Q1. What’s the central vision or creative direction shaping this year’s edition?
The central vision for this year’s edition comes from the light installation, sponsored again by formalighting and designed by Speirs Major Lighting Architecture.
What to Expect at LiGHT 25 – A Conversation with Modern Construction News
The installation, titled “Re-Vision,” explores how other species see the world and experience light and colour. The goal is to highlight the power of light — to make visitors stop and think about different perspectives and, in turn, become more conscious designers who consider the wider world.
While human-centric lighting remains important, the installation encourages attendees to also think about how light impacts other species and the planet. This ties directly into the sustainability ethos of many exhibitors, focusing on energy-efficient products and even working with darkness as part of environmentally mindful design.
Q2. How do you see light’s role evolving within the wider architectural and design landscape?
Lighting is becoming increasingly central to design across disciplines. Through partnerships with the lighting design community — particularly via arc magazine — LiGHT 25 in London has helped expand lighting’s reach among architects, interior designers, engineers, and lighting specifiers.
While some areas of design have traditionally lacked lighting education, LiGHT 25 in London provides a hub for learning and collaboration. It highlights that lighting design is relevant to everyone and is an area worth investment and education.
The event serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, helping designers understand how to work effectively with lighting specialists and implement better lighting solutions.
Q3. How is LiGHT 25 showcasing emerging technologies and trends to inspire industry professionals?
This year’s show features 200+ exhibitors, many launching new or never-before-seen products.
Key trends include:
- Sustainability at the core of product design.
- Smart lighting solutions integrating with building systems to support wellbeing, monitor space usage, and optimise energy performance.
The variety and innovation from exhibitors are driving inspiration across the lighting and construction sectors.
Q4. Can you tell us about some of the new exhibitors or feature zones making their debut this year? What should visitors be most excited to explore?
There are three primary zones this year to help visitors navigate the show:
- Architectural Zone – Showcasing high-end, technical lighting.
- Decorative Zone – Featuring design-focused, statement lighting for interiors.
- Technical Zone – Covering control systems, exterior lighting, and emergency lighting — the backbone of the lighting industry.
Each area caters to different design professionals. For Modern Construction News readers, the Technical Zone and Architectural Zone will likely hold the most relevance.
With so many new exhibitors, visitors are encouraged to check the exhibitor list online, download the floor plan, and plan ahead to make the most of their time.
Q5. In terms of education and inspiration, which talks or topics do you believe will truly spark conversation across the industry?
This year’s talks programme features strong educational and thought-provoking sessions, including:
- “Understanding Darkness” – A panel exploring dark sky protection and reducing light pollution, featuring lighting designers and Dan Oakley from Dark Sky International.
- Willie Duggan’s presentation, “What Lighting Designers Must Learn from Medicine” – Highlighting scientific insights into light’s biological impact, from circadian rhythms to mitochondrial function, urging designers to engage with medical research.
- Sessions on AI in design, inclusive design, and multisensory design in practice, focusing on shaping atmosphere and accessibility.
The talks programme runs with minimal breaks between sessions, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
Q6. How are you creating opportunities this year for designers, architects, and manufacturers to connect in meaningful ways?
Networking is a key focus of LiGHT 25.
Highlights include:
- Late-Night Opening (6.00 – 9.00 PM Day 1) – A relaxed atmosphere with parties and hospitality across exhibitor stands.
- The Silhouette Awards event in the Associations Lounge – Celebrating mentorship in lighting, featuring presentations and networking time.
- The LiGHT 25 Lunch (Day 2) – Hosted by Studio Due, with David Atkinson (DALD) discussing his work on the Leaf Mobility Pavilion at Expo 2020.
- LiGHT 25 Work Area – A coworking space with complimentary Wi-Fi, tea, and coffee, allowing visitors to work while networking informally.
Across the show, there are abundant opportunities to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas with professionals from all areas of the lighting and design industries.
Helen Ankers Bio
An NCTJ qualified journalist, Helen Ankers is Managing Editor of [d]arc media, the leading media brand in the lighting design industry.
Having joined parent company Mondiale Media in 2012, Helen has worked across numerous titles, editing darc magazine specifically for six years until she was promoted to Managing Editor. Now leading [d]arc media’s magazine portfolio, comprising arc (architectural lighting design) and darc (decorative lighting design), Helen guides and supports the editorial team, concentrating on editorial content and the creative identity of the publications and their websites.
Helen also works as Head of Content across [d]arc media’s events, which include [d]arc awards – celebrating the best in lighting design; [d]arc sessions – a new intimate networking event for the lighting sector, and LiGHT 25 – the UK’s only trade show dedicated to high-end lighting specification.
Helen draws from her wealth of experience representing [d]arc media at leading exhibitions and design events worldwide, where she is regularly found moderating panels focused on lighting within interior design and lighting trends
