Month: March 2026

Elite Control Services (ECS) were appointed by Park Lighting Design to provide specialist lighting controls commissioning for a new installation for Teeside University. Working closely with Park Lighting Design as the designers and supplier, contractors SES and Traxon e:cue as the chosen solutions provider, the team selected a full dynamic lighting solution from Traxon e:cue using Pixel Ribbon GO RGBW HB and e:cue controls to deliver flexible, high-impact RGBW lighting effects across the scheme. ECS were brought in to ensure that the control system was correctly configured, resilient and straightforward for the on-site team to operate and adapt as required.

The ECS scope covered testing and verifying all control addresses so that every Pixel Ribbon run responded accurately within the system, followed by detailed mapping to align the controls with the design layout and intended lighting scenes. The team then set up a clever master–slave control arrangement, configuring the e:cue controllers so that the system would continue to operate seamlessly in the event of a fault. If the slave controller detects that the master is no longer present or communicating on the network, it automatically takes over system control, limiting any potential outages and helping to maintain continuous lighting performance for students, staff and visitors.

Once the core commissioning was complete, ECS provided on-site training for the university’s team, demonstrating how they can programme and adjust the system themselves to support different events, timings and visual requirements. This ensured that Teesside University not only benefited from a robust and intelligently configured Traxon e:cue solution but also had the in-house capability to make the most of its new dynamic lighting.

Commenting on the project, ECS Director Adam Hardy said: “We were asked to come in alongside Park Lighting Design and Traxon e:cue to make sure the controls were set up properly and would keep the lighting running smoothly. We handled everything from testing addresses and mapping through to configuring the master and slave controllers and delivering training so the university team can programme the system themselves. By building in that resilience, we are proud to have helped Teesside University get a reliable, flexible lighting solution with minimal risk of downtime.”

Project credits:
Client: Teesside University
Contractor: SES

Lighting Designer and Supplier: Park Lighting Design
Solutions provider: Traxon e:cue
Photography: Courtesy of Park Lighting Design

A brand-new concept in EV charging stations for heavy vehicles is grabbing attention through its dynamic lighting, made possible with technology from Pharos Architectural Controls.

The innovative approach to charging stations has been developed by Einride; a technology company focused on sustainable logistic solutions. The network of stations has been purposefully designed with a strong investment in energetic lighting design. The aim is to make the stations easily identifiable and locatable even in the darker hours. Adding to this, the lighting makes the experience of charging heavy vehicles more enjoyable and engaging.

The new lighting design is being rolled out across Einride’s network of charging sites, starting with the station in Varberg, Sweden. The project’s lighting designer, Julia Ekman of Invitedlight, specified a solution from Pharos to deliver the dynamic lighting requirements for the Varberg charging station. A Pharos Designer LPC 1 controller is at the heart of the advanced lighting design at the Varberg site, and is also being utilised across the full-network of Einride’s charging facilities.

The Designer LPC is an all-in-one control solution that is ideal for LED lighting installations. As a rugged, compact unit, the LPC is designed to offer complete reliability even when in 24/7 operation. Additionally, its ‘fit and forget’ installation and programming removes the need for manual intervention – unless looking to fine tune timelines and scenes to complement seasonal events, or company objectives.

Ryan Sainsbury, Regional Sales Manager for UK, Ireland, N. Europe and Benelux at Pharos Architectural Controls, said: “The new Einride charging station in Varberg is a really eye-catching innovation. The dynamic lighting is controlled with a single Designer LPC, which shows how powerful this piece of technology is. The LPC is easily housed in weather-proof enclosures, making it ideal for charging stations that are potentially exposed to harsh conditions throughout the changing seasons.”

Lina Strömmer, Managing Director of Stockholm Lighting, added: “The lighting at the Einride heavy-duty EV charging stations is not only attractive and a talking point, but it also makes the sites highly visible for drivers even at night. The lighting effects have been made possible through the Pharos Designer LPC which delivered everything we needed for the unique concept of this project.”

The new driver-friendly charging stations will become increasingly common, with Einride committed to an ongoing roll-out of the eye-catching sites. Each location has multiple charging points, with the Varberg site offering 16 chargers – allowing multiple heavy-duty EVs to recharge at the same time.

Light Forms is pleased to announce the appointment of Faye Robinson as Senior Sales Manager, based in the company’s Manchester space. Faye brings more than two decades of experience across the lighting design industry, spanning theatre, architectural lighting, consultancy, and bespoke luminaire development.

Faye began her lighting career in theatre set and lighting design before transitioning into architectural lighting, later completing a master’s degree in Architectural Lighting at UCL. Her extensive background includes delivering general, feature and custom lighting solutions across multiple sectors, working closely with design teams, contractors and clients to achieve exceptional project outcomes.

Joining Light Forms marks the next chapter in her career – one where she aims to share her deep knowledge of lighting for the built environment and support project teams in achieving the best possible lit results.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the new and also familiar faces at Light Forms,” Faye shared. “I have specified the luminaires myself throughout my career, and I’m excited to build on the impressive client and project base.”

Managing Director Harry Prior welcomed Faye to the team, noting the significance of her appointment: “Faye’s experience, creativity and technical understanding make her an exceptional addition to Light Forms. Her background across both design and specification brings a valuable perspective to our clients and partners. We’re thrilled to have her join us as we continue to grow our presence and support the industry with high-quality lighting solutions.”

Faye’s appointment reinforces Light Forms’ commitment to strengthening its UK team and expanding its support for designers, architects and contractors across the region.

Tridonic UK has supported the successful redevelopment of Reed Smith’s new London headquarters at 1 Blossom Yard, delivering a connected, future-ready lighting solution in partnership with Artech Lighting. The project demonstrates how intelligent lighting technology can elevate workplace experience, support flexible working, and contribute to high sustainability performance in modern commercial environments.

Reed Smith’s new 126,000 sq ft office blends the character of a historic warehouse with contemporary architectural design, creating a workspace that encourages collaboration, well-being and operational efficiency. Designed to accommodate a global law firm with flexible working, the project required a lighting scheme capable of supporting multiple configurations.

Reed Smith’s relocation to 1 Blossom Yard involved a complete transformation of the warehouse interior to create a modern, connected workspace. Artech Lighting collaborated closely with Troup Bywaters + Anders, Bancroft and Overbury to deliver a full lighting and controls package that balanced innovation, efficiency and sustainability.

The architectural complexity of the space required bespoke luminaires designed to coordinate precisely with varied finishes throughout the building. Key challenges included ensuring seamless interaction between daylight and artificial light, accommodating individual employee needs, and supporting a wide range of workspace configurations – from small project groups to full office reconfigurations.

To achieve a fully integrated and intuitive lighting environment, Artech supplied a tailored package of bespoke luminaires powered by Tridonic DALI technology. The use of Tridonic DALI drivers enables end users to access a simple, intuitive controls solution without compromising on performance or flexibility.

The installation includes:

240 bespoke linear and square luminaires equipped with Tridonic EXC4 DALI drivers
Module LLE24 ADV6 LED boards delivering uniform, high‑efficiency illumination
EM ConverterLED PRO inverters with LiFePO₄ battery emergency gear for long‑life, DALI‑2 compliant emergency lighting
Constant‑voltage drivers supporting Nastro Neon LED strip lighting

Artech Lighting also supplied more than 2,000 metres of Flowline and Chicane luminaires across 250 bespoke systems, all operating in harmony with Tridonic’s lighting controls.

The Module LLE 24 mm 1250 lm HV ADV6 provides uniform light distribution, broad lens compatibility, and a long 102,000-hour lifetime, supporting both visual comfort and long‑term sustainability.

The EM ConverterLED PRO inverter and LiFePO₄ battery deliver a low-profile DALI‑2 emergency driver with automatic testing, a 100,000-hour lifetime, and high-temperature cells offering up to 12-year design life – ensuring robust compliance and reduced maintenance demands.

Together, Artech’s custom luminaires and Tridonic’s DALI technology create a workspace lighting system that is comfortable, energy‑efficient and aesthetically aligned with the building’s architectural vision.

The resulting solution enables building managers to easily control lighting scenes via smartphone or tablet, supporting a highly adaptable working environment that can evolve with Reed Smith’s needs. Tridonic worked closely with Artech Lighting throughout the project, supplying components and providing UK-based technical support to ensure seamless integration.

The project also achieved BREEAM Excellent, aligning with Tridonic’s Tridonic360 sustainability approach and reinforcing Reed Smith’s commitment to responsible, future-focused workplace design.

“Our goal was to support Artech in delivering a lighting system that feels effortless for end users while offering the depth of control expected in a modern legal workspace,” said Alec Fielding, UK Key Accounts Manager at Tridonic. “The result is a connected, adaptable solution that will continue to evolve with Reed Smith’s needs.”

Project Credits

Client: Reed Smith
Lighting Technology: Tridonic UK
Lighting Partner: Artech Lighting
Photography: Supplied by WorkBench, Photographer: Andrew Boyd 

Located in the heart of East Belfast, Better Gym Connswater has undergone a transformative refurbishment, reimagining the existing site as a dynamic fitness environment. Appointed to deliver the new lighting scheme, Light Forms developed a striking yet highly functional solution that supports the gym’s updated layout, new equipment and refreshed member experience, while remaining true to Better Gym’s established visual identity.

Working alongside architect Zynk Design and project manager GLL, the scheme was carefully coordinated to align with the revised layout and upgraded facilities. Completed in January 2026, the design centres on the concept of motion, with bold, layered lighting features shaped by circulation routes and training zones to create an energetic, immersive environment suited to a contemporary fitness setting.

A key feature of the design is the use of Moondband 40 curved lighting track, arranged in varying lengths to form a layered, sculptural centrepiece. Suspended within the main gym floor, the rings create the impression of movement in motion, anchoring the space visually while delivering both direct and indirect illumination. Installed in close coordination with Emerald Group UK & Ireland, the feature elements were precisely positioned to integrate seamlessly with the exposed services and ceiling arrangement.

Above the functional training zone, Five Bow H with Flat Lens delivers consistent, high-performance linear illumination. Aligned with the 13-metre turf track and equipment layout by Technogym & Balance, it mirrors the floor geometry to create a cohesive composition that reinforces direction and pace during high-intensity sessions. In the studios, a colour-changing RGBW blue version allows scenes to adapt to different class formats, while indirect blue uplighting washes the dark grey soffit in Better Gym’s signature colour, adding depth without compromising functional light levels.

Elsewhere, Value Down spotlights ensure clear, welcoming illumination through entrance and circulation areas, guiding members intuitively through the space. Nova Medium 62 suspended fittings define the Members’ Hub, introducing a softer layer of light suited to social interaction and recovery. In the free weights area, Target Line surface-mounted luminaires provide focused, practical illumination that supports safe and effective training while maintaining the scheme’s clean visual language.

Throughout the scheme, the balance between performance and atmosphere remained central. Each zone is lit according to its functional demands, yet unified through the considered integration of direct and indirect light, linear forms and brand-led colour accents. The result is a flexible lighting environment that enhances visibility, supports wellbeing and amplifies the motivational energy of the gym floor.

Commenting on the project, Paul Shoosmith, Director at Light Forms, said: “Better Gym Connswater has been an exciting opportunity to explore how lighting can express movement and brand identity within a high-performance environment. By combining sculptural feature elements with robust, functional illumination, we’ve created a scheme that motivates members, supports operators and brings a renewed sense of energy to the space.”

With its layered custom features, precision-aligned linear systems and immersive detailing throughout, the Better Gym Connswater project showcases how Light Forms’ product families can transform a fitness environment into a cohesive, future-focused destination for its users.

Project credits:
Project Manager: GLL
Architect: Zynk Design
Contractor: Emerald Group UK & Ireland
Equipment Supplier: Technogym & Balance
Lighting: Light Forms

Photography: Emerald Group UK & Ireland