Winter light installations 2024
It’s rather cold and very dark outside however, it’s the unspoken rule in the UK that we don’t talk about that. So, arc decided to brighten up the winter evenings with some of the best art installations that London had to offer. Here’s what we discovered…
- Liz West – Fluorescence
British artist, Liz West is known for her work exploring the use of light and blurring the boundaries between sculpture, design and painting to create works that are playful in colour and immersive.
West has created an installation to spread the Christmas joy this winter in a contemporary interpretation of Christmas lights. Standing 10.7m tall in Granary Square, just seven minutes from Kings Cross Station, in elongated tetrahedron resembling a Christmas tree it is covered in her trademark rainbow of chromatic colours. The colours travel in a horizontal diagonal pattern to encourage visitors to move around the sculpture to see the intersecting colours that are powered by UV lights at the base of the structure.
The installation is free for the public to enjoy, so if you're passing through King's Cross Station, it's worth taking a detour to Granary Square. Along the way, you'll encounter other vibrant Christmas lights to admire, perfect for injecting some festive cheer to your day.
- Lumen Studios x Nonotak – Eclipse
Tucked inside an industrial warehouse near London Bridge lies an extraordinary audio-visual experience created by Nonotak and presented by Lumen Studios. Making its London debut, the exhibition features three stunning installations: Highway, Dual, and Hidden Shadows. Nonotak is an artistic duo consisting of illustrator Noemi Schipfer and architect/musician Takami Nakamoto, based in Paris. They are renowned for transforming light and sound into immersive, dreamlike artistic experiences that blur the boundaries between the senses.
The three installations are separated into rooms within the warehouse and begins with Highway. Here visitors sit comfortably on beanbags, watching waves of light ripple horizontally across an LED screen. The light patterns move at varying speeds, breaking into meticulously arranged fragments accompanied by soothing ambient sounds; this tranquil introduction sets the stage for the sensory progression that follows. The next room intensifies the experience with Dual, where beams of light swing aggressively to pounding, gunshot-like beats, creating a visceral environment reminiscent of Berlin's techno clubs—minus the hedonism. While visitors are encouraged to explore the space, the initial step off the bench can be intimidating as lights bombard the senses and watching other visitors that cross disappear into the darkness on the other side. Once visitors cross to the other side, they find another bench and a directional arrow guiding them to the final installation. Beyond the curtain lies Hidden Shadows, a cinematic experience akin to Highway. Here, visitors sit and marvel at the interplay of soundscapes and mesmerising visuals. The installation takes viewers on a journey through hypnotic geometric patterns, pulsating strobe lights, and a serene, meditative cosmic experience.
By seamlessly integrating light, sound, and space, Eclipse transcends traditional boundaries, offering audiences a unique opportunity to explore the sensory and conceptual dimensions of modern digital art.
- Anthtony McCall – Solid Light
Tate Modern in London is showcasing Anthony McCall’s immersive art, where the viewer’s movements bring the work to life. Curated by Gregor Muir and Andrew de Brún, beams of light projected through mist from shifting, three-dimensional shapes that the viewer can walk through and explore, creating a unique perspective. Blending sculpture, cinema, drawing, and performance, McCall is known for redefining light art since his Line Describing a Cone in 1973 – which is exhibiting at the show.
Light art wasn’t really a thing until the 1970s with McCall being one of the first to adopt the medium. Initially overlooked, McCall's early experiments relied on environmental factors like smoke and dust to reveal the solidity of light beams. A failed exhibition in Sweden in 1977 led him to leave the art world for decades, only returning in the 1990s with the advent of haze machines and digital projection, which allowed his sculptures to evolve and flourish.
McCall's installations, in stark contrast to the flashy selfie-friendly works of Yayoi Kusama, who was recently housed at Tate, or commercialised light shows, are more minimalist and meditative. Visitors are given the freedom to walk around for as long as they like to explore McCall’s four light sculptures. Using beams of light and fog, his art creates illusions of solid forms that feel physical and tangible. Stripped of context, his work celebrates the essence of art itself — light, line, and geometry that offer quiet, introspective experiences amidst the current contemporary immersive trends.
www.tate.org.uk/anthony-mccall
- Lost in Light - Squidsoup
Known as the pioneers of light, sounds and technology, Squidsoup is renowned for its dynamic lights and sound environments. Known for acclaimed projects including collaborations with international artist Four Tet and appearances at Burning Man and Vivid Sydney, the art collective has now created an immersive installation suitable for all the family in Shoreditch, East London. Spanning three stories and 30,000sqft, the exhibition features five distinct installations, including works from sub-brands like Circular Echoes, Infinite, Three Volumes, Sola, and Submergence. The pieces blend immersive lighting and electronic soundscapes to create art that bridges the physical and digital realms. Lost in Light offers a more accessible introduction to light installations where people of all ages can immerse into and offers a great back drop for Instagram photos.
Neurodiversity & Lighting
https://vimeo.com/showcase/11485671/video/1034345183
Speaker: Seraphine Gogate, GDM Building Consultants
In this session, we will explore the latest research on how various light and lighting parameters affect neurodiverse populations. We will highlight the emotional side of lighting design, discussing how inappropriate lighting can increase anxiety, stress, and discomfort, whereas well-designed lighting can promote calmness, safety, and emotional stability.
Recolight welcomes Defra’s WEEE announcement
(UK) – The UK Government has today announced that online marketplaces are to be brought into scope of the WEEE regulations. This means that online marketplaces will be responsible for the WEEE costs of any non-compliant product sold through the platform.
Welcoming the news, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey said: “It is great to see this change announced. For far too long, many online marketplaces have been able to avoid WEEE costs. That in turn has meant that legitimate UK businesses pay more than their fair share. This change is a vital step to make sure that compliant UK businesses are not put at a competitive disadvantage by non-compliant imports.”
He added: "Recolight has campaigned to close the online marketplace WEEE loophole for many years. We’ve undertaken research that has shown the huge proportion of non-compliant product sold via such platforms. For example, one analysis showed that 76% of LED lightbulbs sold by a leading online marketplace were not WEEE compliant. For the 220 producer members of the Recolight WEEE scheme, this change cannot come too soon.”
The Government has not announced a definitive timetable for the legislation. However, given that the WEEE system operates in calendar years, it would be logical for regulations to be made during 2025, coming into full force in 2026. Any transitional arrangements allowed for in the regulations should prioritise ensuring that full financial liability is brought in as early as possible.
Erco hosts The Ability of Light event
(UK) – Erco recently held a lighting event at its London showroom, The Ability of Light: Creating Inclusive Spaces, with the aim of bringing together experts who explored how lighting can foster inclusion, wellbeing and redefine how we experience space. Dueing the event, neurodivergent light artist Frankie Boyle, Frankie Boyle Studio, lighting designer, Nick MacLiammoir, Arup and design manager, Céline Dalcher, Royal Greenwich Museums, shared insights into the principles, practices, and challenges of inclusive design.
Boyle highlighted how light has a profound subconscious impact on our sense of ease and connection: “Good lighting means that you don’t notice it. You walk in, and you feel connected, you feel at ease.”
She also championed biophilic design, emphasising the connection between lighting and nature: “The more we design inside spaces to look like nature, the more we’re going to feel happier, connected, and motivated.”
MacLiammoir highlighted the need to address neurodivergent challenges in workplaces, particularly glare and flicker. “A lot of people have problems with LED flicker subliminally,” he noted.
Dalcher then shared her work on spatial equity in museums, creating adaptable environments to meet diverse needs: “It’s about questioning what we’ve done before and finding the smallest tweak that can make a difference.”
The panel also discussed the role of technology in advancing inclusivity. MacLiammoir praised tuneable lighting and smart controls, while Boyle explored the potential of augmented reality to adapt spaces dynamically. However, they warned against tokenistic solutions advocating for holistic designs that benefit everyone.
While universal inclusivity may not be achievable, the panelists stressed the importance of striving for better. As MacLiammoir concluded: “With care, you can include a lot of people. If someone doesn’t feel included, you listen and see what you can learn and tweak.” He went further to say: ‘‘If it's not emotion led, then it's emotionless.’’ Perfectly summing up, the importance of designing with empathy.
By fostering these conversations, Erco aims to inspire innovative, inclusive design that enhances connection, accessibility, and wellbeing for all.
Tap Family - Licllab
The TAP Family, Projector, Wall & Surface by LICLLAB combines advanced LED technology with sleek, minimalist design. With customizable sizes, finishes, and smart control compatibility, TAP seamlessly adapts to residential, commercial, and outdoor projects. Durable and eco-friendly, it reflects LICLLAB’s commitment to sustainability. Whether enhancing interiors or transforming façades, TAP delivers precision, elegance, and timeless appeal. All made by CNC aluminium.
Izura from Zumtobel wins German Sustainability Award
(Germany) – The Izura pendant luminaire by Zumtobel, has been awarded the German Sustainability Award (DNP) in the Product + Resources category.
The luminaire impressed the jury with its modular design, resource-efficient construction, and a digital product passport that ensures transparency throughout the entire product lifecycle.
Made from recycled steel and plastic-free reflectors, Izura operates with efficiency and provides transparent lifecycle information. Zumtobel secured a win at the German Sustainability Award 2025, now in its 17th year, it aims to encourage companies to promote sustainable development.
Its sustainable product design is based on the Zumtobel Circular Design Rules (CDR), which outline guidelines for sustainable product development from material sourcing to recycling. Izura was developed specifically with a circular economy in mind and can be produced under low-energy conditions.
Izura features a digital product passport with key details on production, materials, and maintenance, ensuring transparency. Accessible online, it offers instructions for use, disassembly, recycling, and disposal. Zumtobel also provides after-sales services like repairs, parts replacement, and warranty support.
Unveiled at Light + Building 2024, the modular pendant luminaire allows full personalisation, including colours, patterns, and even Pantone shades. With just 40 replaceable components and no welding, it ensures minimal resource use and easy repairs. Equipped with advanced DALI drivers, Izura offers wireless control, flexible dimming, and seamless integration into building systems.
Stefan Schulze-Hausmann, Chairman of the German Sustainability Award Foundation, comments: "The German Sustainability Award honours companies for product solutions that provide impactful and exemplary contributions to transformation within their industries. The jury believes that Zumtobel sets benchmarks in circular design with the Izura luminaire, assuming a leadership role in sustainability. The product is seen as a 'beacon' for successful transformation in the sector."
“The Circular Design Rules were applied to Izura, our tool for designing products specifically for a circular economy right from the outset. We are therefore all the more delighted that our efforts are bearing fruit and have been recognized with the German Sustainability Award,” says Ines Göbel, Sustainability Manager at Zumtobel. “This award validates our focus on circular economy principles and motivates us to continue on this path.”
www.zumtobel.com
TRILUX Achieves Platinum EcoVadis Rating
(UK) – A leading provider of professional lighting solutions, has been awarded the prestigious EcoVadis Platinum Rating for the company's commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and corporate ethics.
EcoVadis is one of the world's largest providers of sustainability ratings, evaluating companies across key areas, including environmental impact, labour and human rights, sustainable procurement, and ethical business practices. Achieving Platinum status places Trilux in the top 1% of all assessed companies.
"Sustainability is a central component of our corporate strategy," says Klaus Röwekamp, Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Products and Solutions at Trilux. "This platinum award is confirmation of our ongoing efforts to develop innovative lighting solutions that are not only energy-efficient and resource-conscious but also create real added value to society and the environment."
Further information on Trilux’s sustainability strategy and initiatives can be found at www.trilux.com/en/company/sustainability/
LiGHT 24 has its most successful show to date
(UK) - In its third year, the UK’s only dedicated high-end lighting exhibition welcomed thousands of visitors to London’s Business Design Centre. LiGHT 24 took place on the 20 – 21 of November, bringing together a range of professionals from all areas of the lighting, interior design and architecture communities.
Attended by a broad mix of designers working in architecture, interiors, lighting, and product design, as well as engineers. A record number of 5,500 attendees passed through the doors to see the latest offerings from more than 160 high-end international lighting brands. Visitors also attended inspiring talks and presentations from over 50 speakers, all while making new industry connections through creatively curated networking opportunities.
The [d]arc thoughts talks programme, in collaboration with Lutron, once again attracted a steady stream of guests across the two days. Renowned professionals from all areas of the industry – lighting, interiors, architecture, specification, manufacturing and more – provided their expertise to the topics that really matter in the lighting and design communities.
With every talk well attended, the programme, curated and moderated by the [d]arc media editorial team, included a wide variety of themes, focusing on the impact that interiors and lighting have on our environments through sustainable and human-centric designs. The two days were split into themes, with Wednesday covering the Business of Design and Lighting + Interiors, while Thursday focused on Wellness, Sustainability, and Planet.
New for 2024, a splinter programme ran alongside [d]arc thoughts in the Associations Lounge, featuring talks run by leading industry associations The LIA, IALD, ILP, and SLL. This programme also featured panel discussions in collaboration with Women in Lighting and the DALI Alliance, and The Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) returned with its popular ‘How to be Brilliant’ talk. The Silhouette Awards also hosted an in-person mentor/mentee celebration and presentation highlighting the benefits of the global mentorship programme.
This year’s event also offered a unique collaboration with light artist, Frankie Boyle, who designed an immersive installation tunnel, ‘Intra-spectrum’ powered by fomalighting.
The show offered many networking opportunities, including a complimentary late-night welcome drink during the first evening, and the popular LiGHT LUNCH on the second day. This year’s LiGHT LUNCH was centred around the Women in Industry networking event, hosted by representatives from associations Women in Lighting, Women Lighting Professionals, Women in Office Design, Women in Architecture and the Women in Furniture Network, offering an in-person opportunity to find out more about these empowering initiatives and how to get involved.
For those visitors who still had work commitments, they could take advantage of the on-site cafe and the dedicated LiGHT Workspace to socialise and co-work.
[d]arc media Managing Director, Paul James said: “We are thrilled once again with the positive response to the show - every year LiGHT grows in terms of both exhibitors and visitors, and it just keeps getting bigger and better. With an increase in attendee numbers again this year, it’s been proven that the lighting, design and architectural communities are keen to come together and collaborate, raising the quality and sustainability of future projects.”
Helen Ankers, Head of Content at [d]arc media, added: “We are so pleased with the success of this year’s show as we expanded even further throughout the Business Design Centre. With even more exhibitors, the inclusion of a second talks programme in the Associations Lounge, exclusive light art installation by Frankie Boyle, and the Unibox [d]arc awards installation, which was given a second life as a pop-up photo booth, it was wonderful to see visitors from all corners of the design industry engaging with the new elements and I’m already excited to start planning 2025’s features and programme."
Free to attend, dates for next year’s show are now confirmed as 19-20 November 2025.
Find out more about LiGHT here: www.lightexpo.london
Nulty acquires Klaasen Lighting Design
(Worldwide) - International lighting design consultancy Nulty has announced the acquisition of Klaasen Lighting Design (KLD), broadened its geographical footprint, while adding a 40-year brand to the fold.
The acquisition will significantly enhance Nulty’s presence across Asia and Europe, particularly in Singapore, where KLD has been an influential player for 30 years. The decision to integrate KLD into Nulty is the result of a long-standing relationship between two renowned practices.
KLD will integrate into the Nulty team, with founder Martin Klaasen assuming the role of Managing Partner. Klaasen will work closely with Nulty founder, Paul Nulty, and Managing Partner Mark Vowles to oversee projects in Asia-Pacific region.
Jordan Faust, a trained lighting designer and landscape architect, will become Managing Partner for Nulty’s new European division, merging with it’s Lisbon studio. With extensive experience designing lighting schemes worldwide, he will collaborate with Ellie Coombs, Managing Partner of Nulty London, to secure projects across Europe, leveraging the team’s expertise and network.
Paul Nulty, Founder of Nulty, comments: “Today marks an exciting new chapter as we welcome Klaasen Lighting Design into our Nulty family. As we look to consolidate our position as a market leading brand alliance in key markets, Martin and his team will fuel our growth plan and provide an injection of new talent and specialist expertise. We’re delighted to have them on board to take Nulty to greater heights.”
Martin Klassen, found of Klaasen Lighting Design, says: “This is a gratifying moment in my career and a moment where I can with great confidence and enthusiasm step into the future – one that will be exponentially multiplied by the integration of our two experienced teams. Both Paul and I have had aligned vision for a long time, and therefore it makes total sense for us to enter this next phase together, with Klaasen now an intrinsic part of the Nulty story.”
Liz West unveils Fluorescence
(UK) – British artist Liz West has unveiled a new, temporary outdoor festive artwork at Kings Cross, London. Drawing inspiration from light and joy that define the festive season, West interprets festive themes of light and joy through a contemporary 10.7-metre structure that will act as a seasonal focal point in Granary Square until Feburary 2025.
Titled 'Fluorescence', the structure is centred around an elongated tetrahedron, adorned with bold stripes of fluorescent neon colours, contrasted with monochromatic tones to symbolise celebration and festive spirit.
Diagonal colours intersect across the structure, encouraging people to move around the space to explore how the colours connect and change from different angles. For the first time, West has introduced black to sit alongside her signature chromatic palette. As night falls, UV lighting will make the installation glow, turning it into a centrepiece that can been see across Granary Square.
Trilux Group acquires Ansorg
(Germany) - Trilux has expanded its product and service portfolio in the retail sector, with the acquisition of German brand, Ansorg.
Ansorg, based in Mülheim, is a specialist for high-quality retail lighting concepts and has decades of experience in developing and producing custom lighting solutions. By integrating Ansorg, Trilux can expand its expertise, particularly in international growth areas such as automotive and non-food retail, offering its customers more solutions with real added value.
"The acquisition of Ansorg is a key milestone in our 'Retail Growth' strategy," says Hubertus Volmert, CEO of the Trilux Group. "With Ansorg, we are not only gaining a company with excellent expertise and experience, but also broadening our range to include customised lighting solutions. Together, we can tap into new customer segments, strengthen our international presence and actively shape the future of retail lighting."
Franz Heckmanns, Head of Global Sales at Ansorg, adds: "We are delighted to become part of the Trilux family and to contribute our in-depth retail expertise to the development of innovative lighting solutions. This partnership leverages our complementary strengths, allowing us to deliver even more customised, future-proof lighting solutions to our customers. Ansorg brings valuable expertise and creative insights to the Trilux Group, which will further strengthen its innovative power. For Ansorg, the partnership not only means access to greater resources and a global network but also the opportunity to set new standards in the retail sector with Trilux."
Ansorg will collaborate closely with Oktalite another company of the Trilux Group. The focus of the two companies enables them to serve a broader international customer spectrum and jointly realise opportunities in various retail sectors.
Both have promised a smooth transition and have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
