Author: russellcoombes

At the heart of London’s Docklands, Global Switch London East forms part of one of Europe’s most
connected digital infrastructure campuses. Designed to support high-performance computing, AI
deployments and advanced liquid cooling technologies, the facility continues to evolve through a
phased refurbishment programme focused on flexibility, efficiency and resilience.

Zumtobel was appointed to deliver a comprehensive lighting solution spanning multiple floors of the
building, including data halls, plant areas and a pioneering liquid cooling demonstration suite. The
project highlights the role of adaptable lighting infrastructure within mission-critical environments
where performance, reliability and flexibility are essential.

Global Switch’s London campus is undergoing continuous redevelopment to accommodate the rising
demands of AI and high-performance computing. As part of this programme, refurbished floors
required lighting capable of supporting operational safety, visual clarity at rack level and long-term
energy efficiency.

The project brought together multiple consultants and stakeholders across different phases,
including Hilson Moran, Burns & McDonnell and AFK Studios, with Datalec Precision Installations
(DPI) responsible for installation. Coordinating design intent across eleven floors while maintaining
consistency and programme alignment presented a significant logistical challenge.

Collaboration supporting phased delivery

Zumtobel’s nationwide project team worked closely with consultants, contractor and client
representatives to ensure a cohesive approach across each stage of the refurbishment. Clear
communication and a shared understanding of operational requirements allowed the lighting strategy
to evolve alongside the building programme while maintaining consistency across floors.
Ken Knight, Head of Data Centres – UK & Ireland, Zumtobel Group, comments:
“Data centre environments place very specific demands on lighting, from vertical illuminance at rack
level to reliability and energy efficiency. Our role was to translate those requirements into a scalable solution that could be implemented across multiple floors while supporting Global Switch’s ongoing expansion and innovation strategy.”

A flexible lighting platform for data-driven environments

The final solution combined robust industrial luminaires, advanced emergency systems and
intelligent controls to meet the operational demands of a high-density data centre.
TECTON continuous-row lighting formed the backbone of the data hall installation, delivering precise
vertical illuminance on rack frontals through split-lens optics. This approach enhances visibility for
maintenance and operational tasks while avoiding unnecessary light spill onto circulation areas.
TECTON with RESCLITE PRO emergency luminaires were integrated with the eBOX monitoring
platform, providing a self-testing and self-reporting emergency solution aligned with the reliability
expectations of mission-critical facilities.
Across plant areas, offices and shared spaces, AMPHIBIA luminaires were selected for their
durability and IK-rated performance, ensuring resilience in technically demanding environments.

ECOSIGN emergency signage supported safe navigation, while the LITECOM lighting management
system enables centralised monitoring and control across all luminaires.
As the refurbishment progresses, TECTON II is planned for levels eight and nine. Its plug-and-play
architecture supports faster installation, with independent installer studies showing average
installation speeds of up to 70% faster than comparable systems, helping streamline delivery across
future phases.
Matt Perrier Flint, Director UK & Ireland, DPI, comments: “Delivering a project of this scale required close coordination between all parties. The modular design of the Zumtobel lighting system
simplified installation and helped maintain programme certainty, while the collaborative approach
ensured that technical requirements were clearly understood at every stage.”

Supporting innovation in the liquid cooling suite

Level ten houses Global Switch’s liquid cooling demonstration suite, showcasing a full breadth of the
latest technologies designed to enable the most powerful chips to operate with greater efficiency and
at higher densities. Designed by AFK Studios, the space was developed in collaboration with project
partner JPR in developing the lighting solution to complement the technical environment while
maintaining clarity and operational safety.

The scheme illustrates how adaptable lighting infrastructure can support evolving digital technologies
and demonstration environments without compromising efficiency or maintainability.

Measurable benefits across performance and operations

The upgraded lighting delivers a range of operational advantages for Global Switch:
 Improved vertical illuminance supporting safe and efficient rack maintenance
 Reduced energy consumption through LED technology and intelligent controls
 Simplified installation and future adaptability via modular TECTON architecture
 Self-monitoring emergency lighting enhancing reliability and compliance
 Durable luminaires suited to plant and technical environments

Together, these improvements provide a consistent lighting platform capable of evolving alongside
the campus’s ongoing densification and technology development.
Derek Allen, Group Operations Director at Global Switch, comments: “Across our global portfolio, operational resilience and flexibility are fundamental. The lighting strategy implemented at ourLondon data centre supports safe, efficient operations while giving us the adaptability required to
meet evolving customer demands. It forms part of the wider infrastructure platform that enables us to
support increasingly complex AI and high-performance computing deployments.”

Emily Clark, Global Switch, adds: “As our London data centre continues to evolve to support the demands of the most powerful AI and high-performance workloads, it was important that the
supporting infrastructure could match that pace of innovation. The lighting solution delivered by
Zumtobel provides the performance, flexibility and reliability we require across both operational data
halls and demonstration spaces.”

To view the full project, please visit https://www.zumtobel.co.uk/en-gb/cs/global-switch

Products
TECTON C
TECTON II
TECTON with RESCLITE PRO
AMPHIBIA
ECOSIGN
LITECOM
eBOX

Photography
Global Switch and Zak Poland
Information:
Tel: 0191 365 2222 Email:  info.uk@zumtobelgroup.com
Media Contact
Emma Cronin
Marketing Communications & Events Coordinator
Tel: 07785 248642
E-mail: emma.cronin@zumtobelgroup.com

New product innovations, enhanced services, and expanded support

Leading lighting designer and manufacturer, Ansell Lighting, has unveiled its S19 product catalogue, showcasing a host of new lighting innovations and enhanced support services for contractors.

S19 is the biggest Ansell catalogue yet and includes almost 50 new products and product upgrades, reflecting the company’s commitment to continuous innovation.

Key highlights of S19 include

Exa C

A new addition to our EXA collection – the EXA C is a purpose built padel court floodlight, with precision lenses for controlled beam distribution and uniform playing surface illumination. The AkzoNobel anti-corrosion coating provides long-term durability and the lightweight compact aluminium construction makes installation easier. An integrated visor creates effective glare control and reduces light spill in built up areas. The 240W luminaire offers CCT of 4000K and 165 lm/W.

Tornado Pro

Our fully redesigned and upgraded Tornado Pro is a market-leading high spec, non-corrosive batten, designed for applications where performance, optical control and visual quality are critical. Featuring a crystal-clear, UV-stable high-quality polycarbonate illuminated base for direct and indirect light distribution, efficacy up to 190lm/w, changeable optics and XPRESS compatibility, it delivers premium performance for retail, car park and industrial environments.

XPRESS

Our game-changing XPRESS clip-in emergency and microwave sensor converter kits are being rolled out across a number of popular products, following its launch on the Tornado Evo earlier this year. The fast, clip-in system enables emergency and microwave sensor functionality to be added quickly and easily to standard products- including Tornado Pro and Disco Evo.
XPRESS features clearly labelled gear trays with dedicated press and clip connection points, allowing the packs to be installed in seconds.

S19 also includes details of Ansell’s extensive contractor support proposition, which includes a range of services, including streamlined deliveries with improved pallet labelling, On-Site surveys, lighting design, and on-site warranties.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director of Ansell Lighting, commented: “Our commitment to innovation at Ansell Lighting is not just about launching new products, it is about listening to our customers and then updating and upgrading popular products to meet their needs.

As a result, many of the new and upgraded products in S19 are about making life easier for installers and helping wholesalers to reduce the number of SKUs they have to carry.

“And this year we have launched our dedicated contractor support service that helps to address common project pain points for contractors, such as on-site issues, delivery logistics, and post-installation support.”

The S19 brochure is now available for download at: www.ansell-lighting.com/en/s19-catalogue

Printed copies can be ordered via the online platform or through your local Area Sales Manager (ASM).

TRILUX has delivered a connected lighting solution for the new
Simac headquarters in Veldhoven, supporting the company’s ambition to create a smart,
flexible and future-ready workplace. Developed in collaboration with installer Kuijpers, the
project transforms the former TechniekHuys into a modern office environment where
lighting, data and building systems work together as part of a fully integrated smart
ecosystem.

“We wanted a building that shows what we are capable of,” says Bas van Tilborg, executive
board member of Simac’s parent company. “Light plays a key role in that.”

A showcase for smart building technology
Rather than constructing a new building, Simac opted to redevelop the existing TechniekHuys,
creating a sustainable workplace that reflects its own technological expertise. The headquarters
now acts as a live demonstration environment, incorporating a fully wireless smart building
management system.

“Our new headquarters is a showcase. For our customers, but also for ourselves,” Van Tilborg
explains. “Everything we experience here, we use every day in the solutions we provide to our
customers.”
Lighting forms a visible part of this concept. Integrated with wireless control, TRILUX LED
luminaires contribute to a connected system that combines illumination, data and energy efficiency.
Fast-track delivery with a clear lighting strategy
The project was delivered within a tight programme, with just eight months between handover and
occupation.

“We had no more than eight months between receiving the keys and moving in,” says Van Tilborg.
“Then you have to act fast.”
TRILUX developed a structured lighting concept using Finea pendant luminaires for office areas,
Sonnos downlights and a 3-phase track system with B.veo spotlights for feature spaces. The
scheme balances functional lighting with architectural integration across different areas of the
building.

A key element was the integration of wireless controls, enabling automatic adjustment based on
daylight and occupancy.
“Our sensors also measure humidity, light and noise levels, temperature and the number of people
in a room,” Van Tilborg explains. “We use that data not only to control the lighting, but also the
indoor climate.”

“For example, if only two people are in a meeting room, we don’t need to ventilate as if there were
ten. Thanks to the new system, this is controlled automatically. That saves energy and improves
comfort.”

Human Centric Lighting across all areas
User comfort was a central consideration throughout the project, with Human Centric Lighting
(HCL) implemented across workspaces as well as circulation areas.
“The comfort of our people comes first,” says Van Tilborg. “We have many different types of
spaces with varying levels of natural daylight. With HCL we can balance that, and it truly makes a
difference.”

In some areas, this required customised solutions. Secondary workspaces built from standalone
units were adapted to support HCL through collaboration between Simac and TRILUX.
“You could keep it simple, but we chose to develop a custom lighting solution together with
TRILUX. That caused a few months’ delay for those units, but now everything fits perfectly. I’m
very happy we made that choice.”

Data-driven flexibility for the future
Alongside the lighting upgrade, the building layout was reconfigured to support flexible working,
replacing fixed desks with shared, activity-based spaces.
Data collected through the lighting and sensor system provides ongoing insight into how spaces
are used, allowing continuous optimisation.

“We know exactly which rooms are used and when,” says Van Tilborg. “And that offers
opportunities. If a space is structurally unused, we can redesign it.” Because the system is fully
wireless, luminaires can be repositioned easily without structural changes. “Just regroup them and
it’s done.”

The same data can also be used to optimise building operations, including cleaning schedules and
room booking systems.

Collaborative delivery under tight timelines
Close coordination between all project partners was essential to meet the programme.
“The pace of our renovation was high, but we were able to align instantly,” says Van Tilborg.
“Thanks to the clear architectural drawings and TRILUX’s pragmatic approach, the lighting concept
turned out exactly as we envisioned.”

A phased installation approach, working from the top floor downwards, allowed the project to
progress efficiently. “TRILUX adapted seamlessly.”
A workplace designed to perform
The completed headquarters has been well received by employees and visitors alike, with lighting
designed to support both comfort and interaction.

“The light doesn’t stand out – exactly as intended,” Van Tilborg notes. “I work at the office more
than before. Not only because of the building itself, but because of the pleasant atmosphere and
interaction it creates. The lighting definitely plays a role in that.”
The building also serves as a demonstration space for clients, showcasing the potential of
integrated smart technologies.

“It’s great to see how impressed visitors are. They immediately get a clear picture of what we can
offer. And that’s what it's really about: inspiring people.”
Van Tilborg concludes: “Pay attention to the details. Trust me, they matter. More than you think. If
you have the chance to do something really well, then do it. We’re glad we made that choice.”

Leading lighting manufacturer Ansell Lighting has continued its support for St. Rocco’s Hospice in Warrington with the creation of a feature lighting wall for a new relaxation room.

St. Rocco’s was Warrington-headquartered Ansell’s charity of the year in 2025, with the business raising more than £1,200. The lighting specialist offered to support with the new relaxation facility, which is now benefitting patients and loved ones who use St. Rocco’s.

Ansell created and installed the feature wall board using its LED Cell strip lighting range. The lighting has a remote control so colours and relaxing scenes can be adjusted according to the needs of the individual patients.

To create a tranquil and relaxing space the room also includes recliner chairs, salt lamps, throws, a music player and blackout blinds and is used for therapies including reflexology, hand and head massage, group therapy sessions and relaxation classes.

Gemma Sheerin, Marketing and Communications Manager at St Rocco’s, said: “The lighting feature wall has brought another dimension to our relaxation room. Using the lights we are able to provide a calm and soothing environment for our patients. The lights help to induce a feeling of relaxation for our patients as soon as they enter the room. During treatments, the lights are also a gentle distraction to help calm the mind as the therapy sooths the body.”

Sarah Ankers– HR Director, from Ansell Lighting, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the way our colleagues and the wider business have come together to support St. Rocco’s. The generosity, energy and commitment everyone has shown truly reflects who we are as an organisation. St. Rocco’s does truly incredible work, providing compassionate care and vital support to patients, and those important to them, during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Being able to contribute to that mission is something we value deeply.

“One of the standout moments this year has been the beautiful lighting scheme our team designed, using our products to enhance the therapy room. This has helped create a warm, calming space that supports the wellbeing of those who use it, and it’s a wonderful example of how sharing our skills and creativity can make a meaningful difference.”

Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey and marketing and communications manager Suzanne Castine received SLL honorary fellowships at the AGM in CIBSE’s headquarters in London last week.

Commenting on the award, the outgoing Society of Light and Lighting president Kristina Allison said “The honorary fellowship recognises a significant contribution not only of services to the Society but to the wider lighting profession. It’s sanctioned by the Executive Committee of the SLL. The work that both do with Recolight has a positive impact on the industry and is
incredible.”

Usually, one award is given each year, but this year an exception was made. Previous recipients have
included Kevin McCloud in 2010, Jonathan Speirs in 2003, and Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh back in
1959.

F Mark Ltd founder Simon Fisher FSLL and Circular Lighting Report editor Ray Molony gave the
citations for Harvey and Castine respectively.

On accepting his award, Nigel Harvey said: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive the honorary
fellowship of the Society of Light and Lighting. The recognition of professional peers, colleagues and
friends is uniquely special. My sincere thanks to the SLL Executive Committee for the award. But I'm only the helmsman at Recolight. We've an amazing team, who all play vital roles and this award belongs to us all.”

And Suzanne Castine said: “Thank you to the SLL executive committee for recognising the work I do. Marketing is an overhead, so we’re constantly looking at ways to reduce cost.
And as a not-for-profit funded by our WEEE Scheme Lighting manufacturer Members, it’s
even more critical for me to be mindful of spend. Therefore, I keep our work in house and
don’t use agencies. We were recognised for going above and beyond and were in a room full
of lighting professionals who do that too. So many have helped Recolight along the way,
presenting at webinars and conferences, offering support, guidance and help.”
As a Sustaining Member of the SLL, Recolight are part of a network of businesses who collaborate to
give financial, technical and practical support to a wide range of Society initiatives.

When it comes to creating unforgettable immersive experiences, The Lost Estate is at the forefront of transporting audiences into lost worlds of magical music and immersive dining. Past productions include Paradise Under the Stars, which took audiences to 1950s Cuba; 58th Street, immersing guests in 1930s New York; and The Great Christmas Feast, inviting audiences into the home of Charles Dickens on Christmas Eve, 1843.
Their brand‑new experience now transports audiences to 1890s Paris, inside the legendary night‑club Le Chat Noir, a lost world of glittering cabaret performance, bohemian pleasures, vintage cuisine and live music. To bring CHAT NOIR! to life, writer and director Will Kunhardt approached lighting designer Mike Gunning to shape the visual language of the show. Having worked with The Lost Estate for many years, White Light (WL) was once again proud to supply the lighting rig for this extraordinary production.

From the earliest conversations, lighting was treated not as spectacle, but as a vital storytelling tool. “When Will Kunhardt approached me with the premise of the show, it felt like something that could be clearly and visually expressed,” says Gunning. “There was a real opportunity to collaborate and create something unique.”
The creative vision was twofold: to root the audience firmly in the time and place of 19th‑century Paris, while also embracing the variety and energy of cabaret performance unfolding throughout the space. “I wanted the light to feel soft, almost like looking at an old photograph,” he explains, ensuring the environment felt authentic, intimate and lived‑in.

Immersive theatre presents a very different set of challenges from traditional venue‑based productions. CHAT NOIR! unfolds in a site‑specific environment where audiences are both observers and active participants, surrounded by performance on all sides.

“The audience fills the space, and the performers move through them,” says Gunning. “So, you have to be constantly aware of sightlines, proximity and comfort, while still delivering atmosphere and clarity.”
Low ceilings, limited rigging positions, and the need to light performers dynamically without blinding audiences demanded a flexible and responsive technical solution. Reliability was also critical for a show running repeatedly, night after night, in close proximity to its audience.

The lighting system combined low‑voltage LED and incandescent practicals, integrated throughout the set and controlled via encoders, to reinforce the period aesthetic. Fresnels and PCs provided soft, sculptural washes, while Ayrton Diablos introduced subtle movement and texture where required.
A key technical element was the use of zactrack, enabling performers to be followed seamlessly as they move through the multi‑arched space. Martin MAC Auras formed the backbone of this system, ensuring the lighting could breathe with the performance rather than feeling programmed or static.
“In collaboration with my programmer Tom Davis, zactrack was the biggest unknown,” Gunning notes. “Understanding how many anchors and trackers were needed in such a complex space was something I completely relied on my team’s expertise for.”

WL’s role went beyond supplying equipment. With a long‑standing relationship with The Lost Estate and an intimate knowledge of the venue, the team provided invaluable insight throughout the design process. “WL’s understanding of what works in that space helped me decide on the right tools to achieve the look I wanted,” says Gunning. “That knowledge made a real difference to the final outcome.”

The project was delivered in close collaboration with Show Works Ltd and the Lost Estate Head of Lighting Benjamin Vetluzhskikh, underscoring the collective effort behind the experience.
Eddy Hackett, Co-founder and Executive Producer of The Lost Estate, comments: “With CHAT NOIR!, we set out not simply to recreate a space, but to revive a moment in time, capturing the energy, the creative spirit and the sense of possibility that defined bohemian Paris. Every element, from performance to design, works together to dissolve the boundary between audience and story. Our collaboration with partners like WL has been instrumental in achieving that level of immersion. Working closely with Mike Gunning and Tom Davis, we’ve developed a truly collaborative process with a shared commitment to authenticity, particularly in shaping a lighting design that feels true to the period.”

WL’s Head of Lighting, Dominic Yates, comments: “As audiences continue to discover CHAT NOIR!, we are proud to have supplied the lighting rig for this fantastic production, which places storytelling and collaboration at its core. It was great working with Mike, Tom, Callum and Ben to build such a transportive experience.”
Opening to rave reviews, CHAT NOIR! continues to immerse audiences in a hedonistic night of bohemian Paris, where music, performance and atmosphere collide.
Photo courtesy of The Lost Estate.

LX Team Credits:
Lighting Designer: Mike Gunning
Lighting Programmer: Tom Davis
The Lost Estate Head of Lighting: Benjamin Vetluzhskikh
Show Works Project Manager: Callum Moore
Show Works Production LX: Rhys Barratt

Pharos Architectural Controls will be exhibiting at InfoComm 2026 from the 17th to the 19th of June 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, reinforcing their focus on integration-first lighting control solutions for the global market.

At this year’s show, Pharos will spotlight the evolving approach to system interoperability and cross-platform connectivity, demonstrating how control solutions are designed to sit at the heart of modern integrated environments. With a strong emphasis on flexibility, scalability, and ease of integration, Pharos continues to support projects that combine lighting, AV, and building technologies into unified experiences.

Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to meet the US team, including Regional Sales and technical specialists Chad Kuney, Rhett North, and Katrina Maurer, with additional team members, including Bas Hoksbergen, expected to attend. The team will be on hand to discuss project requirements, integration strategies, and real-world applications across a wide range of sectors.

A key theme of the stand will be the extensive integration capabilities Pharos has with third-party systems and its “Friends of Pharos” initiative. Pharos controllers support a broad range of industry protocols, including DMX, Art-Net, sACN, KiNET, and DALI, alongside connectivity options such as TCP, UDP, OSC, MIDI, HTTP APIs, and MODBUS. IO Module plug-ins for Designer provide a wide selection of device and protocol extensions for system triggering. Demonstrations will highlight integration workflows with leading control and automation platforms, including Q-Sys, Lutron, Crestron, and Advatek, showcasing how Pharos enables seamless coordination across complex, multi-system environments.

Pharos will also showcase dynamic lighting control solutions, highlighting the latest capabilities within Designer and Express. Demonstrations will show how these technologies support a wide range of applications, from architectural installations and themed entertainment to sophisticated AV-driven environments. The focus remains very much on versatility, enabling designers and integrators to deliver responsive, integrated experiences at any scale.

Pharos will be exhibiting at booth N8744, where visitors can explore how technology is shaping the future of integrated lighting and AV control.

Chad Kuney, Regional Sales Manager for the Americas at Pharos, said, “InfoComm is always a key opportunity for us to connect directly with the Pro AV community and show how Pharos fits into real-world integrated systems. The conversation is no longer just about lighting control in isolation; it’s about how lighting becomes part of a wider, intelligent ecosystem. This year, we’re focusing on demonstrating just how seamlessly Pharos integrates with leading AV and control platforms, and how that flexibility opens up new possibilities for designers and integrators.”

Together, these developments underline Pharos’ commitment to delivering powerful, adaptable control solutions designed for the increasingly interconnected world of Pro AV integration.

As the phase-out of fluorescent lighting continues to reshape the industry, LEDVANCE is highlighting smarter, more sustainable upgrade options that avoid the need for full luminaire replacement.
With fluorescent tubes no longer available, many organisations are facing the challenge of modernising ageing lighting installations quickly, cost-effectively and with minimal disruption. LEDVANCE is addressing this with refurbishment-focused solutions that allow existing luminaires to be upgraded rather than removed entirely.

Using its standard non-dimmable T8 and T5 LED tubes (for CCG or AC 230 V) or with the LEDTUBE External System, existing luminaires can be converted into modern, and even dimmable LED solutions while retaining the original fitting housing. This approach reduces waste, lowers embodied carbon and helps preserve the original look and feel of a space. The addition of DALI-2 controls in the External System also enables compatibility with intelligent lighting systems, including occupancy sensing and daylight harvesting, helping organisations reduce unnecessary energy consumption by ensuring light is only used when needed.

For many businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and public buildings, replacing entire lighting schemes can be both costly and disruptive. By upgrading components instead of replacing complete luminaires, projects can be delivered more flexibly and in phases, reducing upfront investment while still improving lighting performance and energy efficiency.

LEDVANCE’s refurbishment solutions are particularly suited to projects where replacing luminaires would be difficult or impractical. LEDTUBE External System is available for T5 and T8 lamps and also for DULUX LED L and Fluorescent T9round systems.

Nelo Neves, LEDVANCE, said: “Refurbishment is no longer just a stopgap; it’s a strategic approach to sustainability. Retaining existing infrastructure while upgrading performance allows organisations to significantly reduce waste and embodied carbon without compromising on lighting quality or adding intelligent lighting control.”

As organisations continue transitioning away from fluorescent lighting, LEDVANCE believes refurbishment will play an increasingly important role in delivering sustainable, future-ready lighting upgrades. By combining intelligent controls, lower energy consumption, longer product lifecycles and reduced material waste, refurbishment projects can provide a practical and cost-effective route to modern lighting without the disruption of full replacement.

Built in the late 1930s in a distinctive neo-Georgian style, Dolphin Square is the UK’s largest privately owned apartment complex and a long-standing London icon. Recently, the building has undergone a major refurbishment by GRID Architects, bringing its historic character into dialogue with modern living, comfort, and amenity. The project transforms both the apartments and the communal spaces, creating environments that are bright and welcoming by day and dramatically atmospheric by night.

At the heart of this transformation is a striking double-height entrance lobby with a central reception atrium that flows into dining, meeting, and workspace areas. DesignPlusLight played a key role in reimagining the lighting throughout the building, carefully balancing heritage and contemporary design. By day, the atrium is bathed in natural light, but after dusk, the lighting guides the eye along the staircase to the reception area, and up to the softly illuminated skylights above, creating a captivating visual journey.

The North entrance was reconfigured by cutting through the first-floor slab to establish a more expansive double-height arrival and circulation area. Two staircases wrap around central lift cores clad in fluted timber panelling, highlighted by linear wall-graze lights that accentuate the warm tones of the oak. Lighting beneath the stairs provides the impression of floating structures while softly illuminating the planting below. Wall washers and floor uplights were strategically positioned to frame sightlines through the space, guiding visitors from the entrance to reception and onward into the building.

The refurbishment also reinstated the grandeur of the riverside entrance, which had been overshadowed following the arrival of Pimlico Underground Station in the 1970s. DesignPlusLight’s lighting enhances the façade with wall-washer downlights and floor uplights that accentuate the bronze arches.

New workspaces and a café terrace open onto the Grade II-listed Moroccan Garden, where DesignPlusLight introduced lighting that provides an ambient glow along with focused task lighting, complemented by subtle uplighting to bronze cladding that balances warmth and visual interest while connecting the interior to the landscaped surroundings.

Through this careful and considered lighting design, DesignPlusLight has aided Dolphin Square in revealing its heritage, enhancing its architecture, and creating memorable experiences. From dramatic arrival moments to intimate garden terraces, the lighting demonstrates how skilful design can transform atmosphere, support modern living, and honour the building’s 1930s character.

Sanjit Bahra, Principal of DesignPlusLight, said, “Rather than treating lighting as a series of isolated moments, the scheme was designed as a continuous journey, where the emphasis of light and shadow subtly shifts as people move through the building, creating a calm and richly layered experience.”

Credits

Client: Dolphin Square Operator Limited

Architect: GRID Architects

Interior Design: GRID Interiors

Contractor: Galliford Try

Lighting Design and Photography: DesignPlusLight

Lighting Manufacturers: RCL Lighting, Lucent, O/M Lighting, Phos, Architectural FX, Stoane Lighting, DGA

Lighting Controls: Zumtobel

formalighting, in collaboration with Light Scene, proudly presents a striking residential loft in Milano, Italy – the eclectic URBAN JUNGLE LOFT home where lighting is conceived as both a functional necessity and a tool. The project reimagines a domestic environment as an art gallery, using layered illumination to establish visual hierarchy, enhance atmosphere, and celebrate the homeowner’s expansive art collection.

At the heart of the design is the idea of the home as a living gallery. In the open-plan space, lighting is used to provide both general brightness and subtle highlights. This means each piece of artwork can stand out, while the space still feels warm and comfortable to live in. The careful use of light and shadow adds depth and interest, without taking away from the ease of everyday living.

A key challenge of the project was integrating a new lighting scheme within an existing electrical infrastructure and highly decorative interior language. Light Scene navigated this complexity by working in harmony with pre-existing fixtures, adapting to spatial constraints, and ensuring that the lighting interventions complemented their surroundings. The result is a scheme that feels both intentional and seamless, enhancing the environment without overwhelming it.

formalighting’s solutions played a central role in achieving a balance between technical precision and artistic expression. Custom-designed luminaires were introduced to illuminate artworks with both accuracy and flexibility, including motorised fixtures that enable precise beam adjustment, even in spaces with significant ceiling heights. This adaptability ensures the system remains effective as areas are re-designed or artwork is repositioned over time. In key areas such as the kitchen, bespoke mounting arms were developed to resolve spatial constraints, transforming a technical requirement into a design feature that aligns with the home’s aesthetic identity.

Within URBAN JUNGLE LOFT, the lighting is designed to be seen and felt, shaping how the space is experienced. It picks out key details, adds depth through texture, and supports the balance between everyday living and a gallery-like setting.

Project Credits
Lighting Design: LightScene Studio
Lighting Solutions: formalighting
Photography: Leo Torri