SAPCA member Signify has completed a major LED lighting upgrade at London Aquatics Centre, designed to improve energy efficiency, elite competition performance and the spectator experience.
Venue operator Everyone Active appointed Signify to replace the centre’s legacy lighting system with a next-generation solution capable of meeting World Aquatics television broadcast standards (of 1,500 lux Ev).
To achieve this, Signify designed a lighting system for the unique demands of the venue’s architecture. With luminaires suspended up to 40 metres above water, access, precise aiming and adjustment using conventional methods were challenging and time-consuming. While traditional flood lighting approaches could provide general illumination, they lacked the precision and data validation needed to meet the project’s demanding performance requirements.
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 installers to accurately align each luminaire, even at heights of up to 40 metres above the pool.
A detailed grid over the pool area enabled 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 time spent working at height, improved installation accuracy, and ensured the final lighting performance matched the design intent. Any subsequent adjustments could be made quickly and precisely, delivering measurable and repeatable results.
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 sporting events and audience experiences while meeting the requirements of elite competition.
The new lighting provides excellent visibility for athletes and fully complies with the World Aquatics broadcast standards, 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% when used in full capacity. The addition of DMX controls also gives venue operators greater flexibility to create engaging experiences for spectators and support a wider range of events.
“Having the new LED lighting at the London Aquatics Centre for elite sport is an absolute game changer,” said Mark Basker, Regional Contract Manager at Everyone Active.
“Everyone Active has invested £685,000 in the lighting upgrade. With individual control of each light, we can black out the pool, introduce coloured lighting, and follow athletes during 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.”
Mark Camley, Executive Director for Estate & Neighbourhoods at London Legacy Development Corporation adds: “The new energy efficient lighting upgrade is a welcome addition to London Aquatics Centre as we embark on the next phase of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, focussing on shaping sustainable communities while supporting the Mayor’s ambitions for a greener, cleaner and healthier capital.
“London Aquatics Centre is a much-loved venue, and Everyone Active’s investment builds on its legacy as an exemplar for televised sport where major swimming events are hosted regularly. It also benefits those who use the space, from local members of the community to world class athletes.”
The investment strengthens its ability to host elite televised competition while also reducing energy consumption and giving operators more flexibility to create immersive spectator experiences.
Simon Wilkinson, Commercial Leader, Public UK, Signify, said: “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 athletes, spectators, and broadcasters for years to come.”