Uplighting BFI Southbank to put on a colourful show

BFI Southbank recently renovated their NFT1 cinema area. Specifically, the brief included wall downlights, floor uplighters, and lighting and control solutions for the illuminated oculus in the cinema foyer.

To start, our engineering team developed several prototypes for onsite trials. These included white IP Neon and the Bright Green cloud control system. Additionally, we recommended RGB pixel lighting for its dynamic colour options.

During this process, we investigated replacements for the failing end-of-life uplighters, which produced very low light output. However, the building’s existing hole diameters and cable runs severely limited changes.

Uplighting

We recommended a more powerful luminaire with house POB (power on board), heavily customised for this project. Given the cable run size limits, we proposed a hybrid solution combining power and data in a single cable. This setup offers flexibility for future expansion.

To address site-specific challenges, we designed:

• Custom Faceplates to secure uplighters from the front and ease installation.

• Custom Lenses to reduce glare and ensure visitor safety.

• The optical engine tilted internally by 17 degrees for maximum wall coverage and further glare reduction.

• Hybrid cabling that combines power and shielded data into one cable.

Oculus Feature

The illuminated oculus was originally specified with RGB lighting. However, we upgraded it to RGBW for limitless colour options. We installed Bright Green Dual Bend RGBW neon with moulded rear-exit cables. This design allowed seamless linking between neon lengths for a uniform glow. The oculus lighting splits into three independently controllable segments for tailored effects.

Control System & Integration

Our experts designed a bespoke prewired control system to streamline installation. This included a custom multi-panel button plate for onsite control and a subscription to the Bright Green cloud portal. The portal offers a virtual touchscreen with individual access for venue managers. Therefore, it supports advanced remote management and onsite operation via a wall-mounted plate.

Our sister company, BGC, powered the uplighters using PXS LED drivers. LTECH’s LM150G4K3 drivers powered the oculus. Meanwhile, the DMX (RDM) system configured all fixtures on the network. We also sourced specialised DMX cabling, including dual cables for the ceiling, to fit within the building’s cable tunnels and constraints.

Project Summary

Ultimately, the result is a beautifully illuminated space that integrates seamlessly with architectural limitations. We highly recommend visiting to experience this stunning transformation!