On Thursday 22nd February 2024 in the heart of Fitzrovia, London, industry professionals gathered for a truly illuminating event, ‘An Evening at Arup’.
Hosted at 80 Charlotte Street, the evening showcased the brilliance of sustainable lighting solutions through engaging talks with experts from Arup and Prolojik, a roundtable Q&A session, and guided tours of this cutting-edge building. The event was a testament to the power of knowledge sharing within the realm of smart buildings and sustainability.
Despite the ‘London in February’ weather doing its best to put a dampener on proceedings, the turnout was exceptional. Our guests proved that the attraction of a knowledge-sharing event like this is significantly more powerful than a few drops of rain! After all, that’s what umbrellas and welly boots were made for!
The event kicked off with Joanne Sainsbury, Arup Project Director, sharing insights into the construction of London’s largest all-electric building. Sainsbury’s 20 years of experience, evident in projects like the London 2012 Paralympics venue and The Walbrook, highlighted the importance of holistic design in creating sustainable developments. The decision to make 80 Charlotte Street all-electric in 2009 was a forward-thinking move, showcasing the commitment to advancing towards a net-zero future.
Arfon Davies, Arup’s Lighting Design Director, then took the stage, delving into the intricacies of designing an innovative lighting system for the same building. With over 25 years of experience in lighting design and technology, Davies emphasised how lighting defines the user experience of a space and plays a vital role in positively influencing health and wellbeing within the built environment. The sustainability focus extended to visible stairs, communal roof terraces, and a pocket park, enhancing occupant wellbeing and supporting hybrid working.
Asela Rodrigo, CTO and Founder of Prolojik, rounded off the presentations with a deep dive into the design and delivery of the lighting control system. His journey from research and development to founding Prolojik showcased the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Attendees gained valuable insights into Prolojik’s state-of-the-art lighting control solutions, shaping the future of smart, connected lighting.
The knowledge-sharing didn’t stop at presentations. A roundtable Question and Answer session provided attendees with the opportunity to interact directly with the experts, fostering a collaborative environment. Some excellent questions about the future of the lighting industry provoked some excellent talking points and the conversation flowed, knowledgeably guided by our host and speakers.
Guided tours of Arup’s’ beautiful home at 80 Charlotte Street right underneath the iconic BT Tower, led by industry professionals, allowed attendees to witness the sustainable features and smart-enabled systems in action and put a ‘face to the name’ of all of the technology that they had been hearing about for the majority of the evening.
No shortage of credit must go to Gaby Lynne of Arup for her hard work in organising ‘An Evening at Arup’, and for getting her step count up running up and down the auditorium stairs during the Q&A! Thanks to Mark Fawkes of Prolojik for assisting with the delivery of the event, and to Dan Lister, our host, who ensured the event flowed seamlessly.
Prolojik’s very own Annabel Curzon, Matt Thomas, Edward Davies, Gary Turner and MD, Mark Lester, were on hand to provide further insight to the assembled crowd.
Attendees, comprising industry professionals, relished the opportunity to connect over an open bar and delectable canapés. The networking opportunities were abundant, allowing for the expansion of professional networks and the exploration of potential collaborations.
The event was a successful amalgamation of expert insights, networking opportunities, and a glimpse into cutting-edge technology. Prolojik‘s lighting control solutions were a focal point, showcasing the future of smart, connected lighting. The atmosphere was one of inspiration, with professionals leaving with fresh ideas and a renewed approach to their projects.
In the spirit of knowledge sharing, the event at Arup not only showcased the latest trends and innovations but also created a platform for professionals to exchange thoughts, experiences, and ideas. This collaborative environment is the crucible of innovation, propelling the industry towards a more sustainable and interconnected future.
As 2024 continues to start with a bang, events like ‘An Evening at Arup’ set the tone for a year of continued learning, collaboration, and innovation. The exclusive gathering at 80 Charlotte Street provided attendees with a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of industry trends. The message is clear – when knowledge is shared, the entire industry becomes brighter.
Keep your eyes peeled for future events like this one, and if you would be interested in attending, now is a great time to renew acquaintances with your Prolojik contacts!
