform your infrastructure, visit www.swivelpole.com or contact the European team at sales.eu@swivelpole.eu.

CU Phosco, the UK’s longest-established and leading exterior lighting manufacturer,
is proud to announce that it has joined DarkSky UK as a Sustaining Member,
strengthening its commitment to responsible, low-impact lighting and the protection
of the night sky.

As part of the partnership, CU Phosco will support DarkSky UK’s work throughout
the year and will take part in the DarkSky UK Conference 2025: “Good Lighting:
From Pollution to Solution”, held at Newcastle University on 9 September 2025. CU
Phosco will be exhibiting on the day and engaging with lighting professionals,
designers, research organisations and policy makers to share best practice and
encourage the adoption of dark sky-compliant solutions across the industry. On
display will be the International DarkSky-approved P862, P863, and E950 as well as
the HEPER Lighting DRAGO and DOGO.

The conference, supported by organisations including the ILP, IALD, LIA, SLL, ECA
and Dark Sky Discovery, aims to strengthen links between research, policy and
practice, and help move compliant lighting “from niche to mainstream”.
Matt Murray, Sales Director at CU Phosco, commented:
“We’re very pleased to be supporting DarkSky UK and the important work they do to
promote responsible, evidence-based lighting. As a UK manufacturer with several
dark sky accredited products in our range, we’re committed to reducing light pollution
and working collaboratively to improve the night-time environment.

Supporting this initiative is a natural step for us and we look forward to sharing
knowledge and engaging with partners across industry, design and conservation at
the 2025 conference.”

From street lighting to high-mast and architectural solutions, CU Phosco continues to
develop luminaires that combine optical precision with minimal upward light output,
many of which are already certified under the DarkSky Approved scheme.

More information on CU Phosco’s dark sky lighting ranges is available here:
https://www.cuphosco.com/articles/lighting-for-darkskies

White Light (WL) is proud to have supported the Watermill Theatre’s bold and atmospheric production of Jesus Christ Superstar, with lighting design by Rory Beaton. This reimagining of the iconic rock opera transformed the intimate Berkshire venue into a space of epic scale and spiritual resonance, thanks in no small part to a lighting design that was both technically ambitious and emotionally precise.

From the outset, Beaton’s vision was clear: to turn the Watermill into a derelict, sacred space—part concert hall, part gothic chapel—where a group of storytellers could gather, instruments in hand, to share a timeless tale. “We wanted the space to feel like it carried architectural weight,” he explains. “To be able to flip between a raw, church-like intimacy and a full-blown concert aesthetic.”

With limited physical space and minimal scenic elements, lighting became the primary storytelling tool. Beaton’s design used light to shift scale, sculpt mood, and guide the audience through the emotional arc of the show. “You can’t fly in massive set pieces at the Watermill,” he says. “So lighting had to do the heavy lifting; shaping the room, igniting the atmosphere, and telling the story.”

To achieve this, Beaton relied on a carefully curated rig that balanced power with subtlety. At its heart were 42 Martin Mac Ones which are compact, quiet, and impressively versatile. “They’re the perfect unit for a space this size,” he notes. “They take up almost no space or power, and they pack an immense punch.”

The rig also included Ayrton Diablo-S profiles, Martin Mac Auras, and a range of LED fixtures, all chosen for their ability to deliver visually rich, almost biblical imagery one moment, and high-energy concert looks the next. Hidden troughs of GLP Xbars and LED tape added depth and texture, while 88 hand-crafted DMX candles brought a human, tactile warmth to the stage.
WL’s long-term hire partnership with the Watermill was instrumental in realising this vision. “It would have been impossible to produce this show with this aesthetic without supplementing the existing stock,” Beaton says. “I’m so grateful to Adam, Stuart, and the entire WL team for helping us find the right kit, on budget and on time.”

The production also pushed the venue’s technical infrastructure to its limits. “We ran out of parameters on the desk,” Beaton laughs. “But WL stepped in to upgrade the system and make it all possible.”

WL’s Business Development Manager Stuart Porter comments: “At WL, we believe in creative partnership and technical excellence. This production exemplifies both. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when designers, technicians, and suppliers work together to tell powerful stories sustainably, and collaboratively.”

As Beaton reflects: “This show is a herculean effort from everyone involved. I wouldn’t have been able to do half of what I did without the brilliant team of freelancers, Watermill staff, and the unwavering support of White Light.”

LX Team Credits:
Rory Beaton – Lighting Designer
Nicola Crawford – Assistant Lighting Designer
Luca Panetta – Lighting Programmer
Ryan Tate – Production Electrician
Richard Lodge – DSM

Thom Townsend, Ruth Corris, Alex Hammond, Nick Flintoff, Lawrence Doyle and Neil Starke at the Watermill.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Project credits:

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

Material Source Studio, Manchester

Material Source Studio (MSS) in Manchester serves as a hub of innovation and inspiration for design professionals. Featuring installations from over 50 leading brands, the space offers a dynamic mix of product showcases, seminars, workshops, CPDs, and networking opportunities. The studio is purposefully designed to foster creativity while offering a comfortable, collaborative environment for designers and architects.

When Material Source Studio sought to enhance its meeting room with a bespoke ceiling lighting solution that would push the boundaries of design, Light Forms, in collaboration with MSS partner, Zentia, stepped in to deliver a tailored solution.

The solution needed to complement the Studio’s soft furnishings while maintaining a cohesive visual identity. It also had to incorporate integrated lighting with acoustic performance, ensuring practical benefits such as a comfortable, functional atmosphere for co-working and networking.

Zentia proposed and delivered a bespoke solution featuring the DecoFrame Kit Classic Canopy, Gridline, and triangle tiles in a mixture of white and grey. Zentia’s Solutions Design Manager, Nick Harper, created the design alongside providing the expertise and partnership working that Zentia is known for.

Light Forms developed Trifecta, a slimline ceiling light to fit seamlessly with the Zentia’s design. Available in a variety of colour temperatures and CRI options (80 and 90), the fixture comes with a choice of either a homogeneous opal diffuser or a low-glare micro-prismatic diffuser- ideal for a wide range of spaces. Its full-coverage, LED backlit design ensures even illumination across the surface, delivering a clean and striking ceiling lighting solution.

John Spicer, Head of New Product Development at Zentia was happy with the result, he comments: “We’ve been encouraged by the positive feedback on how straightforward the installation process is, which led us to officially launch this as a product. To support architects and designers, we’ve developed a set of standardised Revit models, available to download from NBS Source, BIMobject, and our own website, making specification as seamless as possible. For bespoke designs, our in-house team is on hand to help turn your vision into reality.”

Paul Shoosmith, Director at Lighting Forms added: “It has been a pleasure to collaborate with fellow MSS partner Zentia on this bespoke solution, which we believe will be appreciated by designers across the Manchester region and beyond. We’re thrilled to introduce Trifecta to our collection as a standout lighting solution for diverse ceiling applications.”

Completed in July 2025, the final installation is a visually impactful, acoustically sound ceiling lighting solution – perfectly suited for presentations, board meetings, and creative collaborations at the Studio, a true flagship for design innovation.

The LUMY Awards, a newly launched program dedicated to honoring the most innovative and exceptional lighting and controls products, is set to raise the bar for recognition in the global lighting industry.

The LUMYs will spotlight excellence across six categories — Indoor Luminaires, Outdoor Luminaires, Lighting Controls, Stocked Goods, Lamps, and Components — providing manufacturers with a highly credible platform for recognition and industry-wide visibility. A panel of six respected industry experts will evaluate entries based on rigorous criteria, ensuring that the program sets a true benchmark for quality and innovation.

“The LUMY Awards are about celebrating real innovation and quality in lighting,” said Al Uszynski, creator of the LUMY Awards. “This program brings a level of rigor and integrity that the industry can trust — a benchmark designed to reflect what true excellence looks like.”

The awards program will roll out over the coming months:

September – October: Entry period open. Weekly announcements unveiling members of the distinguished judging panel
October 25: Entry period closes
November: Four finalists per category announced. Public voting opens, counting as the seventh judge and representing one-seventh (14%) of the total score.
December: Category winners unveiled, with each product celebrated as a LUMY Awards winner

The LUMY Awards aim to deliver more than just recognition. Winners will gain significant exposure across the lighting industry’s design, distribution, and manufacturing sectors, reinforcing their position as leaders in lighting innovation.

Entries are open to manufacturers worldwide, reflecting the global nature of the lighting industry.

For entry guidelines, deadlines, and judging criteria, visit www.LUMYawards.com and be part of setting a new benchmark in lighting innovation.