Lighting for Heritage and Renewal - Reimagining Through Sensitive Illumination
Leicester Cathedral has stood for centuries as a symbol of continuity, culture, and community. In 2012, the discovery of King Richard III’s remains in a nearby car park and the decision to reinter him within the cathedral brought international attention and an extraordinary new chapter to its history.
When CBG Light Perceptions was first engaged over a decade ago, the aim was to create a lighting scheme that would support the cathedral’s evolving role as a place of worship, learning, reflection, and tourism, while remaining true to its historic character. The reinterment of the monarch required the lighting design to be sensitively adapted, with solutions that could honour this unique responsibility.
Designing for heritage spaces is never simply a technical exercise; it is as much about restraint as it is about illumination, with every element of illumination respecting the building fabric. At Leicester Cathedral, this meant working closely with conservation specialists, using existing fixing points wherever feasible, and ensuring cable runs and equipment placement were sympathetic to the architecture. Light levels were carefully modelled to protect delicate surfaces from over-illumination, avoiding glare that could detract from the visitor experience.
Intrusive spotlights and floodlights were replaced with custom-designed Arts and Crafts-style pendants, with their frosted glass shades diffusing light softly through the nave. Their suspension height and positioning were chosen to allow light to flow naturally through the arcades, eliminating harsh shadows and revealing the stonework and carvings in a gentle, balanced way. The fittings themselves recede into the architecture, allowing the building and Richard III’s tomb to remain the true focal points.
An adaptable, programmable control system was introduced, enabling staff to transition between different lighting scenes with ease, from candlelit services to large-scale concerts, private reflection, and educational tours. This flexibility ensures the space can serve both sacred and civic purposes without compromising either.
The work at the cathedral extended beyond the interior. As the new Heritage Learning Centre (HLC) took shape, a sensitive exterior lighting scheme was developed to connect the cathedral’s historic presence with the HLC’s contemporary architecture. The façade lighting will restore prominence to key features, ensuring the building remains a welcoming landmark from every approach after dark.
The Leicester Cathedral project is a reminder that historic buildings are not static artefacts; they are living environments. In heritage lighting, the designer’s task is not to compete with history but to serve it, finding ways to reveal and reinterpret without overwhelming. At CBG Consultants, we believe that to light a historic building well, you must first listen to it: to understand its story, its rhythms of use, and its emotional relevance. Only then can light truly become more than a functional necessity.
Louis Pulsen – New FJ Elements collection
(Denmark) – Danish luxury lighting brand announces the introduction of the Finn Juhl lamp as part of the FJ Elements collection – an archival collection of lights by renowned architect Finn Juhl.
Inspired by art and the abstract, the collection consists of a pendant and a table lamp available in three neutrals and the original two-toned grey. Characterised by its rotating shade, this feature allows the light direction to adjust in multiple ways, ensuring glare-free illumination. The design is enhanced by the upper shade, which opens up to provide a gentle upward light from the housing for ambience.
In Conversation With... Lewis Taylor
https://vimeo.com/user57462087/davidcollins?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
Perhaps best known for its signature restaurant and bar projects in London, David Collins Studio delivers industry-leading interior architecture and design within the hospitality sector. Celebrating its 40th year in business this year, [d]arc media editor, Sarah Cullen sits down with Design Director Lewis Taylor to reflect on the studio’s story so far and how the design industry has grown in that time.
Zafferano - Filo
(Italy) - Due to be available this August, Filo is a lighting collection by Federico de Majo for Zafferano, comprising sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps available with either a base or clamp. Designed with a focus on simplicity and versatility, the collection features a painted metal structure in white, red, or black, supporting an exposed E27 bulb.
A distinctive element of the design is the rotatable upper section, which pivots around its vertical axis to offer adjustable light direction. The minimalist, curved silhouette introduces a graphic quality, offering both visual interest and functionality.
Suitable for a range of interiors, Filo is intended to serve as both a practical lighting solution and a decorative element.
Crea-Re Studio - Boletus desk lamp
(Spain) - The Barcelona studio that bridges art and design has unveiled a new lamp, Boletus, a modern desk lamp that merges organic inspiration with functional design.
Shaped after the “Bolets” mushroom, the lamp features a wide, rounded lamp shade and a grounded base, offering both visual impact and soft, focused illumination. Crafted by hand with a rustic, porous surface, this large table lamp reflects light and illuminates the area beneath it well, making it ideal for writing, reading or creating a calm atmosphere.
Nishi Shah to leave LDI after 29 years
(UK) - After nearly three decades at Lighting Design International (LDI), Design Director Nishi Shah is stepping down, marking the end of a remarkable career that has helped shape the landscape of architectural lighting design.
Shah joined LDI in 1996, shortly after completing her MSc in Light and Lighting at The Bartlett, UCL, following an earlier degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Leeds. Her initial career in structural engineering soon gave way to a passion for lighting, a decision that would lead to an influential and lasting impact on the industry.
Over 29 years, Shah has led the design and delivery of some of the most prestigious lighting schemes in the world. Her portfolio includes luxury hotels and resorts across the UK and internationally, landmark office spaces in London, and renowned residential projects such as Ham Yard Hotel, Heckfield Place, Rivercourt, and One Hyde Park.
Colleagues at LDI recall Shah as a dedicated mentor and creative leader who has played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and shaping the company’s ethos and growth. Joining as a graduate, she has since helped steer the studio to become one of the most respected lighting design practices globally.
Reflecting on her departure, Shah comments: “I owe everyone at LDI past and present, especially Sally [Storey, Founding Director], who I owe so much, it comes with mixed feelings and some trepidation, but I am stepping into the next chapter in my life. I have some fantastic memories which I will hold close to my heart. Thank you!”
www.lightingdesigninternational.com
Lodes – Map
(Italy) – Following its preview at Euroluce in April, Lodes modular lighting system, Map, is now avabilble to the market.
Developed in partnership with Berlin-based studio Geckler Michels, Map strikes a balance between aesthetics with advanced lighting performance. The design's visual element is a fabric tape, stretched between various modules, which powers the entire system and offers multiple compositional options. Like a map that reconfigures space and constellations, Map enables free positioning of lights, creating rhythms and reanimations for any environment.
Ideal for spaces with a single power source, Map offers a solution for ceiling and wall applications, enabling customisable configurations that go beyond traditional track lighting or integrated LED strip systems. The system's versatility makes it suitable for environments with architectural constraints, such as low ceilings or the lack of central lighting points, ensuring optimal light distribution without major structural alterations.
The ribbon, available in an eight-metre reel and five centimetres in height, is stretched between various lighting points, providing continuous power even without additional ceiling or wall power sources. Each module, measuring 130mm in diameter and 63mm in height, features a PMMA lens offered in multiple options to meet different lighting needs, from directional illumination to diffused ambient effects. Once the lens is fitted, the module is magnetically sealed for a seamless finish.
Reflecting on the new collaboration, Lodes Managing Director Massimiliano Tosetto comments: “Map was conceived to meet the need for a decorative electrified track, offering lighting designers unprecedented design flexibility. Whether for residential spaces or commercial projects, Map provides a bespoke solution that empowers designers to create the ideal configuration for their needs, defining the space through a distinctive visual language.
Prolicht unveil new brand positioning
(Austria) – Prolicht has announced a strategic shift in its global brand positioning, unveiling the tagline “Designed to Create”, signalling a broader focus on empowering architects and designers.
Prolicht’s new messaging seeks to redefine its role within the creative process. According to the company, the change reflects a long-standing ethos that prioritises design freedom and user-driven solutions.
Walter Norz, founder and CEO of Prolicht, explained that the rebrand is not a departure from the company’s roots but a refinement of its core philosophy. “It wasn’t a sudden shift. It was more like the sharpening of something that had been there all along. We’ve always worked closely with creative professionals – architects, lighting designers, planners. And over the years, we’ve realised that what they value most isn’t the product itself, it’s what the product enables them to do. That was a big insight. Our role isn’t to steal the spotlight. It’s to give others the freedom to design spaces exactly how they envision them.”
The statement “Designed to Create” shows a personal and professional commitment from the company’s leadership. After hearing creative professionals’ frustrations about having to compromise on timing, customisation, or quality, Prolicht wants to clarify that its purpose as a company is to support bold ideas and reject limitations.
Through this brand evolution, Prolicht aims to reposition itself not as the star of a space but as a partner in the creative journey. Norz adds: “We hope we can make those who are willing to challenge the brief, who look at an empty space and see its potential, feel seen. I hope they hear an invitation to explore and to question. Because in the end, new doesn’t just happen. New is created, and people who believe that, that’s who we’re here for.”
Signify announced as a FIFA ‘Preferred Provider’ for floodlights
(Netherlands) – Signify has been selected as a Preferred Provider for floodlights, affirming that the brand’s sport lighting systems meet the highest quality FIFA standards. The selection follows FIFA’s rigorous evaluation process, which assesses the performance requirements of products, production, and infrastructure.
As part of the FIFA Quality Programme, Signify will contribute to driving research and development in sports floodlighting, advancing technical standards for the future.
Signify’s stadium lighting solutions are currently used in major venues worldwide and are designed to enhance visibility and consistency for players, officials, spectators, and broadcasters. High-quality floodlighting also supports critical technologies such as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems, goal-line detection, and optical tracking.
The company’s lighting systems are also capable of supporting pre- and post-match entertainment through synchronised light shows, adding to the matchday experience for fans.
Stadiums partnering with Signify through the FIFA Preferred Provider scheme gain access to advanced lighting systems such as ArenaVision LED gen3.5, which delivers high-quality pitch lighting, efficient thermal management and long lifespan. Integrated with the Interact Sports system, it allows for remote control and scheduling. Also available is the OptiVision LED gen3.5, a flexible solution for various venue sizes, offering excellent visual comfort, uniformity, and reduced light spill. With smart controls, it can cut energy use by up to 65%.
Signify’s floodlighting is currently being used at world-class stadiums across the globe, including Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, where a new Arenavision lighting system has improved the match day experience for all, and provides energy savings of 63% against previous systems.
Niels Geven, International Director for Sports and Arenas at Signify, comments: “This recognition from FIFA, which is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious and watched sports events, is an important milestone for Signify and a reflection of our leadership in sports lighting. High-quality illumination is hugely important in modern-day sport, especially top-flight football. It’s vital for both player performance, officiating and broadcasting purposes, and an essential part of the match-day fan experience.”
LUCI Cities & Lighting Summit to take place in Oulu
(Finland) - Urban lighting experts worldwide will gather in Oulu, Finland, from 25–27 February 2026. The second edition of the Lucie Cities & Lighting Summit will explore how innovative lighting can shape cities.
The programme will expand on the opportunities offered by Art and Technology and explore their intersection potential in urban lighting, while addressing how light can shape sustainable and inclusive cities.
As a global hub for urban lighting innovation, the summit brings together city leaders, lighting professionals, and urban planners to share ideas and spark local solutions through global collaboration.
Highlights include in-depth panel discussions exploring how lighting interconnects with art and technology, insights into global and local initiatives and their impact on city planning and urban lighting developments, guided tours around Oulu’s lighting projects, and the experience Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture programme.
Amid rising demands for sustainable urban development and smart solutions, the LUCI Cities & Lighting Summit aims to foster collaboration and practical strategies through global knowledge-sharing. Oulu, a city known for blending innovation with nature, offers a fitting venue for these discussions.
Registration is now open. For more information, visit the website here www.luciassociation.org
Lighting Design Alliance partners with Salas O’Brien
(USA) - Salas O’Brien has announced its partnership with Lighting Design Alliance, combining two established leaders in the built environment sector.
Lighting Design Alliance is recognised for its award-winning lighting projects worldwide, including the Jio World Centre in India, Chimelong Spaceship Marine Science Park in China, and The Londoner Macao.
Darin Anderson, Chairman and CEO of Salas O’Brien, states: “Lighting can have such a positive and dramatic impact on the human experience. We couldn’t be more excited to have such an amazing team and talents join us.”
With more than 30 years of experience, Lighting Design Alliance is known for innovative architectural lighting designs that balance aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, and technology. Their collaborative approach aligns with Salas O’Brien’s integrated service model.
Chip Israel, Co-CEO and Founder of Lighting Design Alliance, comments: “Joining Salas O’Brien opens up exciting new possibilities for both our team and our clients. This merger expands our abilities while staying true to the creativity, rigor, and design integrity that have always defined our work.”
Lighting Design Alliance has earned industry recognition for projects across hospitality, gaming, healthcare, education, transportation, and entertainment venues. Kyllene (Kelly) Jones, Co-CEO and President of Lighting Design Alliance, added: “We have always believed that great lighting can inspire people and elevate the ordinary. We are excited to bring our passion and perspective to Salas O’Brien and continue to create designs that connect and transform the human experience.”
www.lightingdesignalliance.com