Advanced lighting control technology from Pharos Architectural Controls has been used to illuminate the facade of the Parliament of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, delivering a flexible and considered solution for one of the city’s most important heritage buildings. The project replaces an ageing sodium vapour floodlighting scheme with a more refined approach that reveals the texture and detail of the sandstone architecture.

Completed in early 2026, the project marks the culmination of a long development process that began in 2014, when FPOV was first commissioned by the Victorian Government to explore an illuminated treatment for the building. Dating back to 1888, the Parliament of Victoria occupies a prominent position at the northern end of Melbourne’s CBD. The brief called for a lighting solution that would respect the building’s heritage while presenting its architecture in a more natural light.

The previous scheme relied on sodium vapour floodlights mounted at a shallow angle, producing an even wash of light that flattened the facade and masked much of its detail. The strong colour cast of the source also altered the appearance of the sandstone, reducing the clarity of the building at night.

The new design set out to correct this by presenting the building more faithfully, while keeping the installation discreet and visually unobtrusive. It also needed to reduce maintenance demands, improve efficiency, and allow the facade to be lit in neutral white for everyday use, with the option of colour for civic occasions.

Over the course of the project, the design was refined through a number of external and technical challenges, including changes in government, budget adjustments, pandemic-related testing delays and advances in LED technology. As a result, the specification was reviewed several times to ensure the final system remained robust and future ready.

At the core of the installation are two Pharos Designer LPC controllers providing a total of four universes of DMX. Two 8-inch Pharos Designer TPS touchscreens allow authorised users to manage scene selection and colour changes when required. The system is connected to Pharos Cloud for simple, secure remote management and control. Integration with Dynalite is also used for power management, helping the system operate efficiently within the wider building infrastructure.

The result is a facade lighting scheme that brings greater subtlety and control to the presentation of the Parliament building, revealing its material qualities more clearly while replacing a dated and overbearing approach to illumination.

Christopher Page, Associate at FPOV, said, “Working with Pharos allowed us to deliver a reliable control platform with the flexibility and ease of use needed to support both daily operation and longer-term adaptation of the scheme.”

Tony Symms, Regional Manager for Asia Pacific at Pharos, added, “This project demonstrates how intelligent control can support the sensitive illumination of heritage architecture. The system combines reliability and flexibility, ensuring the facade can be presented consistently while still allowing for moments of variation.”

The project demonstrates how advanced control technology can help heritage buildings balance preservation with performance, delivering lighting schemes that are both practical to operate and sensitive to architectural character.

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Coláiste na Mí forms part of the wider Johnstown Education Campus in Navan, a growing educational hub designed to support a rapidly expanding student population. Since opening in 2013, the school has evolved significantly, with ongoing development phases increasing capacity and enhancing facilities to meet future demand.

Working alongside Hayes Higgins Partnership and MDE Installations, Thorn and Zumtobel have supported multiple stages of the campus development, delivering a cohesive lighting strategy across teaching spaces, social areas and external environments. The project also includes the completed St Mary’s Special School, alongside new and refurbished buildings across the campus, with further phases currently under construction.

A brief shaped by flexibility and educational standards

The lighting design needed to respond to a diverse and evolving campus, supporting a wide range of learning environments while meeting strict Department of Education requirements. From classrooms and specialist teaching areas to circulation routes and outdoor spaces, the scheme required consistency in performance alongside flexibility for future expansion.

A key driver was the ability to deliver a complete lighting solution through a single provider, ensuring compatibility across internal and external applications while maintaining programme efficiency and cost control.

Developing a cohesive campus lighting approach

A coordinated mix of Thorn and Zumtobel luminaires was specified to meet the functional and visual requirements of each space while maintaining a unified lighting language across the campus.

In classrooms, Thorn College luminaires provide uniform, low-glare illumination designed to support concentration and visual comfort throughout the school day. Their high efficiency and long service life also contribute to reduced energy consumption and maintenance requirements.

Circulation areas and shared spaces are supported by a combination of linear and compact luminaires, including Novaline and Katona, delivering consistent light levels while guiding movement across the building.

Philip Dewey, Key Account Manager at Zumtobel Group, explains one of the key strengths of this project was the ability of Thorn and Zumtobel to provide a complete lighting solution across the entire campus. By drawing on the strengths of both brands, we were able to offer the right product for each application, ensuring consistency in quality, performance, and design throughout the development.

From the car parks and external areas through to classrooms, circulation spaces, multipurpose rooms, and back-of-house facilities, each space had its own unique requirements. Working closely with the design team at Michael Stapleton of Hayes Higgins Partnership, we developed a lighting scheme that was not only functional and energy-efficient but also complemented the architectural vision for the building.

The completed project demonstrates how the combined expertise and product portfolios of Thorn and Zumtobel can deliver a cohesive lighting solution across an entire campus, creating comfortable, welcoming, and effective spaces for students, staff, and visitors alike.

Supporting a positive learning environment

Throughout the campus, the lighting scheme has been designed to enhance both functionality and wellbeing. Carefully selected colour temperatures support different activities, with balanced illumination improving visibility, reducing eye strain and creating comfortable learning environments for students and staff.

The use of the latest LED technology contributes to lower energy consumption, supporting the school’s operational sustainability while ensuring long-term performance.

A collaborative approach across multiple phases 

Delivering a consistent lighting strategy across a developing campus required close collaboration between all stakeholders. Working alongside Hayes Higgins Partnership and MDE Installations, the Thorn and Zumtobel team ensured that each phase aligned with the overall design intent while accommodating evolving requirements.

Michael Stapleton, Senior Engineer, Hayes Higgins Partnership, comments: “This project required a coordinated lighting approach across multiple buildings and phases, with a strong focus on meeting Department of Education standards. Thorn and Zumtobel provided a reliable and well-considered solution that met performance requirements while allowing flexibility as the campus continues to develop. Their collaborative approach and responsiveness throughout the design and delivery stages helped ensure a smooth outcome. Special thanks to Philip Dewey for his invaluable technical support and assistance throughout the project, which was greatly appreciated.

A future-ready campus lighting solution

The completed and ongoing works at Coláiste na Mí demonstrate how lighting can support both immediate needs and long-term development. With multiple buildings now complete, including Blocks A–D, St. Martha’s Building and St Mary’s Special School, and further phases in progress i.e. Sion House, the campus continues to evolve with a lighting solution that is flexible, efficient and consistent.

By combining the strengths of Thorn and Zumtobel, the project delivers a lighting scheme that enhances the learning environment, supports campus-wide cohesion and is ready to adapt to future growth.

Photography accreditations: Zach Sheridan/Paul Moore.

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The three-storey development forms part of Gateway 14, the business, innovation and logistics park adjacent to Junction 50 of the A14 and part of Freeport East. The centre has been created to support businesses, training providers and education partners, with facilities including office space for high-growth start-ups, collaboration areas, meeting rooms, training facilities and a café.

The project is focused on supporting sectors including the green economy, digital technology and artificial intelligence, while helping address regional skills requirements through partnerships with organisations including the Universities of Suffolk and Essex, West Suffolk College, Suffolk New College and Colchester Institute.

The £18.8m development received £16.66m in funding from Freeport East, with the remaining contribution provided by Mid Suffolk District Council. Designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, the 35,000sq ft building incorporates a range of measures intended to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational demand.

Lighting controls throughout the building were delivered using a DALI-2 solution from B.E.G. – incorporating occupancy detection, daylight harvesting, emergency lighting testing and energy monitoring.

For the main contractor, Fusion360 Group, the project represented its first B.E.G. installation using a DALI-2 lighting control system. B.E.G. provided technical support throughout the specification, installation and commissioning stages, helping the project team deliver the system successfully.

Mohamed Abosharaf, Head of Engineering for the UK & Ireland at B.E.G., said: “The lighting strategy at Gateway 14 needed to support the wider objectives of the building, particularly around energy efficiency and operational management. A DALI-2 system provided the ability to control lighting according to occupancy, available daylight and building requirements, rather than relying on fixed lighting operation.

“By integrating occupancy detection, daylight harvesting and monitoring functions, the system helps reduce unnecessary energy use while providing the facilities team with better visibility of lighting performance. This is particularly important in a building designed to support businesses and training activities, where different areas will have different patterns of use.”

The installed DALI-2 network was set up to ensure there was centralised lighting control across the building, with integration into the Building Management System (BMS). This allows facilities teams to monitor system status, receive fault information and manage lighting operation from a central interface.

Occupancy detection then adjusts lighting operation based on whether spaces are in use, while daylight harvesting is designed to automatically respond to changes in natural light levels to help maintain appropriate lighting conditions while reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

The system includes automated emergency lighting testing and reporting, removing the requirement for manual testing routines and providing recorded compliance information. Energy monitoring also provides visibility of lighting consumption, allowing building performance to be reviewed over time.

Abosharaf adds: “For electrical contractors, open protocols such as DALI-2 provide flexibility because they allow lighting systems to be integrated with wider building services. It also gives building operators access to information that can help them manage energy use and maintenance more effectively throughout the life of the installation.

“At Gateway 14, the objective was to deliver a lighting system that was appropriate for a modern commercial building – one that could respond to how spaces are used, support energy management and provide reliable information for those responsible for operating the facility.”

Dan Glynn, Sales Director for the UK & Ireland at B.E.G, said: “The Skills and Innovation Centre at Gateway 14 represents a significant investment in the region, providing a base for businesses, educators and training providers while supporting the area’s economic development plans.

“The project demonstrates how DALI-2 lighting controls are being used in commercial buildings to improve control, monitoring and energy management while meeting the requirements of increasingly connected building environments.”

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Taking place on The Gallery (stand K62), the popular feature will bring together a collection of historic lighting and production technology with an extensive display of rare audio equipment from CH Vintage Audio, led by Chris Hewitt.

Named after the long-running Classic Gear column for LSi magazine, the feature places landmark technology from across the decades alongside the latest innovations being launched at PLASA Show.

Celebrating 50 years of the National Theatre

This year, Classic Gear Live will mark 50 years since the opening of the National Theatre on London’s South Bank.

At the time of its opening, the National embraced new technology in a way no other British theatre had, introducing power flying, the famous Olivier Drum Revolve stage, the pioneering Lightboard lighting console and much more.

Visitors will be able to explore an array of lighting control systems used throughout the building’s history, from Lightboard and Galaxy to the Strand 500-series and an original ETC Eos running the version 1.0 software from its 2006 debut.

Also on display will be the original automation console from the Olivier Theatre and the prototype model of the Drum Revolve. A dedicated photo gallery on neighbouring stand K60 will offer a rare behind-the-scenes view of the National Theatre across the decades.

Rare Vari-Lite technology and industry pioneers

Classic Gear Live will also celebrate 40 years since the launch of Vari-Lite’s Series 200 system.

The display will include the mighty Artisan control console and a range of fixtures including the VL2, VL4 and VL5, alongside the now incredibly rare VL3 and VL6.

Joining the stand on Sunday and Monday will be two key members of the team behind the technology: Vari-Lite lead designer Jim Bornhorst, who received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering alongside his team, and Tom Littrell, who helped establish the role of the Vari-Lite programmer on productions including the Genesis Abacab tour.

Their appearance offers visitors a unique opportunity to hear the history of moving lights directly from two of the field’s pioneers.

Legendary touring mixers from CH Vintage Audio

Representing the evolution of live sound, CH Vintage Audio will present an exceptional collection of rare mixing consoles connected to some of the biggest artists and productions of the 1970s.

Highlights will include:

• The mixer used on David Bowie’s 1973 Ziggy Stardust tour

• Pink Floyd’s quadraphonic mixer from The Dark Side of the Moon and Live at Pompeii

• The Who’s 1970s Mavis quadraphonic mixer

• Slade’s 1970s WEM Stereomaster 24-channel touring mixer

• A 1970s Kelsey mixer used by Soft Machine

These will be joined by further rare audio artefacts from the CH Vintage Audio collection, offering visitors a close-up look at the equipment behind a defining period of touring and recording history.

Betty returns

The feature will also mark 70 years since the debut of Betty, the Strand System CD lighting console that ran productions at London’s Palace Theatre from 1956 until 1980.

Following the attention she received at last year’s show, Betty will return as one of Classic Gear Live’s most tactile attractions. Visitors who missed her in 2025 – or simply want another opportunity to experience this remarkable piece of control history – will be able to see her in action throughout the show.

Classic Gear Live in the seminar programme

Beyond the equipment itself, Classic Gear Live gives visitors the chance to meet some of the people who originally designed, built, sold and operated these groundbreaking technologies.

The feature will also contribute to two sessions in the PLASA Show seminar programme.

On Sunday 6 September at 2.30pm, Vari-Lite: The Lights That Changed Our World will feature Vari-Lite pioneers Jim Bornhorst and Tom Littrell discussing the history of the company’s groundbreaking moving-light technology. Bornhorst was Vari-Lite’s lead designer and, alongside his team, received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering, while Littrell helped establish the role of the Vari-Lite programmer on productions including Genesis’ Abacab tour.

On Monday 7 September at 2.30pm, The National Theatre At Fifty – Five Decades Of Technology In Support Of Theatre will explore how the National Theatre has continued to pioneer entertainment technology throughout its history. Paul Handley, Matt Drury and Andrew Grant from the National Theatre will be joined by David Bertenshaw of Strand, who helped develop the Lightboard console, and Anne Valentino of ETC, who led the team behind the Eos console family.

Together, they will discuss the technical demands of complex productions and the ways in which entertainment technology has evolved to meet them.

Classic Gear Live offers the chance to experience entertainment technology history up close.

The vintage collection can be found together upstairs on The Gallery –  stand K62 at PLASA Show 2026, with the National Theatre Gallery located next door on stand K60.

PLASA Show takes place at Olympia London from 6th – 8th September 2026.

Register for a complimentary ticket* here: https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/2mac233r7ozem?actioncode=EM23

*Ticket price increases to £15 +VAT from 1st – 5th September 2026/£20 +VAT from 6th – 8th September 2026.

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The original fittings were SCT linear continuous suspended luminaires, manufactured with aluminium low-brightness louvres. Rather than replacing the entire system, a more sustainable and carbon saving solution was applied. Under the carbon careful™ initiative Future Designs provided new LED gear trays which were designed to integrate directly into the existing luminaire profiles, enabling the schools to retain the existing luminaire carcass while benefiting from modern LED performance. This reduced carbon usage, shortened installation times, and avoided the disruption associated with a full replacement scheme.

As part of the visual upgrade, the old louvre assemblies were removed and replaced with a satin etched optics housed within mild steel magnetic frames. This created a cleaner, more contemporary appearance while also improving light distribution throughout teaching spaces. Importantly, this enhancement maintained the original aesthetic of the luminaire while delivering a more robust solution.

To date, a total of 1,019 retrofit LED units have been supplied across the three schools. This includes 416 units for Oriel High School, 316 units for Thomas Bennett Community College and 287 units for Ifield Community College, comprising both mains and emergency versions. Notably, the original installations contained no emergency luminaires. As part of the upgrade, emergency conversion units were introduced within classroom fittings, bringing lighting provision in line with the requirements of BS5266-1.

The energy performance improvements were substantial. Existing fluorescent lamps operated at 33 watts, whereas the retrofit LED solution uses just 14.08 watts per fitting. This delivers an energy saving of 57.33 percent, significantly reducing running costs and supporting each school’s sustainability goals. With each retained fitting containing approximately 9kg of metal, it meant that through the carbon careful™ initiative there was a massive reduction in the amount of iron ore being extracted from the earth’s crust to create mild steel.

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The two partners are united not only by shared ambitions, but also by genuine proximity: both are rooted in Munich, with LEDVANCE’s headquarters located within sight of the Allianz Arena. As Official Lighting Partner, LEDVANCE will support FC Bayern Munich as a project partner on modern lighting and infrastructure initiatives across the sporting environment. The partnership will cover everything from functional lighting solutions that support safety and orientation, to architectural lighting that enhances atmosphere and experience.

Together, both partners aim to inspire people, create memorable experiences and further strengthen their positions within their respective industries. With a modern outlook and a shared focus on global growth, FC Bayern Munich and LEDVANCE will bring their expertise and capabilities together in the years ahead.

Rouven Kasper, FC Bayern Board Member for Marketing & Sales, said, “FC Bayern Munich and LEDVANCE are united by their commitment to showcasing success in the right light. Elite sport is all about emotion, energy and special moments, and in LEDVANCE we have gained a strong partner who, like our club, has its roots in Munich whilst also being at home all over the world. We look forward to many successful years together.”

Local roots, global ambition: This partnership brings together the shared vision of two internationally recognised brands with genuine local connections, enabling close collaboration and the efficient, pragmatic and sustainable delivery of joint projects.

The partnership has grown through a range of initiatives around the Allianz Arena in recent years, including work driven by the phase-out of traditional fluorescent lamps. Sustainability remains firmly embedded within LEDVANCE’s corporate strategy. Alongside lighting quality and technological innovation, the partnership will therefore place a strong focus on energy efficiency and the responsible use of resources.

Fredrik Ergert von Gillern, Global Head of Brand & Communication at LEDVANCE, added, “It is no coincidence that this partnership has been formed in Munich: our headquarters are within direct sight of the Allianz Arena. Together with FC Bayern Munich, we’re demonstrating what lighting can achieve – in terms of performance and safety, as well as the atmosphere in the stadium and around matchdays, which inspires people all over the world. For us, this partnership is a significant step towards further expanding our international project business and actively shaping the future of sports venues and beyond. At the same time, we are strengthening our global brand perception and sharpening our positioning.”

In addition, initiatives are planned over the coming months to bring the partnership to life for fans step by step. The goal is to establish a long-term, resilient collaboration that continues to grow through visible projects and experiences.

The focus is not only on products but also on project expertise across the entire value chain – including planning, implementation, and long-term operational performance.

10 years of LEDVANCE

LEDVANCE is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and the new partnership with FC Bayern Munich reflects the company’s evolution into a holistic project partner for demanding lighting and infrastructure projects.

Over the past decade, LEDVANCE has developed from a traditional lighting manufacturer into a provider of luminaires and connected lighting solutions, consistently expanding its portfolio beyond its core business. Today, the company delivers holistic solutions across key application areas including sport, office and education, industry and logistics, outdoor and grounds, and retail.

Under the motto “10 Years of LEDVANCE. 100 Years of Excellence. Your Vision. Our Light.”, the company builds on a century of lighting expertise and positions itself as a partner that transforms customer visions into future-ready lighting solutions – wherever lighting helps shape performance, safety and atmosphere.

The post LEDVANCE becomes Official Lighting Partner of FC Bayern Munich roots, global reach: partnership through 2029 appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

The festival, which started in 2024 and is growing and developing each year, was staged in the gardens of the majestic and beautiful 11^th-century Château de Grillemont at La Chapelle-Blanche, south of Tours in France’s Indre-et-Loire region – a perfect summer environment for hosting the “Island of DJs”.

Loic worked closely with Corentin Poirier, the festival’s creative & executive director and founder, who designed the Maatea Stage’s dramatic scenography, based on a tall LED screen setup, which, together with the lighting, was based on the imaginative thematic concept of fire and rock, with the goal of creating a striking contrast between day and night atmospherics.

During the day, the need was for subtle lighting to highlight the depth and overall scenic texture created by the careful blending of stage and lighting designs, allowing the stage geography to stand out.

At night, the stage was transformed into a completely different space by the GigaPointe beams and their powerful and spectacular effects. The fixtures were installed in six vertical columns of eight fixtures, equidistantly spanning the stage and delivering a hugely impactful look and atmosphere, with video content featuring erupting volcanoes “reinforcing the visual universe,” explained Loic.

Loic stated that the organisers sought something unique and different in this design: “The main challenge was to create this new and different world, one that broke from a typical EDM festival stage design, looked distinctive and individual while still following a defined theme.”

This is the second time Loic – a lighting professional with 10 years’ experience – has lit this event, and the second time he had used Robe’s amazing, new, highly dynamic GigaPointe fixture, officially launched in February at the ISE 2026 Expo.

Tours-based rental company Multi Scéni – the lighting, audio and video equipment supplier to this event – has recently made this investment in GigaPointes, which were delivered by Robe France.

Loic has been an enthusiastic long-time user of Robe’s MegaPointe fixtures in his designs – choosing the fixtures for their versatility and scope. So, when he knew the GigaPointe would be available for this event, “it naturally stood out as the ideal choice!”

He comments on the GigaPointe’s “extremely powerful” laser source output, which “ensured that we could make a strong visual impact even over long distances.” He also appreciates its speed of movement, as well as the excellent array of new gobo and prism effects, which can be used to imagine a myriad of cool looks and scenes onstage.

One of the most important things for designing and programming EDM shows is to have a vast choice of distinctive looks – so the audience does not start seeing repeated scenes throughout the event… and this is exactly what GigaPointe offers.

The layout of the six columns of GigaPointes was instrumental to utilising the entirety of the stage dimensions – both horizontally and vertically – a geometric harmony that provided a balanced visual presence of all elements, with the fixtures a natural integrator/interpreter between the scenic fabrics and video surfaces.

Loic enjoyed many features of the GigaPointe, commenting that “the integrated rotating bar is particularly interesting, as it offers so many highly dynamic effects possibilities,” together with all the other features making it a potent, contemporary multi-purpose fixture ideal for all types of shows and events.

The festival’s logo, installed at the top of the structure, was also highlighted with two Robe iFORTES – rigged on the Layher structure – and another two iFORTES were used to front light the artists. iFORTE was chosen for this because it is a powerful fixture with excellent framing shutters and therefore perfect to pick out the detail of the 12-metre-wide logo, which was positioned 14 metres up on the structure.

Two Maatea Stage artists – Timmy Trumpet and Trym – brought their own lighting operators this year, who also appreciated the GigaPointes, and the rest were all lit by Loic and his team, including colleague lighting operator Lucas Bussy. They worked closely with video operator Bastien Sierakowski and SFX operator Paul Dubertrand under the project management of Charlène Rodrigues.

Loic regularly notes that Robe’s product range covers multiple applications – live shows, events and concerts or architectural lighting. “I always find a suitable solution using Robe,” he states, adding that the fixtures are reliable, high-performance, and versatile tools “consistently meeting the demands of our projects.”

Photo credit: Your Wolf Agency.

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Johannes Möller, Vice President, Building Technologies Shows at Messe Frankfurt, to whom Marie Servais will report in future, welcomes the new colleague to the team: “With Marie Servais, we are gaining an industry expert with extensive trade fair experience. She brings with her both strategic expertise and a deep understanding of international event formats. Together with the experienced Light + Building team, she will continue to drive the successful development of the brand.”

Marie Servais is very much looking forward to her new role: “Light + Building is the world’s leading platform for lighting and building technology and, more than almost any other trade fair, stands for innovation, networking and the industry’s key future themes. I am very much looking forward to playing an active part in shaping the brand’s international development, together with partners, exhibitors and the team.”

As Project Director at DLG Markets GmbH, Marie Servais was responsible for Agritechnica, the world’s leading trade fair for agricultural technology, as well as for international event formats abroad. Most recently, the business graduate worked as Managing Director of Seligenstadt Marketing & Tourismus GmbH and as Economic Affairs Officer for the town of Seligenstadt. She therefore brings with her many years of experience in the international trade fair sector, as well as specialist knowledge in collaborating with industry partners.

The world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology will take place from 5th to 10th March 2028 in Frankfurt am Main.

Image credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera. 

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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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