Signify, the world leader in lighting, has delivered a landmark light-emitting diode (LED) lighting upgrade at the London Aquatics Centre to drive performance, energy saving, efficiency, and long-term sustainability at one of United Kingdom’s most iconic sporting venues, also known to be the most technologically advanced and stunning swimming facility in the world.
Energy-efficient LED
‘signify’ stated that designed by Zaha Hadid (the pioneering Iraqi-British architect and designer), the London Aquatics Centre was built in 2012 and immediately took its place on the world stage as a venue for that summer’s elite swimming and diving events. More than a decade later, operator Everyone Active (the UK’s longest-established leisure operator which manages over 240 public leisure and cultural facilities in partnership with the local authorities) undertook a major modernization project to replace the venue’s legacy lighting system with the energy-efficient LED technology. A key requirement was achieving the stringent World Aquatics (the international governing body for administering international water sports competitions) (formerly the International Swimming Federation [FINA]) television broadcast standard of 1,500 lux Ev.
Eindhoven (the Netherlands)-based Signify is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers. Its advanced products, connected systems and services unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world.
The 2,500-seat London Aquatics Centre is an indoor facility with two 50-meter (164-foot) swimming pools and a 25-meter (82-foot) diving pool in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London (UK).
Time-consuming
‘signify’ further stated that to achieve the above Signify partnered with DC Electrical Supply to deploy a lighting system designed for the unique demands of the venue’s architecture. With luminaires suspended up to 40 meters above the water, access, precise aiming and the adjustment using conventional methods were challenging and time-consuming. While the traditional flood lighting approaches could provide general illumination they lacked the precision and data validation needed to meet the project’s demanding performance requirements.
Proprietary Solution
Instead, Signify deployed a proprietary solution designed to translate an on-paper lighting design into real-world accuracy. By combining its advanced ArenaVision LED gen3.5 luminaires with an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) aiming system Signify enabled the installers to accurately align each luminaire, even at heights of up to 40 meters above the pool.
Detailed Grid
A detailed grid over the pool area enabled the installers to align each luminaire precisely with the original lighting design. Instead of relying on a visual aiming scope the installers used a smartphone attached to the luminaire to aim the lights directly at the grid. This approach reduced the time spent working at height, improved the installation accuracy and ensured the final lighting performance matched the design intent.
Additional Flexibility
The installation includes 168 ArenaVision luminaires providing the main competition lighting complemented by 16 UniFlood Flat luminaires that add additional flexibility. The luminaires are paired with a DMX control system to enable immersive and adaptable lighting scenes that enhance the sporting events and the audience experiences while meeting the requirements of elite competition.
Excellent Visibility
The new lighting provides excellent visibility for the athletes and fully complies with the World Aquatics broadcast standards thus helping the venue maintain its status as a top destination for televised sporting events. Compared with the previous HID lighting system the LED solution delivers significant energy savings of more than 60 percent when used in full capacity. The addition of DMX controls also gives the venue operators greater flexibility to create engaging experiences for the spectators and support a wider range of events.
‘Game Changer’
Maintained Mark Basker, Regional Contract Manager, Everyone Active, “Having the new LED lighting at the London Aquatics Centre for elite sport is an absolute game changer. Everyone Active has invested £685,000 in the lighting upgrade working in partnership with the global lighting specialist Signify and the electrical contractor DC Electrical Supply. With individual control of each light we can black out the pool, introduce colored lighting and follow the athletes during the events. This gives the venue flexibility to host many more events while future-proofing the facility and maintaining its reputation as a world-class aquatics venue.”
On-paper Lighting Design
Added Darren Clark, Director, DC Electrical Supply Limited, “We’re proud to be working alongside Everyone Active and Signify to deliver a lighting solution that supports all ambitions like energy efficiency and sustainability for the iconic venue while ensuring the best fan experience. Given the complexity of access and adjustment within the venue the solution installed allows for ensuring results to be measurable and repeatable. The key point of difference is how they translate on-paper lighting design into real-world accuracy.”
Iconic Venue
Stated Simon Wilkinson, Commercial Leader, Public UK, Signify, “The London Aquatics Centre first took its place on the world stage under Signify lighting in 2012. More than a decade later, we are proud to have been chosen once again to help future-proof this iconic venue with a new generation of lighting performance, flexibility and energy efficiency that will support the athletes, the spectators and the broadcasters for years to come.”
Sustainable Communities
Observed Mark Camley, Executive Director for Estate and Neighbourhoods, London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), “The new energy-efficient lighting upgrade is a welcome addition to London Aquatics Centre as we embark on the next phase of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park focusing on shaping the sustainable communities while supporting the Mayor’s ambitions for a greener, cleaner and healthier capital. The London Aquatics Centre is a much-loved venue and Everyone Active’s investment builds on its legacy as an exemplar for televised sport where the major swimming events are hosted regularly. It also benefits those who use the space, from the local members of the community to the world-class athletes.”
London (UK)-based the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) is a Government organization set up in 2012 to manage and rebuild the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and its surrounding areas after the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Continue following Coliseum for the latest updates on sports venues, stadiums and arena business news worldwide.
Coliseum is dedicated to building a global community of sports and entertainment venue professionals helping create better and more profitable venues.
Become a member of the Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and industry experts from around the world. Apply for membership through the Global Sports Venue Alliance and access the 365Coliseum Business platform.