These were installed across various locations within the Silver Leaf Garden at popular horticultural attraction, Gardens by the Bay.

Fengmao has worked extensively in lighting photography and film environments as well as experimental theatre and spatial/interactive installations. Once again, he thought out-of-the-box for this project after being approached by lighting rental contractor and technical production company True Colour Media (TCM) and asked to develop a lighting concept designed to enhance the sculptures and extend the audience experience beyond daylight hours, allowing the works to be appreciated long after sunset.

The decision to use the Astera QuikSpot – a highly flexible and innovative battery-powered LED luminaire with the highest quality output, coupled with ease of use, consistent performance and rapid setup in a compact format – was an ideal fit for all technical requirements, explained Fengmao.

The QuikSpots were sold to TCM by Astera’s Singapore distributor, Total Solution Marketing.

On site at Gardens by the Bay, two QuikSpots fixtures were deployed to light the fronts of each of the six iconic sculptures – Adam and Eve, Cat, Horse, Seated Woman, The Dancers, and Woman on Horse.

The lights were set to a warm white colour, which resonated harmoniously with their form, copper finish, and textures.

The QuikSpots were perfect for working in Singapore’s harsh tropical climate with constant high humidity, and being located outdoors, it was also mission-critical that they were IP65 rated to withstand the frequent thunderstorms.

Security was also a consideration. Even in the extremely low crime environment of Singapore – the lights sitting on the ground were potentially tempting for pranking or mischief seekers – but with Astera’s smart Anti-Theft Alarm feature enabled, this was minimised!

When activated, the alarm triggers a visual and audible alert if the fixture is moved or tampered with, and the alarm status is highlighted in the AsteraApp, so technical crews can monitor if any lights have been disturbed!

Furthermore, Fengmao and the team wanted a fixture with the flexibility of being able to switch between programmed sequences, colours, etc., for the four-month duration of the exhibition.

And to top it off, it would have been extremely difficult to install a traditional control system at the location without extensive works.

The aesthetic appearance and ergonomics of the fixtures themselves was yet another detail that was considered, and how well they blended into the environment, plus, being able to work with the AsteraApp for control – through a secured radio PIN – gives peace of mind in a signal-dense environment like Singapore.

Quality of light was, naturally, another “top priority” for Fengmao on this project and an area in which all Astera products excel.

“The QuikSpot’s single point light emission ensures a homogeneous output and shadowing compared to traditional LED PAR lights,” he noted, adding that this was important for working with the distinctive contours of the Fernando Botero pieces, as the lighting needed to preserve the inherent simplicity of their form.

Controlling stray light was another challenge, both for enhancing the meticulously curated space in the Silver Garden, and ensuring that they don’t encounter glare, keeping the focus firmly on the artworks. “We used the Astera AX5 snoot to maintain a clear profile and reduce glare,” Fengmao explained, and the QuikSpot’s zoom was “extremely helpful” in offering greater freedom for angling and positioning the fixtures.

The exhibition opened as part of the 2026 Singapore Art Week in January and then ran until May and was a huge success.

Photo credit: Lee Jun Yan.

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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 10 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 our London 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

 Photography: Zak Poland

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Located on Addu Atoll in the southern Maldives, Gan International Airport is one of the country’s international gateways and plays a vital role in supporting tourism, trade and regional connectivity. Operated by Addu International Airport Pvt. Ltd, the airport is currently undergoing a significant programme of expansion and modernisation aimed at transforming the former military airfield into a modern aviation hub capable of handling 1.5 m passenger per annum.

As passenger numbers and aircraft movements have increased, the airport has placed growing emphasis on upgrading critical airfield infrastructure to meet international performance and safety standards. Apron lighting formed a key part of this strategy, with a requirement to improve illumination quality, reduce energy consumption and ensure compliance with ICAO Annex 14 requirements.

CU Phosco had previously supplied the original raising and lowering high masts and HID floodlighting systems at Gan International Airport many years earlier. In 2021, the airport operator approached CU Phosco directly to explore a transition to LED technology, building on the existing high mast infrastructure while delivering improved operational performance.

The upgrade was planned as a two-phase programme, allowing the airport to manage investment, minimise disruption and align lighting improvements with wider development works across the site.

CU Phosco was appointed to provide a complete lighting solution, including lighting design, lantern carriage design and supply, and the provision of high-performance LED floodlights for all apron areas. The design brief was clear: deliver apron lighting fully compliant with ICAO Annex 14, while improving uniformity, visibility and operational efficiency across the airfield.

The aprons are illuminated by six existing high masts. Phase 1 of the project, completed in 2022, focused on the eastern apron area, where CU Phosco supplied 16 FL810-1 LED floodlights along with three new lantern carriages designed to accommodate the upgraded luminaires. Phase 2, completed in December 2025, addressed the western apron area, with the installation of 15 FL820-1 LED floodlights and a further three new lantern carriages.

A full lighting design was undertaken for the entire apron area to ensure compliance with ICAO requirements for illumination levels and uniformity, while making best use of the existing mast locations. The new lantern carriages were engineered to integrate seamlessly with the original high mast structures, enabling a straightforward upgrade without the need for mast replacement.

Andrew Southgate, Export Manager at CU Phosco, explains: “This was a carefully phased upgrade that allowed Gan International Airport to transition from HID to LED lighting while continuing normal operations. By upgrading the lantern carriages and introducing LED floodlights across both phases, the airport has achieved a significant improvement in lighting quality and efficiency while retaining the long-term value of its existing high mast assets.”

The completed upgrade has transformed apron lighting performance at Gan International Airport. All apron areas are now illuminated using LED floodlights, delivering improved visibility, better colour rendition and enhanced uniformity to support safe aircraft movements and ground operations.

The transition from 35 x 1000W HID floodlights to 31 LED floodlights has delivered energy savings of more than 60 percent, significantly reducing operational costs while supporting the airport’s wider sustainability objectives. The LED system also reduces ongoing maintenance requirements and improves long-term reliability as the airport continues to expand its operations.

Abdul Mujahid, Manager Airfield Technical Services, commented: “Upgrading the apron lighting to LED was an important step in our wider modernisation programme. CU Phosco’s phased approach allowed us to improve lighting performance, achieve significant energy savings and meet ICAO requirements while making use of our existing high mast infrastructure. The result is a safer, more efficient apron environment that supports both current operations and future growth.”

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Located in Surfers Paradise and one of Australia’s leading arts destinations, the 17-hectare HOTA precinct caters to everything from theatre, dance, opera, comedy, and live music to children’s shows, cinema, and visual arts. Surrounded by parklands and a lake, it is a thriving cultural hub where art, entertainment, culture and lifestyle meet.

An investment in the future

As part of its ongoing commitment to technical excellence, HOTA selected 16 Elation Paragon M profile luminaires and 16 Proteus Rayzor 760 wash/effects fixtures to replace every moving light in its main theatre rig. The fixtures were supplied by ULA Group, Elation’s Australian distribution partner, with procurement facilitated by audio-visual production company Krank’d Productions. The project was led by Luke Farrow, Head of Lighting at HOTA, who also oversaw the lighting design for the upgrade. Installation was completed in December 2025.

For HOTA Precinct General Manager Chris Dignan, the upgrade represents an investment not only in technology but in the venue’s future ambitions. “As the demands of live performance continue to evolve in the industry, it is essential that our technical infrastructure evolves with them,” he stated. “This upgrade gives HOTA a future-ready lighting solution that meets the expectations of today’s world-class touring productions, while supporting our long-term ambition to attract bigger, more ambitious shows and continue lifting the bar for what we deliver on the Gold Coast.”

Meeting the demands of modern productions

HOTA’s aging lighting system had reached the point where its discharge-based spot fixtures and older LED wash luminaires could no longer match the output and performance expected by contemporary touring productions. Rather than supplement the existing inventory, HOTA chose to replace its entire moving light system, ensuring the venue would remain technically competitive for years to come. Following a demo and fixture shootout, the Paragon M and Proteus Rayzor 760 emerged as the preferred solution.

Greater output and creative flexibility

The new lighting system has significantly enhanced both the output and versatility of HOTA’s theatre rig. The Paragon M fixtures deliver high-output beam, gobo, and framing capabilities that provide greater precision and visual impact across a wide range of productions. Complementing them, the Proteus Rayzor 760 fixtures combine bright, high-qualitywash coverage with advanced pixel-mapping and effects capabilities, making them particularly valuable for live music and contemporary performance. Together, the two fixtures provide a flexible platform that adapts to everything from dramatic theatre and opera to high-energy concert performances.

According to Head of Lighting Luke Farrow, output was one of the most important considerations in the fixture selection process, and the Paragon M delivered exactly the level of punch they were looking for. “Its brightness and beam quality have significantly enhanced the visual impact of our productions, ensuring the rig can compete with the increasingly powerful lighting packages that touring shows bring into the venue.”

Beyond its output, the Paragon M’s color quality was another standout feature. “We found the fixture delivered excellent color rendering and consistency, providing greater creative flexibility for designers.”

Elation’s award-winning flagship luminaire series, Paragon is available in S, M, or LT models, all with IP54 ratings. The platform integrates multiple advanced systems, including Elation’s TruTone variable CRI technology, an interchangeable lens system (Profile, Fresnel Wash, PC Beam), and more. At HOTA, the addition of Fresnel lenses further extends their functionality, allowing the fixtures to function as high-quality wash lights when required.

“The ability to utilize interchangeable lens options was a major advantage,” says Farrow, “allowing the fixtures to be adapted for different applications without compromising performance. This versatility was a key factor in selecting the Paragon M as the cornerstone of our upgraded lighting rig.”

A versatile system for diverse programming

The installation includes sixteen Paragon M fixtures, with eight located in the overhead rig and eight positioned across the front-of-house lighting bridges. The overhead fixtures deliver powerful beam and gobo effects across the stage, while the bridge-mounted units provide flexible key lighting and multiple specials to accommodate the venue’s varied programming.

Complementing the profiles are sixteen Proteus Rayzor 760 IP65-rated wash/effects fixtures. Their SparkLED background twinkle technology adds an engaging visual layer for concerts and live events, while their output and zoom range enable them to deliver a bright, even wash across the performance space. Together, the two fixture types create a highly adaptable lighting system capable of meeting the demands of everything from theatrical productions to contemporary live music performances.

Supporting the venue’s house lighting infrastructure are two Netron EN12i Ethernet-to-DMX gateways paired with BS10 button panels from Obsidian Control Systems, providing intuitive control and reliable distribution for the house lighting system.

A collaborative project

Installation was completed by HOTA’s lighting department under the leadership of Head of Lighting Luke Farrow, alongside Marcus du Toit (Technical Operations Manager) and Thomas Connolly (Director, Technical and Production).

Throughout the project, ULA Group provided technical guidance and strategic support. “ULA Group was an invaluable partner throughout the project,” said Farrow. “Rod Marshall provided significant support during the process, helping us assess the available options and identify the best solution for the venue’s needs.”

Beyond the technical aspects, Marshall also played an important role in articulating and presenting the long-term vision for HOTA’s lighting infrastructure. His expertise and industry knowledge were instrumental in building a strong case for investment, ensuring the final solution would not only address immediate requirements but also support the venue’s future growth and evolving production demands.

With a fully modernized moving light rig built around Elation’s latest technology, HOTA is now equipped to support an even broader range of productions while meeting the technical expectations of today’s designers, artists, and touring companies.

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The contemporary glazed architectural masterpiece sits on the footprint of the previous 1976 theatre building (which replaced the original one built in 1934), providing a high-production-value performance environment and a cool 21^st-century counterpoint to the city’s historical Cathedral of St. John.

The new venue is a radiant modern entertainment and meeting hub, buzzing with energy and creativity in the heart of this picturesque city.

The Robe moving lights are divided between Theater aan de Parade’s two multi-purpose halls, the 920-seater Casino Hall and the Plein Hall, which accommodates 400 people.

The Robe product count breaks down to 23 T2 Profiles, 83 T1 Profiles, 11 T1 PC, 80 LEDBeam 350s, 3 TX1s, 12 CUETE Spots, 14 Tetra2s, which are used as cyc lighting, and 4 RoboSpot BaseStations with MotionCameras.

All of this was supplied via Robe’s Benelux distributor, Controllux, together with a number of other lights that completed the specification, plus control and networking infrastructure. Controllux’s project and sales lead Kuno van Velzen started work on this installation in 2022.

Theater aan de Parade stages over 300 performances annually from numerous visiting companies, plus an array of festival and business events, explained head of technical, Alphons Verhallen, who oversees a tech crew of 16.

The T1 and T2 Profiles were selected as the “best multispectral profile moving heads on the market,” commented Alphons.

Having a multispectral LED fixture at the core of the house lighting systems – as opposed to a white LED source – was a cornerstone of the lighting tender.

It is a frequent consideration for theatres and performance venues where perfect colour rendition and skin tones are vital. Robe’s additive colour mixing techniques ensure that these fixtures deliver the richest of saturated colours and the most delicate pastel shades, all with theatrical finesse and quality.

Highly flexible CCT control provides another layer of premium-quality whites that are key in lighting theatre, drama and dance pieces.

The T1 and T2 Profiles are located on the lighting bridges and over-stage bars in both halls. Seven of the T1 PCs are rigged on the Casino Hall portal bars and four on LX2 in the Plein Hall, where they are providing good wash capabilities, with the TX1s also used overhead in this space.

The LEDBeam 350s are multi-use fixtures and, among other things, replace six-bar moving PAR light effects in both halls. The Tetra2s are proving to be handy for cyc and effects lighting in the Plein Hall, especially for bands, concerts and music shows, together with the CUETE Spots, which are in this same location.

The RoboSpot systems are usually used with the T1 Profiles in either hall. They bring all the flexibility of a quicker setup, being able to position the operators backstage or offstage and enable the LD to choose which lights are used for spotting.

Alphons is very happy with the scenario and confident that the venue can offer its clients great value with this combination of technology.

He notes that some of the incoming companies are making full use of the lighting setup now on offer, while for some older touring shows still on the road with performances based on static and dimmed lightsources, the adaptation may take longer, but the process is definitely underway.

Technical planning for the new theatre originally started in 2018, and between then and now, the specs were modified slightly as new and more appropriate product choices came to the market. When the old building closed, Theater aan de Parade continued producing shows in a temporary venue – again with Robe products in the rig – while the construction was completed.

Alphons, who took up the technical management position for the new theatre to open its doors at the end of 2024, is delighted with the results so far. Apart from all the obvious advantages, the all-LED stage lighting is saving considerably on the previous operational power requirements.

Robe is a brand Alphons has been more familiar with since visiting the 2019 Prague Quadrennial, where Robe lit one of the main centrepieces, “Blue Hour” by Romain Tardy.

Key members of the tech crew have also visited the Robe factory in Valašské Meziříčí, and Alphons highlights the importance of a strong working relationship both with the brand and the local distributor.

Controllux also coordinated the installation of the lighting systems and their related control network.

Photo credit: Kuno van Velzen.

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To bring the ambitious production to life, the lighting team at Concept K, led by French lighting, set, and multimedia designer Frédéric “Aldo” Fayard, collaborated closely with Artistic Director Stéphane Thiodat of SC Production. The event used an extensive Elation lighting package supplied by Novelty/Dushow Group, including 155 Proteus Maximus, 78 Proteus Hybrid, and 160 Sōl I Blinder fixtures.

Concept K was responsible for the lighting design, setup, and show programming, including lasers and fountains. The company had previously worked on the DGSN’s 69th anniversary celebration in El Jadida and was again entrusted with helping elevate the annual event.

“The first challenge was simply the scale,” explains Frédéric “Aldo” Fayard, founder and lead designer at Concept K. “We had to illuminate an area equivalent to two football fields filled with people, vehicles, horses, and military equipment. At the same time, we needed to provide sufficient brightness for the thousands of VIP guests and meet the requirements of the broadcast team and their cameras. It was essential to highlight and enhance the police forces during this important 70th anniversary celebration.”

The production site featured one huge stage, six towers, and a large guest tent, all integrated into a lighting and effects system that supported a parade showcasing various DGSN squads, including different police forces, vehicles, mounted units, and canine teams.

Beyond the technical requirements, Thiodat sought to turn the military parade into a spectacular show. To achieve this, Concept K worked closely with the artistic director, who outlined the sequences requested by the Colonel overseeing the event.

“During the creative process, the concept evolved and we adapted accordingly,” Aldo commented. “As always, we had to work within budget restrictions and, thanks to our long-lasting collaboration with Stéphane, the process was very smooth and efficient.”

To support the creative vision, Concept K expanded upon the original scenic design, using the entire structure as a platform for lighting and laser integration. Fountain effects were also incorporated into the setup, making weatherproof fixtures a necessity. Because the event was staged outdoors on open ground adjacent to the ocean, environmental conditions posed additional challenges, including dust and moisture exposure.

“We needed fixtures that were completely dust-tight and waterproof,” Aldo explains. “For key and side lighting, we were looking for a very powerful fixture with narrow zoom capable of covering long distances. Our conditions were demanding because the performance space covered approximately two football pitches. At the same time, for backlighting across the expansive performance area, we required a very wide beam angle to cover as much surface area as possible with a limited number of fixtures.”

The Proteus Maximus met all of those requirements while providing the consistency and availability needed for a deployment of more than 150 fixtures. Its competitive rental cost further strengthened its position as the ideal solution for the project. “Although it’s not the newest fixture on the market, it remains highly competitive compared to many more recent products,” Aldo said of the proven LED profile moving head.

The Proteus Hybrid fixtures, Elation’s groundbreaking weatherproof moving head in the Proteus series, complemented the design by providing versatile beam and spot effects throughout the production. “We’ve worked with the Proteus Hybrid many times before,” Aldo says. “Its IP65 rating and true hybrid functionality were its key criteria. There are very few fixtures capable of delivering both beam and spot performance while also offering the reliability needed for outdoor events.”

Concept K was among the first to use the Sōl I Blinder, thanks to Dushow’s early investment in France, and has been a fan of the multi-use blinder and effect light ever since. Some 160 Sōl I Blinders were used throughout the space for visual accents, rhythm cues, color washes, and dynamic backlighting.

“It’s lightweight, easy to rig, efficient, RGBLAW, offers a wide beam angle, carries an IP65 rating, and delivers exceptional value,” Aldo commented. “We used it for backlighting, effects, color rendering of each sequence, and to reinforce the rhythm of the show. The Sōl I is a true multitool—we love it.”

The event was successfully delivered to thousands of attendees and broadcast audiences, earning praise for its impact and contemporary show design.

“The event went very well,” Aldo concludes. “A huge thank you to Stéphane Thiodat for his trust on this very special project, and many thanks as well to Delight Event Management. We were also very happy to work with the Novelty / Dushow Group team, who provided full support from project preparation through on-site execution. A good result is always the outcome of a collective effort, and that was certainly the case here.”

Project Team

Concept K

• Frédéric “Aldo” Fayard
• Théo Broche Cannone
• Kelian Sevrée
• Paul Simon
• Santi Fernandez

Artistic Director

• Stéphane Thiodat

Production

• Delight Event Management

Photo courtesy of Concept K. 

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Purpose-built as part of a £70 million campus investment, Hadley Learning Community provides education for students aged three to sixteen in central Telford. With facilities management delivered by Mitie, the school maintains a strong focus on creating high-quality learning environments that support wellbeing, engagement and academic success.

As fluorescent technology approached obsolescence, the school and its facilities team sought a lighting upgrade that would modernise classrooms without disrupting the architectural raft ceilings that define the learning spaces.

A brief shaped by wellbeing and continuity

Mitie Engineering engaged Zumtobel lighting to develop a classroom solution that would reduce connected load, meet strict UGR requirements and integrate seamlessly within the existing suspended raft luminaires. Alongside energy and compliance targets, the client also requested tunableWhite capability and variable output to support wellbeing and flexible teaching environments.

These requirements reflect a growing recognition that classroom lighting must do more than meet standards. It should actively support concentration, comfort and varied learning activities throughout the school day.

From existing luminaire to bespoke solution

To ensure a precise replacement, the existing fluorescent cassette was removed and delivered to Zumtobel’s Custom Product team in Spennymoor. Working closely with Mitie and the project stakeholders, the team engineered a bespoke LED cassette designed to replicate the original form factor while significantly improving performance.

A working sample was produced and installed onsite for evaluation, allowing the client and contractor to assess glare control, light distribution and installation practicality before full deployment. Following approval, the scheme progressed with confidence across the classroom areas.

Light that adapts to the learning day

The final solution centred on a custom LED cassette with opal diffuser delivering 4024 lumens at 35 W and an efficacy of 115 lm/W. TunableWhite and variable output functionality allow teachers to adjust colour temperature and light levels to suit different learning scenarios, from focused tasks to collaborative sessions.

Emergency variants of the luminaire were also incorporated, ensuring continuity of design and performance throughout the classroom environment.

By retaining the existing raft ceiling infrastructure, the upgrade achieved a clean visual outcome while simplifying installation and minimising disruption to teaching spaces.

Measured benefits for pupils, staff and operations

The refurbishment delivers improved classroom comfort, lower connected load and reduced CO₂ impact across the site. TunableWhite capability enhances visual wellbeing and supports circadian-friendly lighting conditions, helping create calmer and more adaptable learning environments.

Kevin Evans, Mitie Engineering, commented: “This project required a solution that balanced performance, wellbeing and practicality. Zumtobel lighting’s custom approach allowed us to retain the existing ceiling design while delivering a modern, efficient lighting upgrade that meets both operational and educational needs. The collaborative development process made installation straightforward and ensured the client’s expectations were fully met.”

A tailored approach to future-ready education spaces

Delivered within a demanding programme, the custom luminaire demonstrates the value of collaborative design and local manufacturing capability. By combining bespoke engineering with tunableWhite functionality and efficient LED performance, the scheme provides Hadley Learning Community with a future-ready classroom lighting platform that supports both sustainability goals and student experience.

Image credit: Antonia Stuart.

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“For a project of this scale, we were looking for a partner capable of combining the highest standards of lighting quality with the operational requirements of a global traveling event,” explains Jessica Gauvin, managing director of Expomobilia. “ERCO convinced us not only technologically, but also supported the process collaboratively from the beginning.” 

At art fairs, lighting plays a decisive role in how artworks are perceived. It directs attention, supports spatial orientation, and influences the appearance of colors, materials, and surfaces. Particularly in the context of commercial galleries, the demands are exceptionally high: exhibitions change frequently, presentations need to remain flexible, while consistently ensuring the highest quality of light. ERCO contributes decades of experience in lighting galleries, museums, and cultural institutions worldwide. At the core is a lighting approach that combines precise optics, flexible light distributions, and high efficiency.

The requirements of Art Basel extend far beyond conventional exhibition lighting. The infrastructure must operate reliably at different venues worldwide, allow for rapid installation, and withstand the logistical demands of an international fair operation. Together with Expomobilia, ERCO therefore developed a modular lighting system featuring spotlights with interchangeable optics and durable LED technology. In addition, a dedicated transport and logistics concept with specially developed flight cases was created for repeated worldwide use. “Art Basel is not a static venue, but a global platform,” says Jessica Gauvin. “The solution therefore had to be equally flexible, robust, and efficient.”

Sustainability considerations also played a key role in the development of the new lighting infrastructure. The luminaires are designed for long-term use over a period of more than 20 years and across multiple international editions of the fair. ERCO follows an approach that focuses not only on energy efficiency, but also on high lighting effectiveness with minimal spill light. Precise light distribution directs the light specifically onto the artworks, enabling the applied light output to be used efficiently. “Reducing our ecological footprint is an important objective within our sustainability strategy,” explains Lea Matern, Sustainability Manager at MCH Group.

The partnership with Art Basel further underlines ERCO’s expertise in the field of commercial gallery lighting. Unlike traditional museum settings, lighting solutions in this sector must respond to changing exhibitions, variable hanging arrangements, and short conversion cycles. ERCO’s current “Guide to Lighting Design for Art Galleries” demonstrates how lighting can be strategically used to support curatorial quality, flexibility, and efficient operation. Following Art Basel in Basel 2026, ERCO will document the project in a detailed case study, offering further insights into technical implementation, logistics, and global fair operations.

Image © ERCO GmbH, www.erco.com; photography: Gavriil Papadiotis.

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Södra, one of Sweden’s largest forest industry groups, has upgraded the high mast lighting at its timber yard in Mönsterås with a new LED floodlighting solution from CU Phosco, delivered in partnership with Energisystem Sweden.

The project replaced an ageing conventional lighting installation that had reached the end of its operational lifespan. Light levels across the site had deteriorated over time, while sourcing replacement parts for the existing luminaires had become increasingly difficult and costly.

The new lighting scheme supports Södra’s ongoing focus on improving energy efficiency, reducing operational energy consumption and creating safer working environments across its facilities.

The project involved replacing 137 conventional luminaires mounted on existing lighting masts with a modern LED area floodlighting solution based utilising CU Phosco’s FL820 range.

Through careful lighting design, the total number of luminaires required was reduced from 137 to 106 while still achieving the required illumination levels across the timber yard.

The new installation uses FL20 LED floodlights with external drivers and is backed by a 10-year performance guarantee, helping to support long-term reliability and reduced maintenance requirements.

Installation works were carried out by Assemblin Oskarshamn, with Mikael Karlsson overseeing the installation.

The lighting upgrade has significantly improved both lighting quality and energy performance across the site.

Compared to the previous high-pressure sodium installation, the new LED lighting delivers a much whiter light with improved contrast and colour rendering, helping to improve visibility for staff, vehicle operators and site users. The enhanced visual conditions contribute to a safer working environment throughout the timber yard.

Post-installation lighting measurements carried out by Energisystem confirmed that the new lighting system is performing as expected and meeting the specified project requirements.

The upgrade also delivered a reduction in installed power consumption, supporting Södra’s wider sustainability and energy reduction objectives.

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Robert Juliat has recently completed the installation of three of its new Morgane LED followspots at the Moulin Rouge. This upgrade is a new step in the collaboration between the French manufacturer and the world-famous cabaret of Paris. More compact, more comfortable for operators, and more powerful, these new 825W LED Morgane followspots meet the technical and artistic demands of a venue where precision, consistency, and lighting quality are essential to every performance.

Féerie, daily excellence in live performance

Playing continuously at the Moulin Rouge for two decades, the revue Féerie takes audiences through the history of the house via a grand spectacle which features nearly sixty performers, a thousand costumes, sumptuous sets, and the legendary French Cancan.

With two performances every evening, 365 days a year, Féerie demands absolute uniformity and technical reliability from its followspots, with perfect consistency and flawless rendering of the light required to light all the principal roles from beginning to end.

Preserving the original lighting signature

The original lighting design for the show was created by Christian Bréan, whose aesthetic sense and precision shaped the visual identity of Féerie. Jean-Jacques Clerico, President of the renowned cabaret which has been owned by his family for three generations, is diligent in preserving the soul of the revue, carefully balancing authenticity and modernity. He pays close attention to every detail to provide the most beautiful setting and the finest show every night, meeting the expectations of the audience.

Eric Legrand, Head of the Lighting Department and Technical Director of the venue, and Philippe Guitton, Associate Lighting Designer, ensure the continuity of this legacy. As guardians of this signature style, they work to enhance the performers while respecting the work originally initiated by Christian Bréan.

The new Morgane followspots are installed on the technical bridge, suspended like their predecessors from overhead truss positions from where they cover distances ranging from 15m to 30m from the performers. The uniformity between the three followspots is perfect—a crucial element in preserving the visual coherence of the show – and something which can be guaranteed by the precision engineering of Robert Juliat products.

Technology and human commitment

As a manufacturer, Robert Juliat designs its lighting fixtures to meet the highest standards of live performance. But technological performance only has meaning if it is matched by the same level of commitment from the teams who operate them.

“The CRI and spectrum of the new followspots meet our expectations well,” comments Philippe Guitton. “The motorized iris on the new Morgane allows operators to follow stage movements smoothly and with great precision. However, we do not use the remote control of this function because we strongly believe in preserving the autonomy of the followspot operators and respecting their personal touch. We create live performances on stage and want to maintain this principle with our technicians: we do not want to remove the intention behind each operator’s actions. On the contrary, we want to involve them fully in their work to ensure a consistent show quality from one night to the next,” he explains.

Through this project, Robert Juliat reaffirms its commitment to its major tenets alongside a major Parisian stage, in continuing to develop lighting solutions that meet today’s expectations while supporting the human and artistic dimension that lies at the heart of live performance.

Image credit: ©Sandie Bertrand.

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