Light Projects Evolve cracks thermal headache at Guildhall Great Hall

Light Projects Evolve Ltd has solved a thermal failure problem with the LED lighting at the Guildhall Great Hall in the City of London during a recent retrofit.
The main chandeliers in the hall – a space for high profile events in the City since 1502AD – were changed to LED in 2019 from halogen but a problem with the design of the LED modules left them running at very high temperatures of around 145 degrees and subsequently modules began failing every one to two years. Additionally, at 6m, height maintenance was a constant issue.
Light Projects Evolve came up with a custom heatsink that maximised airflow around it along with a sold copper heat tube which extracts the heat away from the LED chip as quickly as possible.
High output LEDs in 2700K were chosen and under-run to generate the same output with energy savings of 35 per cent over the previous LEDs.
Running temperatures for the newly designed LED modules are under 60 degrees which means that Light Projects Evolve was able to give them a seven-year warranty.
Lighting controls were upgraded to fully addressable DALI with the new DALI D4i LED drivers providing energy and usage data which allows the client to make informed maintenance decisions.
DALI emergency monitoring and reporting lighting was added to the roof void above the hall to allow better maintenance, testing and compliance.
Now the Great Hall has a smart lighting system which provides feedback on emergency status, maintenance and energy use.
Through the use of DALI 2 scene select switches, the events team can create the mood needed. A DMX interface allows for integration with visiting event lighting companies control desks so that all the hall lighting can be controlled this way if required.
For all the visitors to the great hall, this fabulous space has been deigned as future proof with planned maintenance and standard replaceable parts allowing it to operate efficiently for decades to come.
• Light Projects Evolve is the headline platinum sponsor of this year’s Circular Lighting Live 2026, the industry biggest event dedicated to sustainable lighting. At the event John Bowden, technical director of Light Projects Evolve will discuss its project to relight Leadenhall Market in London. Free to specifiers, Circular Lighting Live 2026 takes place on Thursday 8 October in the City of London.