Nominated projects 2024

Queen Silvia Concert Hall, Sweden

The result of a collaboration with a world-leading architect and acoustician, the concert hall is a balance between aesthetics and technical performance. It is a functional learning environment for young people to practice their studies at the highest level, as well as a beautiful concert hall.

The concept was driven by two opposing functions – concert in the evening and classroom by day – as well as the architect's vision for how the lighting would support the architecture and user experience.

This resulted in splitting the concept into two parallel tracks, one with high light levels and very uniform light scenes for the classroom environment and the other to create dramatic shadow play, color changing, cozy and inviting light scenes. The concert lighting scenes also include a variety of functional aspects for audience admission, intermission, big concert, small concert, and solo performance.

Both concepts aim to highlight the unique organic architectural forms and illuminate the pillars, which highlights their materiality and curvature. The same fixtures are in most cases used for both the classroom and concert concepts, with a user-friendly lighting control system playing an essential role in the project. Grazing lights against the walls and ceiling behind the upper balconies contribute to a floating feeling. Integrated flexible linear lighting in the foyer highlights the irregular meeting between the wall and the ceiling.

The result is a functional and at the same time emotional lighting design, with a minimum of fixtures being used.

FACTS ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS
Contractual Client: Ramsbury Property AB  
End User Client: Lilla Akademien, Mark Tatlow  
Builder: NCC  
Lighting designer: Light Bureau, Daniel Hodierne  
Architect: Giorgio Palù  
Interior designer: Giorgio Palù  
Acoustician: Yasuhisa Toyota
Consulting engineer: AFRY, Tommie Ericsson  
Electrical contractor: Stockholms Elpartner, Thomas Blomstedt and Christer Carlsson  
Lighting supplier: Light Graphix, Reggiani, Kucko, Formalighting, Lucifer Lighting, Orluna, Folio and Rebel light 

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Sweden

These are the premises where several Nobel Prizes are announced and laureates mingle, confer, lecture, and participate in ceremonial events with global media. The historic parts and the modern additions respectively have significantly different conditions for lighting installations despite similar functions. A challenge was to interweave congenerous lightscapes between room sequences.

High quality detailing in wool, leather, wood, and brass are applied to withstand wear and to age with beauty, a sustainability approach in a context where continuity is central. Luminaires and installations demonstrate the same intent with recessed and well concealed non-glare light sources according to the principle “non-visible” lighting. Rooms, persons, material, furnishings, and artefacts are featured, not the luminaires themselves unless they are of historic symbolic value. Historic luminaires may well give the impression of “doing the job” even when that is not the case.

The different sections are also intertwined by reusing historic luminaires in top modern spaces while top modern technical luminaires with minimal dimension are used for discreet installations in historic sections.

Beijersalen, the main auditorium and adjacent lobby are partly illuminated with the “opposite” principle; to expose the luminaire itself. To divert attention from technical installations, the central ceiling is designed as a new layer with bespoke pendant luminaires, each with an inner brass mesh with a central downlight and an outer acrylic tube emitting a faint warm glow as a symbol of an inner life. All inspired by synapses and brainwork associated with the Royal Academy of Sciences.

FACTS ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS
Client: Jonas Lif, Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien  
Builder: Peter Furness Lindén, SH Bygg     
Lighting designers: Sweco Architects:  
Architects: Sweco Architects  
Interior designer: Sweco Architects  
Consulting engineer: ECO Konsult/Granlund   
Electrical contractor: El & Ljusdesign AB  
Lighting suppliers: Ateljé Lyktan, Iguzzini, Oluce, Svenskt Tenn, Örsjö  

DTU Auditorium Building 116, Technical University of Denmark

An innovative showcase of upcycling both natural and artificial lighting as part of a building transformation. 

The auditorium building 'B116' at the Technical University of Denmark has been giving new life after a major transformation showcasing how light can play a crucial role in transformation of existing buildings with an exemplary integration of natural and artificial lighting. 

The renovation includes innovative daylighting solutions and embedded light art, maintaining the architectural integrity of the unique building designed by Eva and Nils Koppel in 1974 while making the environment more welcoming. 

The architecture is humanistic, multifunctional and inviting. The renovation enhances openness, fostering a welcoming learning and study environment for the many students. Daylight integration and carefully designed electric lighting create spaces conducive to both study and social interaction 24/7. 

Textile shades diffuse sunlight, creating dynamic lighting conditions that enhance the user experience and flexible lighting design offers choices between direct sunlight, shade, or filtered daylight, adapting to various activities. The colored textile shades add warmth and softness, making the building more comfortable for its occupants.

Skylights in the foyer bring natural light, and a balanced, spacious environment to a space with a relatively low ceiling height. This opens on to a promenade with generous natural light from windows that run in a band at ceiling height around the central core. The transition in the natural lighing is complemented by carefully designed artificial lighting, which includes indirect and direct sources to balance the lighting levels throughout the space.

The artificial lighting provides adequate illumination during evening hours, ensuring a seamless transition from day to night. This lighting strategy highlights the building’s design and offer a flexible lighting experience.

In the large auditorium, integrated lighting between ceiling and wall elements accentuates the modular architecture and supports various activities and features a light art installation, creating a calming atmosphere with multiple lighting scenarios for lectures, presentations, or events.

This project is DGNB certified, marking a first for renovation projects at Danish institutions.

Unique joint collaboration between client, architects, artists, builders, suppliers, engineers and lighting designer in making this transformation so successful.

FACTS ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS
Client: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)  
Builder: Jakon  
Lighting Designer: Lightscapes, Iben Winther Orton  
Architect: Rørbæk og Møller Arkitekter  
Consulting Engineer: EKJ Rådgivende Ingeniører  
Artist: Malene Bach   
Lighting Supplier: Reused fixtures from DTU, EDEN/EllisEllis, iBond, iGuzzini, Erco, La lampa gras 

Workers Museum, Denmark

The concept of the lighting was found in the research on the architecture and the decoration of the different halls.

We have worked towards a holistic lighting layout that as much as possible could be concealed in order to reveal the beautiful decorations and ornamentations of almost every surface in the workers Museum. Throughout the entire project the focus of the lighting and ambition has been “the building as an artefact, a keeper of time and memories”

Having a clear and distinct restoration attitude has been a guiding principle in the design and material selection including that new elements must stand out clearly from the historical architecture. Equally important, however, has been that the new elements rest in the historic architecture and fit in effortlessly. The expression has therefore become minimalist, while the form language is modern while referencing history through materiality.

Through lighting control we aimed for movement and the ability to animate the ornamentations and enable them to come to life and tell their story in a new intruiging way. The controlling of the light should respond to the designed soundscape from Vontrapp and traditionally external programmers would have been involved but this project presents a new way of controlling light in an architectural environment with precision and timing as DMX. This project was very hand-on and we customised low-voltage tracks, developed special track adaptors, special vertical brackets, custom hand-burnished snoots and custom firmware for the Buschfeld driver to accommodate for flicker and smooth dimming.

FACTS ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS
Client: The Workers Museum, Arbejdermuseet.dk  
Architect: Lundgaard Tranberg Arkitekter A/S: DK  
Project Management: Jørgen Nielsen Rådgivende Ingeniører A/S  
Lighting Design: Fortheloveoflight  
A/V & Lighting Control design: Taintec  
Soundartist: Vontrapp  
Consulting ingeneer: Martin Funch Rådgivende ingeniører aps.  
Graphic Design: Nanna Arnfred  
Electrical Contractor: Wedel Installation  
Conservation Contractor: Nationalmuseet  
Painting Contractor: Gentoftemalerne 

Helsinki Airport departures and arrivals building, Finland

The new Helsinki-Vantaa airport entrance building, designed by ALA Architects, is a beacon of light and space. The departure hall’s ceiling, though thick and heavy, seems to float in the air, its form emphasized by a play of lights. The transition from the waiting area to the security check area is marked by a shift in lighting, cool-toned and precise, guiding passengers along their journey.

The underside of the ceiling, made of Finnish spruce, is a canvas for light and shadow. Its wavy shape guides passengers' gaze towards the direction of travel. The lighting, carefully chosen, maintains the fresh appearance of the main lobby, emphasizing the warm tone of the wooden surfaces. The elevators and stairs stand out, with accent lighting adding depth and dimension.

The baggage claim area, situated beneath the security check, continues the theme of the blue box, its path illuminated in harmony with the flow of passenger movement. The design considered the need for clear visibility of faces, ensuring a secure environment. The lighting in the arrival flights’ lobby adds brightness, guiding travelers to their next destination. The green theme stands out prominently, with powerful lighting supporting the well-being of the plants..

The result is a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, where light enhances the perception of travel routes and creates a welcoming

FACTS ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS
Client: Finavia 
Builder: SRV 
Lighting designer: Ramboll Finland, ALA Architects 
Architect: ALA Architects 
Interior designer: ALA Architects 
Consulting engineer: SRV 
Electrical contractor: Quatroservices 
Lighting supplier: Various (Philips, ES-Systems, EWO, iGuzzini, RZB, Fagerhult, Erco, SG Armatur, Epäsuoravalo) 

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni, Finland

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni brings light to the surrounding streetscape and stands out as one of the landmarks of the center of Helsinki with its new facade lighting. The lighting also serves to communicate the renovations made inside the building.

Opened originally in 1931, Hotel Torni was the tallest building in Helsinki and a skyscraper of its time. It is still one of the tallest buildings in Finland. The hotel also includes a former residential building property, Kyllikki, which was added to the hotel in the 1980s. The buildings are historically significant and prominent in Helsinki's cityscape. The renovated hotel opened in the spring of 2022.

The goal for the lighting was for the building to get the illumination it deserved. The building's style is very Art Deco, and designers wanted to emphasize that, inspired by the style of 1920s New York skyscrapers. The first four floors of the building and the 9-story tower rising above them were brought out solemnly and with dignity, with warm white light bringing out the whole layered entity.

The building's central location and architectural and cultural historical significance required special attention. The result is a visible entity in the streetscape of the dark times of Helsinki's core, and it not only brings out the marvelous building but also lights up the surrounding street spaces for hotel guests and people passing by.

FACTS ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS
Client: Keskinäinen työeläkevakuutusyhtiö Varma, Sokotel Oy  
Builder: Haahtela-rakennuttaminen Oy  
Lighting Designer: VALOA design Oy  
Architect: ARCO Architecture Company Oy  
Electrical engineering: Insinööritoimisto Thelec Oy  
Electrical contractor: LSK Talotekniikka Oy  

National Museum, Norway

The iconic National Museum is the largest cultural building in the Nordic countries. It`s a world class museum with the largest and most valuable art collections in Norway.

The lighting design goal was to provide an honest and timeless feeling to the museum, through a "Balanced Timeless Experience". The monumental feeling of the building is supported discreetly, integrating light and architecture, giving the rooms a timeless feeling. The concept is based on a balanced design of experience and light qualities, organized in a visual luminance hierarchy. The museum is a place for new ideas, inspiration and unforgettable cultural experiences.

The lighting design was developed to be a natural part of the building's architecture, designed to support the architect’s vision of "a perfect building with a series of well-proportioned rooms." The museum has honest building-materials like oak, bronze, limestone, slate and marble. These high-class materials will age with dignity and the same intentions were set for the lighting design – to be timeless and still relevant many years after the opening., Visual comfort, readability and luminance have been key elements in the design process. It has been crucial with flexible solutions handles the user's needs today, but also for a long time to come.

The concept for the Light Hall is to create a harmonious facade that underpins the building's dignity and giving the museum a timeless identity. The lighting scheme is in perfect harmony with the architecture, giving the façade a peaceful and tranquil, yet monumental appearance at night.

FACTS ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS
Client: The Norwegian Ministry of Culture  
Builder: Statsbygg  
Lighting designer: Henning Larsen  
Architect: Kleihues + Schuwerk  
Interior designer: Cadi & Kaels studio  
Consulting engineer: Rambøll  
Electrical contractor: Caverion  
Lighting supplier: Zumtobel Group, Targetti, Erco, Fagerhult, iGuzzini, Bega, LED Linear, Flos, Glamox, XAL, PSLab, Catellani & Smith, Bergmeister Leuchten, Robers and Insta  
Other essential parties: Massimo Iarussi, Guicciardini & Magni Architect  
(Exibition Design), Schneider and Atendi (lighting control system)  

Espenes rest stop, Norway

Espenes Rest Stop is a remarkable project within the 'Norwegian Scenic Routes' initiative by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. This initiative brings together architects, artists, designers, and craftsmen to create unique destinations across Norway. Espenes Rest Stop is shaped by its natural surroundings, with the roof's geometry reflecting the water's horizontal line, mountain peaks, and wind conditions.

The lighting design draws inspiration from the local environment, contrasting the cool moonlit mountains and glaciers with warm, human-associated light. This scheme highlights the pavilion's sculptural form and the interplay of light and shadow, balancing the illumination of the building as a landmark while preserving views of the fjord and mountains.

The design includes bespoke steel and acrylic bollards in restrooms that double as floor lamps and lighting integrated into door leaves made of steel and tempered opalized glass. These designs provide warm illumination and adapt to the lock system's signals, adjusting light intensity based on usage patterns. Technical ingenuity was crucial, with all installations and cabling embedded within the concrete deck to maintain architectural integrity.

Espenes exemplifies the balance of nature-inspired aesthetics with intelligent lighting design, enhancing the environment while respecting its essence. Careful placement and control of light sources ensure visual and efficiency balance, minimizing glare and environmental impact. Few and efficient luminaires limit power consumption to 40W for the 50-meter roofline. The parking lot remains unilluminated to keep the structure as the focal point.

Robust luminaires ensure good drainage and easy maintenance. The project uses luminaires from manufacturers with circular economy principles, allowing repair, upgrade, and upcycling flexibility. Collaboration with a local metal workshop reduced the transport carbon footprint and supported local businesses.

FACTS ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS
Client: Norwegian Public Roads Administration 
Contractor: Brun Bygg 
Lighting Designer: Light Bureau 
Architect: Code Arkitektur 
Landscape Architect: Norconsult Landskap 
Structural Engineer: Dipl. Ing. Florian Kosche 
Electrical Engineer: Light Bureau 
Electrical Contractor: Helgevold Elektro 
Metalwork Contractor: Størksen Rustfri Industri AS 
Lighting suppliers: Light Graphix (Rebel Light), Stoane Lighting (Rebel Light), LED Linear (Fagerhult), iGuzzini