Category: industry updates

When it comes to heritage and historical buildings, lighting is about more than illumination – it’s about respect, sensitivity, and precision. The right solution enhances architectural beauty, protects original features, and ensures spaces remain both functional and atmospheric.

At LITE, we understand that no two heritage projects are the same. From centuries-old landmarks to listed properties, each demands a bespoke approach that balances conservation with innovation, often demanding unique lighting requirements and solutions.

One of the most important factors for local authorities to consider when undertaking heritage renovation projects is balancing preservation of the history of the building while updating it with modern requirements. This is why it’s important for local authorities to work with a company that understands planning, building regulations and heritage guidelines and that has the knowledge and experience of working with local authorities on these often-delicate projects.

At LITE, we collaborate closely with architects, conservation specialists, and stakeholders to understand both the building’s past and vision for the future. We liaise with project managers, relevant council departments and third-party stakeholders. We also engage with planning and building control departments and the council’s environmental officers, undertaking ecology reports and site surveys prior to any work taking place.

Following this in-depth expert consultation, our in-house team creates a tailored design which respects the original architecture while introducing discreet, energy-efficient technologies. All of the solutions offered meet the strictest standards and regulations that historic properties must adhere to.

It can be a difficult balance to update existing lighting to modern LED solutions whilst retaining the architectural integrity of the building. During the installation process, it’s vital to protect the site, safeguarding the surface of the building and the architectural features to prevent any damage occurring, including avoiding weakening the building structure or columns when fixing fittings.

Utilising wireless control systems to reduce the amount of cable required, and disguising light cables and fittings as much as possible, keeps the aesthetic of the building intact. With expertise in wireless technology, Ethernet networking and DMX configurations, all bases can be specified, configured, programmed and tested, making the process smooth throughout the project. Through partnerships and extensive solutions, LITE provides remote access, guidance and advice for clients to create their own light shows to celebrate historic and national events.

Our success in heritage lighting has been proven in our extensive range of historic projects. One example is the exterior lighting renovation for Paisley Abbey, one of Scotland’s most treasured historic landmarks, led by LITE. The existing lighting system was over 14 years old, relying on outdated technology that was failing both in condition and performance. As a listed building, the Abbey required an approach that balanced innovation with sensitivity, while working within the constraints of planning permissions, heritage conservation requirements, and a budget.

We delivered a complete end-to-end solution – from planning and product selection to supply, installation, and commissioning. Beam angles were meticulously tested on site to balance dramatic architectural emphasis with minimal light spill and energy consumption. New ducts and cabling infrastructure were installed to provide reliable power and data, while fixtures were discreetly integrated into the historic grounds to remain sympathetic to the Abbey’s fabric. The result is a sympathetic yet striking lighting scheme which delivers long-term sustainability through reduced energy use and modern technology.

As local authorities play a central role in the regulation and renovation of heritage and listed buildings, we are proud to play an important part in supporting them to preserve historic buildings while meeting modern regulations through our complete turnkey process.

Chung Lee – Design Director at LITE says, “At LITE, we recognise that heritage lighting is about more than technology. Our turnkey approach gives local authorities complete confidence, as we manage every stage from consultation and planning through to design, installation and commissioning. By combining deep knowledge of regulations with innovative, discreet technologies, we deliver solutions that respect architectural integrity while providing energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. It’s this balance of preservation and progress that allows us to make a real difference in protecting historic buildings for future generations.”

As Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake continues its landmark 30th anniversary tour, White Light (WL) is proud to once again supply the lighting rig for this iconic production. Since its groundbreaking premiere, this bold reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s classic has become the most successful dance theatre production of all time. First staged at Sadler’s Wells in 1995, it has since become the longest-running full-length dance piece in both the West End and on Broadway, earning over thirty international accolades, including Olivier and Tony Awards.

Featuring a lighting design by Paule Constable, Swan Lake continues to captivate audiences with its visual storytelling. WL is honoured to support the tour, ensuring the lighting design is delivered with precision and consistency across every venue.

As the production continues to travel to theatres across the UK, WL caught up with production electrician Rich Mence to explore the technical elements behind the scenes. His expertise ensures that each performance, whether in Aberdeen or Shanghai, delivers the same breathtaking impact envisioned by Paule.

“Touring a show of this scale is complex,” says Rich. “No two days are the same for a production electrician, but the setup follows a precise rhythm. We’re moving seven trailers of gear weekly, adapting to vastly different venues, and still delivering a consistent, beautiful show night after night. That’s only possible through meticulous planning, flexible design, and a team that works as one.”

From the outset, WL collaborated closely with Rich and the creative team to translate Paule’s design into a practical, tour-ready system. From developing a detailed shop order to prepping the rig at WL’s warehouse, every fixture—from ETC’s Gio @5 console to Luminex’s Luminode 12 DMX nodes—is tested, addressed, and ready to perform.

“WL’s infrastructure kit; especially the Prolyte S36 pre-rig truss and Luminex nodes, has been instrumental in streamlining our load-ins and maintaining system integrity across venues,” Rich explains. “It’s about working smarter, without compromising the artistic vision.”
Each venue presents its own spatial challenges, particularly in terms of auditorium size and proscenium width. These variations require constant adaptation of front-of-house lighting positions to preserve the integrity of the original design. Once optimal positions are identified, Chief Electrician Yoshi leads the relight process, ensuring the show maintains its visual consistency regardless of the venue.
One of the production’s most rewarding technical achievements is a subtle yet sophisticated lighting transition during a nightclub scene. A flown lighting position reveals a hidden bank of ColorForce II LED battens, replacing a previously cumbersome LED wall.

“It’s a cleaner, more efficient solution that enhances the scene whilst simplifying the rig,” Rich notes. “That’s the kind of innovation that makes touring sustainable and satisfying.”
WL’s Business Development Manager Stuart Porter adds: “It’s been incredible to work once again with Rich and continue supporting Swan Lake’s tour. We’ve partnered with New Adventures for many years and are proud to supply lighting for such a ground-breaking British dance-theatre company.”
Beyond the technical, the tour is a celebration of community and collaboration. From local crews to international venues, the production thrives on shared expertise and mutual respect.
“We’re lucky to work with incredible people across the UK, Europe, and Asia,” says Rich. “It’s a privilege to share this show with so many audiences, and to do it with a team that values excellence, creativity, and care.”

As Swan Lake continues its journey, WL remains committed to supporting productions that inspire, challenge, and connect—on stage and behind the scenes.

Photography by Johan Persson

The Regent Centre is a 505-seat cinema and theatre that sits in the heart of Christchurch, Dorset.
Having first opened its door back in 1931, it still thrives today as a non-profit, multi-purpose venue
with live music, comedy and community performance shows which help bring in over 100,000
visitors every year. Following a mechanical inspection, it was decided that the venue required both a
replacement of its auditorium chain hoist system as well as a brand-new wing-masking system with
curtain tracks and drapes – with all of this work being carried out by Solutions On Stage.

Solutions On Stage were first contacted by the Regent Centre’s Technical Manager Scott Gurd, who
comments: “I was on the lookout for a new technical inspection company as I wanted to ensure that
our performance space was as safe and technically efficient as possible. Solutions On Stage were
recommended by my previous employer and so I reached out to them to conduct an initial site visit.
My main concern was with the chain hoists within our venue as I was worried they didn’t meet
current industry standards”.

Following this, Solution On Stage’s Technical Director Darren Williams soon visited the Regent Centre where he confirmed this was indeed the case. He comments: “From just an initial inspection, we could confirm that the chain hoists which suspended the front of house truss needed replacing.
We also inspected the venue’s other technical aspects and, as a company that wants to support the
life cycle of the spaces we work in, suggested they install a track to then rig the moveable masking
within their wings. For the Regent’s convenience, we could also facilitate this alongside their chain
hoist installation”.

Solutions On Stage had to supply and install a complete replacement chain hoist lifting system for
the venue’s auditorium lighting bridge, incorporating new equipment, and the required electrical
infrastructure. This comprised of 2x GIS LP500 D8+ chain hoists and a wall mounted Guardian
Controller with a 2-channel low voltage control system, complete with a remote handset for control.
Following the installation of the replacement hoists, the bridge was then re-flown and Solutions On
Stage commissioned the entire installation as well as performed electrical tests, load testing and
certifying accordingly.

Alongside this, the company supplied and installed a wing track masking system comprising curtain
tracks and drapes. This included 2 x 4m lengths of Curtain Track, each fitted with 3 x swivel arms
that can also be run along the track and braked in order to create different masking options. Each
swivel arm was fitted with a 2m x 6m drop black wool serge drape. In addition, 11 fly bars were cut
down in length in order to provide clearance for the new tracks. As with the chain hoist system,
Solutions On Stage commissioned the entire install, offered certification as well as training for the in-house team on how to use the equipment.

Scott comments: “The works that have been carried out by Solutions On Stage have led both myself
and the general manager to fully trust in the safety of our mechanical systems and know everything
has been carried out to the very highest of standards. The wing masking has added an extra two
metres of useable stage width which has proven to be hugely beneficial for our live shows’.

Darren adds: “We were delighted to assist The Regent Centre with their remedial works and
technical upgrades. Whenever we work in a venue, we want to ensure the entire space is not only
safety compliant but that the technical set-up allows it to achieve its full potential. We look forward
to returning to The Regent Centre to carry out their annual mechanical inspection and continuing
our relationship with them.

Scott concludes: “Our overall experience with Solutions On Stage has been excellent. Every one of
their staff that attended site was professional, knowledgeable, hard-working and friendly. I was
consulted and shown every aspect of work that was carried out and there was a great deal of
flexibility on meeting the venue’s needs – something we greatly appreciate”. 
If your performance venue requires any upgrade works, then please feel free to contact our friendly
team at enquiries@solutionsonstage.co.uk.

TRILUX has won a prestigious Build Back Better Gold Award for its
Osido wall luminaire, recognising the product’s innovation, sustainability, and contribution
to reducing light pollution in architectural lighting.

The Build Back Better Awards celebrate excellence across innovation, creativity, social purpose,
and environmental leadership. In the 2025 lighting category, judges assessed projects, products,
and initiatives from across the industry, awarding just one Platinum, eight Green, and a select
number of Gold accolades.

Osido secured its Gold Award for tackling one of the toughest challenges in architectural lighting:
creating striking façades and building surrounds without contributing to obtrusive light or sky glow.
Instead of external shields or louvres, Osido integrates the solution into its design. In versions with
indirect lighting, the LED board is angled inward by 6°, directing light precisely onto the façade and
significantly reducing upward emissions — supporting Dark Sky principles.

Beyond its optical precision, Osido sets new benchmarks in sustainability and ease of use. Based
on a modular concept, the range supports refurbishment and circular economy principles with
standardised mounting plates that allow one-person installation, upgrades, or maintenance. A
larger cavity behind the mounting plate simplifies cable routing, while plug-and-play connectors
enable tool-free installation.

The luminaire family combines application-specific MLT optics, optional facial illumination modules
for enhanced safety, and compatibility with Casambi and LiveLink controls. Designed to blend
seamlessly into both modern and traditional architecture, Osido is available in four shapes, with
further extensions to include ceiling luminaires, bollards, and spotlights planned.

“Winning a Build Back Better Gold Award underlines Osido’s role in setting new standards for
responsible architectural lighting,” said Leighton James, Product and Marketing Director TRILUX.
“By combining design impact with environmental responsibility, Osido demonstrates how product
innovation can support both the needs of designers and the wider goals of sustainability.”
The award was officially presented on 25 September 2025 at Circular Lighting Live in London, with
winners announced publicly the following day.

For more information about Osido, visit: https://www.trilux.com/en/blog/osido/

Lucent Lighting are proud to announce that their Mix range has been awarded the respected GREEN award in the Lighting category at this year’s Build Back Better Awards, recognising the company’s leadership in sustainable product design and circularity.

The Mix85 and Mix60 luminaires are designed in line with circular economy principles, featuring interchangeable front plates, multiple trim and trimless kits, and a construction that prioritises reusability and minimal waste. Manufactured using 89% recycled materials and with 99% of components fully recyclable, Mix exemplifies Lucent Lighting’s dedication to reducing environmental impact without compromising on design or performance. Both models have also been independently verified through CIBSE TM65 and TM66 assessments, with Mix85 recording a total embodied carbon of 6 kgCO2e and a TM66 circularity score of 2.5 – Excellent, and Mix60 achieving 3 kgCO2e with a matching TM66 circularity score of 2.5 – Excellent.

Alongside its strong environmental credentials, Mix has been designed with ease of installation and maintenance in mind. Both the Mix85 and Mix60 feature toolless installation and focusing, as well as quick-release, screw-in LED engines for rapid servicing. Multiple installation kits ensure compatibility with all ceiling types, from plaster and partial skim trimless to wood, stone, and plasterboard. A wide choice of finishes, from classic white and black to custom RAL and plated options, ensures seamless integration with any interior design scheme while supporting rapid project delivery and long-term cost efficiency.

Mix also offers maximum flexibility for architects, lighting designers, and specifiers. Its fully adjustable design allows for 30° tilt and 359° rotation, delivering targeted illumination exactly where it is needed while blending effortlessly into its surroundings. With efficacies of up to 133 lumens per watt and outputs of up to 1775 lumens, Mix85 exceeds Part L2 compliance while offering excellent beam control and visual comfort. The range is fully compatible with Lucent’s extensive module family, including Quantum, Ambiance WarmDim, Dynamic White, SuperSpot, LED50 One Gen3, and Shallow Height, providing unparalleled adaptability across sectors and applications.

By embedding sustainability at every stage of the product lifecycle, the Mix range demonstrates that high-performance architectural lighting and circular design principles can exist together, perfectly.

Lucent Lighting’s Mix is more than a product – it’s the future of sustainable illumination.

For more information about the Mix range, visit www.lucent-lighting.com

White Light (WL) is proud to have once again supported Gilded Balloon at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, delivering full lighting and rigging across 18 venues in celebration of the company’s 40th anniversary.

As one of the Festival’s “Big Four,” Gilded Balloon transformed university buildings and cultural spaces into vibrant performance venues. With Teviot Row House undergoing refurbishment, the 2025 programme spanned Adam House, Applegate Tower, and the National Museum of Scotland; each presenting unique technical challenges that WL met with precision, creativity, and collaboration.
“Working with Gilded Balloon is always a rewarding experience,” said Dan Last, WL’s Key Account Manager. “Their ambition and adaptability push us to innovate, and this year was no exception. From custom truss structures to advanced LED rigs, we tailored each solution to meet the demands of the space and the vision of the team.”

Highlights included the transformation of one large workshop space in Adam House into separate venues—’Nip’ and ‘Dram’—using soundproofed truss boxes and LED rigs to reduce heat output. In ‘Other Yin,’ we overcame rigging limitations by deploying lightweight ETC ColorSource Pars, enabling a thrust stage layout without compromising on theatrical coverage.

A major technical milestone was the rollout of a unified lighting control system across all venues. WL engineered a cost-effective solution using ETC Nomad running Eos software paired with third-party hardware, streamlining operations and enhancing technician mobility. The system has since been adopted for West End and opera productions, underscoring its versatility and impact.

WL’s Project Manager Tom Tomkins shares his highlight collaborating with the team on-site: “One of the real joys of working at Gilded Balloon is collaborating with such a diverse and enthusiastic team of technicians. You meet people from all over the world. As a platform that opens doors into the industry, Gilded Balloon attracts a lot of new talent, and it’s incredibly rewarding to support their development. We often begin the build by guiding them through safe rigging and installation practices, and by the end of the install period, they’re confidently operating lighting desks and running their own shows. Watching someone go from handling a light for the first time to leading a full production in just a few weeks is what makes this work so special.”

Sustainability remained central to WL’s approach, with 17 of the 18 venues operating fully on LED rigs. The final venue retained a hybrid setup due to legacy infrastructure, with plans in place for a full transition.

WL has partnered with Gilded Balloon since 2014, growing from nine venues in one building to 18 venues across three. This enduring relationship reflects a shared commitment to technical excellence, creative storytelling, and building communities through live performance.
As Gilded Balloon marks four decades at the Fringe, WL looks ahead to 2026 and the reopening of Teviot Row House; ready to adapt, innovate, and illuminate the next chapter of this iconic institution.

Photo courtesy of White Light, Photo by Tom Tomkins

Pharos Architectural Controls will be exhibiting at NYControlled 2025, New York’s premier trade show dedicated to lighting controls, held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC. The event opens with a hands-on workshop on Tuesday, 14 October, followed by the main exhibition on Wednesday, 15 October.

Over the course of two days, the event will feature a curated programme of manufacturer-led tech talks and educational sessions on lighting controls, complemented by an exhibition floor showcasing leading controls manufacturers and trade associations – making it the ideal forum to connect with specifiers and integrators.

At table 402 visitors will be able to meet the Pharos team, where they will demonstrate the newest developments across its ranges, with a focus on key updates to Pharos Expert and Pharos Designer.

The latest release of Expert 2.0 introduces Groups, providing a new way to organise fixtures within a space. This allows users to control smaller fixture groups, with run-time overrides available via the Expert Touch mobile app or touchscreen wall stations. Programming tools have also been refined: static scenes can now be embedded into timeline scenes, while dynamic scenes have gained extended properties such as broader speed ranges and longer loop times, offering more subtle playback. Visitors to the Pharos table will be able to try these features in a hands-on demonstration.

Expert now also supports the Pharos RIO D4, a DALI four-port device that connects to an Expert system using a single PoE connection. Up to four RIO D4s can be linked to Expert Control, enabling as many as 16 additional DALI interfaces in one system.

For Designer, the team will present the latest enhancements following the launch of DMX Record. New functionality includes DMX Record remapping, giving users the flexibility to route recorded universes to different outputs, including the controller’s local DMX ports. Another major improvement is to eDMX pass-through, which now allows eDMX (Art-Net or sACN) from any console to be passively routed through a Pharos Designer LPC to another eDMX universe, local ports, or Pharos DMX gateways such as the EDN and RIO G4.

Michael Grosse (MG), Regional Sales Manager at Pharos said: “NYControlled attracts a highly engaged, controls-focused audience, making it the perfect platform for us to showcase our Expert and Designer ranges. These solutions enable specifiers and integrators with the tools to design, manage, and maintain exceptional dynamic lighting experiences.”

For more information on Pharos Architectural Controls and the upcoming tradeshows Pharos are exhibiting at, visit: https://www.pharoscontrols.com/

Further enhancing its versatility and design appeal, Ansell Lighting has expanded the popular Primo Track lighting range with two innovative new additions.

Ideal for use across commercial, retail, hospitality and residential environments, Primo Mini and Primo Deco offer track lighting users greater choice and flexibility, improving both aesthetic and design capabilities across a wide range of applications.

Compatible with the Primo Three Circuit range, the Primo Deco Trackspot is a high-end architectural luminaire developed specifically for projects where visual appeal is paramount.

Distinctively shaped, the Primo Deco Trackspot offers a fresh, circular design that complements modern interiors. Available in a black or white finish, the fitting can be further enhanced with a stylish brass baffle as well as honeycomb, dome and decorative lenses.

Available in 7W, 12W and 25W versions, the fitting delivers high-quality light with excellent colour rendering, thanks to its high CRI performance and 4000K colour temperature. It also offers 350-degree rotation and 0–90 degree tilt on the bracket, providing excellent adjustability for directional lighting.

The Primo Deco Trackspot also has Triac dimming as standard. Both DALI dimming and OCTO smart control options are also available.

Primo Mini, is a 24V track system suitable for more discreet display applications.

Included within the system is the Primo Mini Trackspot – a compact, 24VDC track light that is lightweight and sleek in appearance. It features 360-degree rotation and a 0–180-degree tilt range for complete flexibility, and incorporates an anti-glare design to enhance visual comfort.

The Primo Mini range also includes a selection of other architectural luminaires suitable for both residential and hospitality settings, allowing the creation of cohesive, layered lighting designs, including:

Three stylish pendants – a slim light pendant, a white glass globe and a black light pendant – all available in cool white or warm white
A slim and flexible Neon Tube
A slim suspended Light Line
A range of Neon and Optic Line luminaires, available in 1250mm and 2500mm lengths

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, said: “Track lighting has been a mainstay of commercial and hospitality lighting schemes for many years but until recently, styling choices have been notoriously limited.

“We’re now seeing increasing demand for design-led solutions that not only deliver on performance but are as stylish as the spaces they are intended to light.

“The latest additions to our Primo Track range have been developed specifically to meet this demand. Combining advanced lighting functionality with elegant, architectural styling, they give designers greater freedom to achieve the right aesthetic without compromising on performance.”

For more information on the Primo Track range visit: www.ansell-lighting.com

St Marylebone Parish Church, an architectural jewel of London, stands as the fourth church built on or near its historic site, with the present structure completed in 1817. The Grade I listed building within the Regent’s Park Conservation Area recently underwent a significant restoration to remove it from Historic England’s ‘At Risk Register’. Designed by Thomas Hardwick in 1814 as a chapel-of-ease, the building was altered upon completion of construction to serve as the parish church. Throughout its history, the church gained a vaulted crypt, a neoclassical and pre-Raphaelite transformation and narrowly survived a bombing during World War II. As part of the St Marylebone Changing Lives campaign, heritage lighting specialist William Sugg & Co. was commissioned to restore four distinctive pedestals and three lanterns, as well as create two replica bespoke lanterns that would honour the church’s legacy.

Beyond its architectural significance, the church plays a vital role in the life of the community. It hosts a wide range of services, concerts, exhibitions and outreach programmes. The church is also home to the Marylebone Health Centre and the Marylebone Project, which supports vulnerable women. The recent restoration project sought not only to preserve the church’s historic fabric but to enhance its accessibility and relevance as a vibrant, inclusive hub for all.

Specialist Restoration

Beginning in 2013, Caroe Architecture was chosen to undergo the intensive conservation of the building, a project that called for a sensitive approach that respected the church’s architectural heritage. In early 2022, William Sugg & Co. was entrusted with the restoration of the two lanterns and pedestals at the main South Entrance, and the bracket and cradle-hung lantern that guides parishioners to the doorway. By 2024, the project expanded to include repairs and the replacement of missing decorative elements, including the ram heads and laurel swags on the north side pedestals, as well as the creation of exact replicas of the original front lanterns for the North Entrance.

“Being part of the St Marylebone Parish Church restoration offered our team an incredible opportunity to revive cherished heritage features and ensure their preservation for future generations. The unique challenges of the project allowed us to utilise traditional skills together with innovative tools to restore and craft solutions that support the aims of the Changing Lives campaign,” comments Lucy Bubb, MD of William Sugg & Co.

History Meets Technology

The original lanterns on the north side of the church had been lost to time, with only historic references and surviving examples at the South Entrance to guide the restoration. The original restored lanterns could not be removed without disrupting church activities, so William Sugg & Co. enlisted Darren Bennet of Benetex to undertake detailed 3D scans of the lanterns in situ. Over successive site visits and collaboration with the William Sugg & Co. team, these scans were transformed into precise 3D models, forming the blueprint for restoration and replication. Many ornate lantern components originally cast in iron were rendered in aluminium, where casting would have been prohibitively slow and expensive.

Restoring and designing the lantern and pedestal parts from external 3D scan data posed unique difficulties, as the scans captured only outer surfaces. The process required careful internal design assumptions and hands-on problem-solving, with the absence of internal geometry leading to thoughtful discussions and live adjustments throughout the manufacturing process. This modern approach allowed the team to recreate intricate historical details and modernise the fixtures in line with current standards.

Andy Jones, Fabricator at William Sugg & Co., comments, “We needed to produce replicas that were visually identical to the historic lanterns at the church’s main entrance. The hands-on process evolved as we went, with 3D scanning giving us a solid starting point. From there, we used our experience to resolve functional issues, such as water ingress, until they perfectly replicated the originals. There’s a real sense of pride in seeing the finished lanterns light up the church, knowing every detail was considered, crafted and improved along the way.”

Illuminating a Lasting Legacy

The newly restored lanterns feature a top-mounted LED light source, complemented by frosted glass, creating a warm, authentic glow reminiscent of the original gas lighting. The project culminated in four beautifully restored and striking pedestals, three restored lanterns and two replicas using modern techniques outside St Marylebone Parish Church, ensuring that every aspect of the church’s historic lighting remains true to the original Neoclassical vision. William Sugg & Co.’s lighting solutions now illuminate the church’s facade and create a welcoming atmosphere at the newly restored entrance, symbolising the church’s renewed role as a beacon of hope and opportunity through the St Marylebone Changing Lives campaign.

CU Phosco, in collaboration with 5G Synergiewerk and Telefónica, has completed
the successful installation of six Connected Urban smart poles in Munich.
Strategically placed near key subway stations, the smart poles were deployed to
eliminate mobile coverage blackspots and increase network capacity ahead of
Oktoberfest, one of the world’s most attended public festivals.

The project follows previous successful installations of Connected Urban smart poles
in Augsburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hannover and Würzburg and reinforces CU
Phosco’s growing reputation as a smart city infrastructure leader across Germany.
Each pole combines cutting-edge lighting with integrated 4G/5G radio equipment, all
within a compact and aesthetically sympathetic footprint designed to suit the urban
landscape. The base section comprises 2 x 900mm door openings and the overall
height of the poles ranges from 11.9m to 13.9m including the tri sector cannister
antenna on the top of each pole.

The Munich installation supports Telefónica’s wider densification strategy, increasing
mobile network performance where demand is greatest. The six smart poles were
installed in key pedestrian areas around subway stations, offering a dual benefit:
improved network coverage for safety and situational awareness, and enhanced
connectivity for high-density public use.

Connected Urban smart poles are modular and highly adaptable, able to host a
range of smart city applications – from antennas and CCTV to public address
systems – all from one discreet structure. These poles are a direct replacement for
traditional street lighting columns and are designed to integrate seamlessly into
existing streetscapes.

The first installation was marked by a high-profile demonstration event attended by
Telefónica and key government officials, highlighting the importance of smart
infrastructure in modern urban planning.

Keith Henry, General Manager and Telecommunications Product Manager at
CU Phosco Australia, said: “This project continues the momentum of Connected Urban across Europe. The
deployment in Munich shows how smart lighting infrastructure can play a vital role in
creating safer, more connected urban environments. We’re proud to work alongside
Telefónica and 5G Synergiewerk to support Germany’s vision for smarter cities.”

The Munich deployment of Connected Urban smart poles has delivered improved
mobile performance in high-traffic areas, providing greater safety and convenience
for residents and visitors alike. In addition to supporting Oktoberfest, the upgraded
infrastructure is expected to serve future large-scale events and daily use, especially
in the surrounding transport zones.

Ralf Gerbershagen, Managing Director of 5G Synergiewerk GmbH, commented:
“This collaboration demonstrates the strength of engineering-led partnerships. Each
Connected Urban pole combines innovative design with practical functionality,
helping urban planners addres
s both short-term needs, like major events, and long-
term network challenges.

With further rollouts anticipated in Germany and other key international cities,
including London, CU Phosco continues to redefine the role street-lighting
infrastructure plays in modern city design.

For more information on Connected Urban, visit www.cuphosco.com.

Images courtesy of Telefonica Germany