Next to the vehicle itself, the highlight of the Team X-produced reveal, was a performance by Travis Scott. The Grammy-winning, platinum artist didn’t appear on any ordinary stage, either. Instead, he was driven out in the new Mercedes on a platform that appeared to be floating in the lake! For good measure, he performed some songs while standing atop the shimmering blue vehicle.

Seeing a world-class artist and a stunning car on a stage surrounded by water in a canyon that oozed natural beauty was a breathtaking experience. But, as always, this magical moment, was backed by a lot of hard work and brilliant technology.

Seth Bernstein, who led the lighting team, used 68 CHAUVET Professional Color STRIKE M motorized strobe-washes supplied by Volt Lites. He described what went into making this memorable experience a reality:

“This was an impressive accomplishment. Scuba divers built an elevated stage in the park’s decommissioned reservoir. This presented immense challenges, as we didn’t want to distract from the beauty of the environment with excessively visible fixtures or positions.  Also, the audience walked in during the last hour of daylight, so we wanted to keep the rig discrete so people would be highly surprised by all the show elements. Since this was the world premiere of the all-Electric G Wagon, lighting the vehicle reveal was a huge focal point for the show planning. Niklas Bildstein Zaar and his team at Sub Global in Berlin, our talented creative directors, chose a piece by lighting artist Boris Acket called “Sunrise For Sleepers” which consists of a simulated sunrise in an indoor environment.

“Boris and I collaborated on adapting this idea in the canyon setting, using a 24,000-Watt Tungsten Fresnel fixture on a 55’ techno-crane,” continued Bernstein. “As the car drove out, the ‘sun’ appeared to rise over the lake. The amount of technical planning and blind luck that went into making this happen was staggering. Boris was a pleasure to work with. Killswitch Rigging and Volt Lites put their heads together to mount and power the huge fixture on the crane and StrictlyFX provided all the atmosphere to render the sunrise and hide the techno arm and base.”

With the exception of a few selectively employed keys lights, Bernstein relied exclusively on color washes and strobes from his Color STRIKE M fixtures, along with laser effects. “The creative direction called for a huge amount of atmosphere, which needed to be colour toned for each song,” he explained.  “Because we were using these very pure and bold Laser effects, I wanted to be careful about using any fixtures that would create visible beams that would clash. The Color STRIKE Ms had that perfect brightness and colour range, but also didn’t distract the Lasers.”

Technical directors ST. ROBO, Nik Evers and Markus Eibl recounted how the fixtures helped make the even run smoothly, even with uncertain weather conditions. “Given that the Mercedes-Benz electric G-Class Premier took place at an outdoor venue by a reservoir, the weather was unpredictable — and indeed it went from intense sunlight to sudden rain showers. Thanks for the all-weather IP65 capabilities of the Color STRIKE M, we didn’t have to worry about covering or protecting them constantly. Their reliability and durability made the event seamless and visually stunning despite the challenging conditions. We frequently deploy and specify these fixtures, appreciating the consistent performance and robust design.”

The Color STRIKE M fixtures were positioned “everywhere they could possibly go given the complexity of the lake bed” noted Bernstein. There were only two spots where the soil could support towers being build. So, Killswitch constructed 24-foot towers in a space nestled between the trees on the shore. There were also some boom lifts on the access road where fixtures were lifted above the tree line. Aside from that, the production team installed a row of  “Color STRIKE M footlights” for Travis Scott on the base of the guest deck (which was also build in the lake), while other fixtures were scattered in clearings on the perimeter walking path.

Speaking of the Color STRIKE M units in his rig, Bernstein said, “How strong is this fixture? It took only 68 Color STRIKES to light an entire canyon. At one point someone standing on the access road told me that we changed the colour of the sky!”

The high output Color STRIKE M fixtures were used to create a variety of colour washes that played off brilliantly against the shadows and dark spaces. “Red was a huge element of the show, due to the artist material and the way that red makes water look other-worldly,” said Bernstein. “Cyan, amber and the white center cell of this fixture also played very prominently in the colour choices.”

With limited dark time available in the canyon, the entire production team had to bring its A-game to achieve these results. “We had no timecode and no artist rehearsal,” said Bernstein. “So, a huge credit goes to the programmers Joe Watrach on lights and Nick Meyer on Lasers, as well as our pre vis model builders at Earlybird. We also couldn’t have done this without Blue Revolver, our lead fabricator, and the Mercedes team, including Clair Global, ST. ROBO, and Bullitt Productions.”

Bernstein described the entire project as “a huge team effort.” That ingredient — along with some powerful technology, will make magic happen every time.

Photo credit: Jamal Eid/Getty Images.

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Signify, a world leader in lighting, today announces a new partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Connected by their shared passion for technological innovation and sustainability the partnership will drive forward the team’s vision of becoming one of the world’s most sustainable professional sports teams. 

Eric Rondolat, CEO, Signify said: “We are proud to partner with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1, a team that is determined to lead both on and off the track. We share a passion for responsible innovation to drive progress in our industries and beyond. Our joint commitment to act responsibly will lead us to develop transformative and disruptive new technologies that elevate performance to the benefit of people and the planet.

We are excited to have the opportunity to support the winning objective of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1, providing human-centric lighting innovations that can enhance the team’s performance. We are honored to associate our brands with one of the strongest in the world and to deliver unforgettable racing experiences for fans at the track, as well as watching and gaming at home. With many collaborations already begun, I am eager to see this partnership grow.”

Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, commented:

“Innovation and performance are at the heart of everything we do. We are also conscious of our wider social responsibilities and therefore embed sustainability in every action. Partnering with Signify is an exciting step that will help us make further progress in both of these areas. Their world-leading lighting technology already powers several night races and their pioneering commitment to climate action is inspiring. We look forward to working together to establish synergies in this area and their support in our ambition to become one of the world’s most sustainable sports teams. We also believe that wellbeing is linked closely with performance. Signify’s lighting technology and innovation will ensure optimal conditions for our team members, and we are excited to explore how we can optimise these opportunities further.”

Richard Sanders, Chief Commercial Officer, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team added: “We are thrilled to welcome Signify into our partner family. We are already privileged to collaborate with some of the most innovative companies in the world. Adding another world-leading business to our partner ecosystem in Signify is therefore fantastic. We are excited to collaborate with them through their innovative technology and commitment to sustainability. Together, we are confident that we will create a partnership with a profound impact and lasting legacy.”

Signify and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 are committed to responsible innovation, founded on a shared belief that performance should not come at any cost and that sustainability does not compromise on performance. As both teams continue to drive the transformation of their industries, responsible innovation elevates performance and leads to sustainable outcomes.

Environmental responsibility

Signify recently announced its 2040 Climate Transition Plan, setting out its vision to reach net zero by 2040. The company has reduced GHG emissions across the full value chain by 50 percent since 2019 and continues to advocate for energy efficiency and an accelerated energy transition. With the new partnership, comes a commitment from Signify to share knowledge and expertise to support Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team in developing its Climate Transition Plan.

Wellbeing and performance 

To win in Formula One, every member of the team must perform to their full potential at every moment. Signify’s lighting innovations will augment the team’s efforts to create optimal conditions for drivers, engineers and team members, helping them see, feel, and perform at their best. NatureConnect, EyeComfort and other technologies will bring the power of daylight indoors to aid concentration with light that is comfortable for the eyes and, support the body’s natural rhythm and ability to adjust to a challenging global schedule.

Unforgettable experiences

Signify’s lighting shines on night-circuits in Singapore and Las Vegas, ensuring the fastest show on earth is perfectly lit. And for those not at the track, Signify delivers immersive TV and gaming surround lighting to transport fans at home to the heart of the action.

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Joe Murray is also a founding director, and they and the team are all big fans of Astera, having first started hearing about the brand a few years back when the neon lighting look was very popular in Australia.

The first Astera products to arrive at Sightline were AX1 PixelTubes that joined the inventory in 2019, a figure that’s now jumped to over 50 fixtures.

In addition to these, they also have AX2 LED battens, AX3 LiteDrops, AX5 TriplePARs, AX9 PowerPARs, as well as the 2 metre Hyperion Tubes and the half metre Helios Tubes, totalling over 200 Astera battery-powered LED products.

These have become invaluable for all types of event scenarios and the continuing commitment has recently seen 2 cases (16 total) of AX3 LightDrops added to stock – joining 80 domes for the AX5s which can be used as set enhancements. They are now looking at Astera’s Fresnel series.

Sightline’s biggest project to date using Astera involved over 200 AX1 tubes that lined an interactive entrance tunnel to an event for software and graphics brand Canva, at The Hordern Pavilion in Sydney, Technically Directed by Sightline’s Kim Louey-Gung.

AX1 tubes were also used for the Netflix season launch of the newest Stranger Things series where they – together with other Astera fixtures – help to create an actual “upside down world”.

It’s almost become an in-joke at Sightline in terms of how often AX1s are used, as Astera products are perfect for so many applications and as ultimately useful creative tools, frequently requested on different jobs.

The Sightline team feels the tubes in particular are a brilliant ‘gap filler’ for streamed shows or presentations with cameras and is impressed with the selection of rigging and mounting accessories that come with an Astera package making the lights “super quick and convenient” to deploy pretty much anywhere.

AX3s are super-handy and were recently used on a corporate event fitted to the top of a set piece due to their tiny size, and they are regularly dropped into stage as they are so easily concealed yet have great visual impact.

“Being able to use this many battery-powered fixtures on a show, event or stage set is amazing and so practical… allowing for quick and cable-free looks,” explained Joe.

Mostly the Sightline crew will use the Astera App on an iPad for controlling the fixtures.

The quality of the light output from all the different Astera luminaires “is excellent” notes Adriano, especially the AX5s and AX9s which are frequently used for set and key lighting on stage and in studios. They appreciate the colours, especially the pastels and the warm whites and AX9s can produce an excellent stage wash.

“The batteries will last all day, so combined with the very organic look that blends in so well, the accessibility and incredible versatility of the luminaires – they are good for anywhere and everywhere,” says Adriano.

When LDs, lighting directors, operators or clients know that a company has Astera onboard, “everyone takes you seriously – the name has proper kudos and industry standard status,” he enthused.

On average, Sightline will supply equipment to around 30 projects a month of different sizes, often including the lighting design, and Astera fixtures will invariably be somewhere on the event.

A vital element of investment in any kit is the service expected from the supplier, and Astera’s Australia and New Zealand distributor ULA Group is “second to none. For any busy rental/production company, knowing you have great service, support and backup when needed is all important,” Adriano concluded.

They look forward to continuing their symbiotic relationship with Astera.

Photos courtesy of Sightline. Canva Create. – Produced by The Event Room. Netflix Stranger Things Launch – Produced by INVNT.

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Once a quaint medieval fishing harbour, Poole has evolved into a bustling commercial port boasting major maritime industries. Its High Street, nestled against the picturesque backdrop of Poole Harbour, serves as the vital link between the historic Quayside and the town centre. Characterised by a blend of Georgian houses, elegant Victorian buildings, and charming 1930s art deco shopfronts, Poole exudes a vibrant sense of place, attracting visitors and locals alike.

However, the town centre faces its fair share of challenges. Recognising the need for revitalisation, Historic England identified the High Street as a Heritage Action Zone. It secured funding to restore historic buildings, repurpose vacant spaces, and enhance public areas to invigorate the town centre.

Daniel Moorley, Street Lighting Team Leader Infrastructure at Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch Council, describes, “Our Conservation team engaged us to upgrade the lighting along the High Street. We had received a grant for a Heritage Action Zone and wanted to make the wall lighting and column lighting match and fit in with the area.”

Acrospire upgraded the High Street’s lighting infrastructure to align with the Heritage Action Zone’s objectives.

The solution comprised 72 wall and column-mounted Muirfield luminaires. Muirfield, renowned for its traditional gas lantern aesthetics infused with modern LED technology, perfectly complemented the historic architecture of Poole’s High Street. Crafted using premium materials sourced locally in the UK, these luminaires ensured superior quality and durability.

To address the project’s unique requirements, Acrospire provided a mixture of wattages (from 31W to 45W) tailored to meet current lighting standards. With a colour temperature of 3000K, the lighting solution offered a warm and inviting ambience, enhancing the town centre’s allure.

The project had its challenges. Daniel explains, “We were in a position whereby the original cast iron columns did not have access at the base, so a solution was required where we could install a local isolator at each column. We worked with Acrospire on a “clock box” solution that was big enough to house an isolator and mimicked a gas clock box that would have been used when the lights were powered by gas.”

As well as ticking all the aesthetic boxes, the transition to LED lighting resulted in significant energy savings, with a remarkable 74 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous SON installations.

Daniel commented, “I have worked with Acrospire on several projects and am pleased with their service. From start to finish, they were really engaged and very knowledgeable. Locals have praised the uniformity and improved spread of light, notably the elimination of bright spots which has created a more visually pleasing environment.”

The successful collaboration between Acrospire and the council breathed new life into Poole’s historic High Street, contributing to its ongoing revitalisation efforts.

The post Acrospire upgrades Poole’s heritage high street lighting appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

The Sandbanks seawall lighting columns, erected in 1895, stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. Originally designed to use methane from a nearby sewer for illumination, they have weathered the years with grace. Although decorative rather than essential for road lighting, these lamps hold immense historical significance.

The Society for Poole, dedicated to preserving local history and culture, secured £42,000 from the BCP Council to kickstart the first phase of the lamps’ restoration. The collaborative effort involved removing, repairing, and repainting the cast iron bases, with a meticulous focus on maintaining authenticity.

Acrospire collaborated with Volker Highways, the project contractor, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to integrate modern LED technology while respecting the lamps’ historical charm. The goal was to refurbish the lighting elements efficiently and ensure maximum energy efficiency.

The restoration project involved converting the existing 70W SON lanterns to 40W LED, employing the Acrospire Comfort COB 3000K light engine. This choice not only achieved energy savings of over 50 percent but also provided a low-glare, pedestrian-friendly illumination that complemented the luminaires’ original era. The 3000K colour temperature added a warm glow, maintaining the heritage aesthetic.

Daniel Moorley, Street Lighting Team Leader Infrastructure, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, states, “The new lanterns went up recently and they look really good on the refurbed columns. The Society for Poole are really pleased with the results.”

With BCP Lighting coordinating efforts, the luminaires received a comprehensive overhaul. The meticulous refurbishment involved stripping away old paint, recasting elements, and testing to recapture the lanterns’ original splendour.

As Sandbanks’ historic luminaires shine proudly once again, they not only reclaim their position as iconic landmarks but also contribute to the area’s overall aesthetic appeal.

Daniel comments, “The project was a long-term programme to cover all 20 of the columns and lights.” Acrospire’s work ensures that these timeless luminaires continue to frame the approach to Sandbanks, seamlessly blending history with modernity and efficiency.”

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Since Thomas Edison patented the first incandescent light bulb in 1879, the lighting industry has continuously evolved. From traditional lighting to LED replacement, to the integration of smart technology, low-carbon and human-centric lighting, resulting in the “Light +” era of today, where the applications of light appear to have no limits. 

Ms Lucia Wong, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd commented on the state of the industry in the “Light +” era: “Driven by the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), smart lighting is experiencing a surge in popularity, with added convenience, sustainability and customisation options open to consumers. The rapid development of full spectrum lighting and the growing consciousness around health, have created the need for well-being lighting that includes features like adjustability, synchronisation of our circadian rhythms with the natural light cycle and low blue light technology. In addition, lighting design that incorporates biophilic design with the use of eco-friendly materials, recyclable components as well as low carbon technology contributes overall to the enhancement of both residential and commercial spaces. The industry is committed to minimising its environmental impact and nurturing a more sustainable future.”

Eight themed halls to showcase the infinite possibilities of light

GILE 2024 will build upon the theme of “Light +”, extending the applications of light to more industries and sectors, representing a wider range of products and technologies. The show will introduce more precise matching services to help bring the industry together to work towards achieving infinite applications of light. As such, eight themed halls will feature at this year’s edition showcasing different applications of light, namely, Light + Lifestyle, Light + Aesthetics, Light + Art, Light + IoT, Light + Biology, Light + Agriculture, Light + Display, and Light + Energy.

Light + Lifestyle and Light + Aesthetics (Hall 10.1): Design Aesthetics
GILE will collaborate with Luce e Design to host a zone focusing on design aesthetics in Hall 10.1 of Zone B. Top lighting brands and designers from around the world will be invited to participate, creating a space that integrates art, design, and creativity that bridges the gap between Eastern and Western design philosophies.

Light + Art (Hall 3.1): The 4th Light Art Exhibition – “Metamorphosis”
The “Light Art Exhibition” is jointly organised by the Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition and Guangzhou Alighting IoT & Technology Co Ltd, with three successful editions held thus far. The Light Art Exhibition aims to invite renowned designers and lighting brands to collaborate on creating light art pieces that are visually appealing, culturally relevant and provide socio-economic value. In doing so it aims to promote innovation, international cooperation and creativity in the Chinese lighting industry.

Under the theme of “Metamorphosis”, the 4th Light Art Exhibition will be held in Hall 3.1 and will explore the integration of lighting technology and art as well as the mutual benefits this cooperation provides. To do this, it will forego the traditional exhibition format to create a more interactive and engaging experience for the audience. A “closed-loop” visiting route will break down barriers between exhibitors and visitors, who will be guided through a well-designed path that connects different exhibition areas, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience. To boost participation and engagement, elements of gamification will be incorporated, including challenges, where visitors can participate in specific activities or tasks and check-ins to mark progress or completion of certain stages, interactions with exhibits or fellow visitors, and gain rewards for achievements or milestones. 

Light + IoT (Hall 9.2): Smart and Healthy Lighting Ecosystem
The integration of cloud computing, AI and luminaires has expanded the boundaries of lighting technology. With smart lighting systems playing a more significant role in homes, personalisation is becoming a key trend, where industry players will need to increase the functions of lighting to suit the individual needs of the user. Hall 9.2 will feature over 100 brands showcasing intelligent controls and dimming, smart chips, modules, IoT, cloud platforms, sensors, communication modules, communication protocols, smart devices, smart homes and smart lighting solutions. 

Light + Energy (Hall 5.1): Gaoyou Street Lighting Pavilion
With the rise of smart cities, urban public infrastructure is becoming progressively integrated with digital technologies with urban facilities increasingly interconnected through the use of sensors, communication devices and data analytics. Smart street lighting poles have become an important carrier and one of the most effective starting points for smart city construction. At this edition of GILE, a pavilion covering street lighting will be set up in Hall 5.1 to showcase cutting-edge technology and designs in collaboration with the Gaoyou Lighting Association. Additionally, in response to the trend towards reducing carbon emissions, there will be exhibits related to solar street lighting, smart street lighting control systems, as well as supporting products for smart street lighting poles, smart landscape lighting poles, smart traffic signal poles, smart poles, power supplies, intelligent control systems, gateways and more.

Light + Display and Light + Energy (Hall 5.2): New Display Application Pavilion and New Energy Storage Pavilion
GILE will collaborate with Hangjia Display to introduce two new themed pavilions: the New Display Application Pavilion and the New Energy Storage Pavilion.

The New Display Application Pavilion will cover LED displays, Mini/Micro LED displays, and extend to applications in film, home, education, conferences, and commercial markets. The pavilion will gather leading brands in the LED and display industry, integrating end users such as homeowners, contractors, overseas buyers, the education market, and government to promote new business opportunities.

To promote the development of the new energy storage industry and contribute to achieving goals of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, the newly established New Energy Storage Pavilion will showcase a variety of commercial and household energy storage products. The area will target professional visitors from ESG-compliant factories, zero-carbon industrial parks, commercial buildings, microgrids, charging stations, data centres, and innovative energy storage application professionals. 

Light + Biology and Light + Agriculture (Hall 5.2): Bio-optics and Smart Agriculture Pavilion
Thanks to supportive policies and strong market demand, smart agriculture is undergoing an explosive period of growth in China. With the close integration of bio-optical lighting, advanced sensors, communication and network technology, artificial intelligence and other digital technologies, the field of bio-optics has shown unprecedented potential. This deep integration will not only promote the continuous upgrade of intelligent breeding solutions but also greatly improve the production efficiency of agricultural facilities and enhance the quality of agricultural products. In 2024, GILE will once again collaborate with the China Association of Agricultural Mechanisation to organise the Bio-optics and Smart Agriculture Pavilion, exploring the cross-disciplinary integration of smart agriculture and bio-optics.

Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition and Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology are part of Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building Technology fairs headed by the biennial Light + Building event. The next edition will be held from 8 – 13 March 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Messe Frankfurt organises several trade fairs for the light and building technology sectors in Asia, including Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology, Shanghai Smart Home Technology and Parking China. The company’s lighting and building technology trade fairs also cover the markets in Argentina, India, Türkiye, the UAE and the USA.

For more information on Light + Building shows worldwide, please visit http://www.brand.light-building.com. For more information regarding the lighting shows in China, please visit http://www.light.messefrankfurt.com.cn or email light@china.messefrankfurt.com.

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An agal, a traditional cord worn by Arab men to secure their headcloth, served as the centerpiece of the art installation, symbolising the cultural richness of the region. Thomas, Managing Director of bright! studios, brought his expertise to the project, crafting a dynamic light show that captivated audiences and could be seen across Riyadh.

In partnership with Alex Wuerfel, CEO of ES:ME Entertainment Services, Thomas orchestrated the intricate lighting design using Elation’s IP-rated Proteus fixtures, chosen for their beam characteristics as well as their adaptability to the often harsh environmental conditions of the Middle East. Alex, a long-time collaborator of Giegerich’s, recommended the Proteus fixtures.

“At this time of year in Saudi it’s more about the possibility of heavy rain than a sand storm so it was an easy choice for me to make,” stated Alex, who has relied on Proteus on similar projects across the region since 2019. “I like to use Elation Proteus with their marine grade specification because they work under all conditions.” Alex fulfilled the role of technical director for the event, with ES:ME Entertainment Services serving as the lighting vendor.

Founding Day is a new annual holiday in Saudi Arabia with cities across the country holding cultural and artistic events. In the capital city of Riyadh, celebrations took place across multiple sites, including King Fahad Library Park where the agal piece stood.

“The vision for the art installation was to create a regal ambiance reminiscent of a crown, symbolising the Kingdom’s heritage,” explains LD Giegerich. “We encircled the agal with 120Proteus Hybrids on the ground with 24 Proteus Excaliburs crowning the top, three circles of lights that provided a striking contrast to the square shape of the agal piece. The beams were visible from across the city and the entire installation really left a lasting impression.”

The juxtaposition of the Proteus Excalibur beams against those of the Proteus Hybrids added depth and contrast to the display, creating a mesmerising visual spectacle. “We had decided on the Proteus Hybrid but we wanted a really punchy beam that would look good in contrast to it and we chose the Excalibur,” Thomas said. “We wanted to give people something special, something that was visible from afar, and we accomplished that.”

One of those special looks was what the designer calls ‘twisters’ in which he tilts the three circles of fixtures while panning to create an intricate, overlapping spiral beam effect. He says he saw the Excalibur at a shootout in Frankfurt last year while making fixture choices for the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024 championships and fell in love with its ability to do color while projecting a powerful mid-air effect.

To enhance the visual look of the art piece further, 60 Proteus Rayzor 760 fixtures were placed between each agal rope, creating an enchanting twinkle effect that delighted onlookers. “The client wasn’t convinced of putting lights at that position,” Thomas shares, “but we didn’t intend to do more beams or punchy lighting with them. Once they saw the eye-candy twinkle effect they can produce (SparkLED), they loved it. It was super beautiful and a real lifesaver.” An additional 30 Proteus Rayzor 760s adorned the King Fahad Library façade, extending the ambiance of the event.

A 5-minute light show synchronized to music ran every half hour with sweeping beams, chases and intricate patterns of light filling the sky, to the delight of crowds. “The combination of the Hybrids and Excaliburs was really extraordinary and the outcome was very well received,” Alex concludes. “Thanks to a great team for making this happen.”

The post Over 250 Elation Proteus illuminate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Founding Day art installation appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

Built on land donated by a Spanish devotee of ‘Our Lady of Mercy’ in 1750, the Basilica has a long history. From the marble onyx baptismal font, frescoes on the ceilings and gold leaf on the altars, to the sculptures of the patron saint of Buenos Aires, San Martín de Tours, the Basilica Nuestra Senora Del Socorro is a place of beauty for visitors and worship for the local community. 

Ernesto Diz commented: “I wanted the majesty of the interior of the Basilica to really stand out. The aim was to light the masterpieces discretely yet lead the worshipper’s eye up the aisle to the central altar. I used tight angles to spotlight key pieces and then wider angled warm colours to wash the columns with light, framing the altar and its magnificent sculptures. It is the first time that I have used Megaman LED lamps and I have to say that the results exceeded all of my expectations.”

Sebastian Serra from Artelum S.A, a leading provider of professional lighting solutions across Argentina and a distributor of Megaman LED lamps, supported Ernesto Diz on the project and added: “The Basilica’s halogen and metal halide light sources were replaced with Megaman’s AR111 and PAR30L LED lamp technology. Thanks to the variety of beam angles available in Megaman’s LED Reflector Series, Ernesto Diz was able to use the lamps to ‘paint with light’ throughout the Basilica.”

As well as providing superior spotlighting and colour rendering, the LED lamp technology needed to ensure that the ancient masterpieces were not damaged by heat or light radiation. With no UV and negligible IR light radiation or residual glare, Megaman’s LED AR111 and PAR30L lamps were the ideal solution for lighting a space of such historic, as well as spiritual value, as the Basilica Nuestra Senora Del Socorro.

Part of Megaman’s LED Reflector Series, Megaman’s LED AR111 range lasts up to eight times longer and uses 80 percent less power than halogen equivalents. Within Basilica Nuestra Senora Del Socorro, 244 of Megaman’s AR111 10W, 2800K LEDs were used in a range of 8°, 24° and 45° beam angles, for spotlighting as well as wall washing key areas. In addition, 28 Megaman PAR30L 15W, 4000K 25° and 45° LEDs were used to light the ceiling frescoes.

Father Gustavo Boquin, Basilica Nuestra Senora Del Socorro concluded: “We have been following a programme of refurbishment at the Basilica for many years. As well as improving the aesthetics with new lighting, we have also made the church office administrators very happy. Running costs have been significantly reduced.”

The post Argentinian Basilica uses MEGAMAN’s LED technology with dramatic and artistic effect appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

While solar lighting offers a ‘greener’ alternative to fossil fuels, Acrospire recognises its implementation is only successful in specific scenarios. Tim Barker, Managing Director of Acrospire, emphasises the importance of approaching solar lighting with a critical perspective. “With this initiative, we want to educate, not put off specifiers,” he explains. “We encourage them to ask questions and challenge simplistic narratives surrounding solar lighting.”

“Achieving true sustainability in solar lighting requires ‘solar honesty’, or a critical perspective that considers the lighting solution’s entire lifecycle.”

Specifiers must consider the four core pillars of ‘Solar Honesty’: Battery Type, Photovoltaic Panel Type, Recyclability and Lighting Performance Requirements (levels and hours of operation) to understand the differences between solar and mains. This is where the Manufacturers’ approach comes into play.

Tim explains, “We work with each client on a project-by-project basis and advise when or even if solar is suitable for their project. Solar will never make sense if a strap-cashed local authority has already invested in mains-powered luminaires and the supporting infrastructure. The upfront investment costs for solar are always going to be higher, as responsible manufacturer it is our duty to help specifiers on their journey to solar, even if that stops after the initial inquiry.”

Acrospire’s commitment to ‘Solar Honesty’ extends beyond rhetoric. The company has been at the forefront of solar-powered street lighting installations in the UK for the last 6 years, delivering clean and energy-efficient solutions to local authorities, housing developers, and facilities managers. By leveraging the latest innovative solar technology, Acrospire have not only saved on installation costs but has also significantly reduced carbon emissions and promoted sustainable practices.

However, the journey to true sustainability continues after installation. Acrospire is dedicated to responsible waste management, actively encouraging the recycling of solar batteries and panels used in its projects. Acrospire aims to minimise environmental impact through partnerships with specialised recycling facilities while recovering valuable resources. Plans are underway to introduce a return-to-base recycling service, mirroring the success of their battery take-back scheme.

Its important specifiers know what they are buying, and they should be able to discuss all these topics with their chosen manufacturer to ensure their solar investment lives up to the claims.

For more information on Acrospire’s ‘Solar Honesty’ initiative and recycling programs, please visit https://acrospire.co/introducing-our-solar-honesty-initiative/

The post Acrospire unveils ‘Solar HonestyTM’ initiative appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

One unique issue for the design was the 360-degree seating environment. “The biggest challenge was the dichotomy between needing a suitably scaled wall of lights and the fact that the tour was sold 360,” explains Alex. To achieve the look, Alex used pods of VL5LED Wash luminaires connected to a motion control system that could pull the rig out of the way when the band moved to the B Stage.

“This is a lighting-heavy show without a ton of video content, so the pods of VL5LEDs drive a lot of the creative energy in the room,” says Jonathan D. Martin, Lighting Director for the tour. After asking, “Who doesn’t love the iconic look of the VL5?!” Jonathan adds, “The LED blades around the ring of the fixture also adds a unique look that we utilize during several songs.”

“The VL5LEDs were pure eye candy,” echoes Alex. “I can remember using the first VL5s back in the mists of time, and the wow-factor of a fixture that could blend those wonderful dichroics has stayed with me to this day. The modern iteration gives me that classic look, but also with more ‘punch,’ more reliability, more beam options (without having to slice a finger off changing lenses) and are so easy to work with, they are now right up there on my list of favourite fixtures.”

In addition to the VL5LEDs, the design also included VL3600 Profile IP fixtures in key and audience light positions, leveraging their broad feature set and IP rating. “The VL3600s are fantastic fixtures with all the bells and whistles any LD could ever want,” says Alex. “The extraordinary precision of colour was so useful and reliable.  We were able to make slight changes to colour temp and just knew it would be there every day.”

“This 3-hour show contains almost 70 different songs, so having fixtures that provided the capabilities to get so many unique looks was a must. The VL3600s bring a feature set that makes them ideal for this show,” says Jonathan. “In one moment, they will be in a high-energy ballyhoo and in the next they’re key light with precise, theatrical-level shaper capabilities. The VL3600s are also very bright, which was needed in a profile fixture for the stadium shows.”

Thanks to their IP65 rating, the VL3600s continued to perform no matter the weather. “We kicked off this primarily arena tour with several outdoor stadium dates, so having the IP-rated VL3600 was a major benefit!” says Jonathan. “We had one show where it rained and water poured from the DS truss, and yet the fixtures kept working perfectly through the rest of the performance.”

For both Alex and Jonathan, the fixtures – and the Vari-Lite team – offered exactly what they needed for their production. Alex declared he would use the fixtures again “in a heartbeat,” a statement Jonathan echoed, declaring, “I feel safe to say the VL3600 and VL5LED fit our needs perfectly. This is a long tour, and I’ve been really happy with the performance of both fixtures. And as always, I’m grateful for the support from Vari-Lite when we need some assistance on the road!”

“The VL3600 has proved to be an excellent addition to our LED source IP rated lighting inventory,” adds Dave Evans, Director of Lighting at Solotech. “From seeing the prototype back in early 2022 to the present day, there has been nothing but positive feedback from designers, crew and our operations team. It even surpasses what we expected from the long relationship between Solotech and Vari-lite with their history of the brand. As always, the full support from the Vari-Lite Team has been excellent and we look forward to a long future with the VL3600 Profile IP.”

Project credits:

Production Designer: Baz Halpin/Silent House.

Lighting Designer: Alex Reardon/Silent House.

Production Manager: Omar Abderraham.

Lighting Programmer: Mark Humphrey.

Lighting Director: Jonathan D. Martin.

Programming Support: Eric Marchwinski/Earlybird Visual.

Lighting Gear: Solotech.

Lighting Crew Chief: Terry Smith.

Lighting Crew: Andrew Williamson, Brian Bukovinsky, Josh Gezzi, Leo Dumont

Frenette, Mathieu Blais, Roberto Duarte, Kayla Dietz.

Automation And Pods: SGPS.

Images: @cynthiaparkhurst.

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