On the 25th of April, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the darc Awards with the marketing and specification team at Signify. For me, this event was nothing short of spectacular. As an intern, I was amazed by just how much I was able to learn. I didn’t just learn about the event – I gained insight into the brilliant minds behind it and the exciting, ever-evolving world of lighting design! Let’s unpack what was easily one of the biggest highlights of the year!
The darc awards are the only truly peer-to-peer lighting design awards in the world, where anyone can enter and vote on their favorite projects and products. The awards cover various categories of lighting schemes, art, events, and products.
The moment I stepped into the Woolwich Works venue in the heart of London, it felt like I’d entered another dimension. The lighting installations weren’t your everyday venue lights – they were bold, inventive, and boundary-pushing.
Signify (Academy) partnered with Hoare Lea, a major multidisciplinary engineering consultancy, to create [d]ecaStrike – some ten-pin bowling fun! The entire piece was designed with sustainability at the forefront, with everything either being borrowed or loaned for the night, made from recycled materials and re-homed. It was a striking centerpiece that truly stole the show – visually stunning and interactive. With a tap on your phone, you could shift the shimmering colors, making it a magnet for selfies and group shots.
And the best part? We brought it all to life under some seriously tough constraints:
A strict budget
No new plastic unless recycled
All packaging had to be recyclable or reusable
No big spend. No plastic shortcuts- just pure creativity and clever design.
That’s what made pulling it off feel so epic. It was impossible to miss!
My lesson: Lighting is so much more than swapping out bulbs or setting the mood for an evening – it's a powerful blend of creativity, technology, and storytelling. Attending the event opened my eyes to just how transformative lighting can be, both indoors and out. It’s not just about illumination – it’s about creating experiences that inspire awe.
As I made my way around the venue, the creativity kept blowing me away. Bold colors, interactive elements – each booth had its own unique twist.
Another unforgettable moment? Glancing up and spotting a jellyfish made entirely out of lights and tights! I couldn’t help but pause and marvel at the imagination behind it. That’s when it clicked: lighting design isn’t just functional – it’s an art form, full of whimsy, innovation, and endless possibilities
And of course, what’s an exclusive awards night without some fashion flair? The dress code was “decadent,” and every guest rose to the occasion in style. From glamorous gowns to razor-sharp tuxedos – one guest even sported a hat adorned with elegant feathers – it felt like the Met Gala of the lighting world. The style only added to the night’s magic.
At 7:30 sharp, the crowd made their way to the awards stage, welcomed by a luxe balloon display spelling out DARC. As we found our seats, a delightful surprise awaited us: sweet toffee popcorn.
Before the awards began, we were treated to a heartwarming 10-year anniversary video celebrating the darc awards. It showcased unforgettable highlights, touching reactions from past winners, and an inspiring look into how far lighting design has come. It was a powerful moment – one that made us all feel like part of something bigger, a creative community where innovation and passion truly shine.
There were lots of exciting moments but above all, the night was about connection – meeting passionate, like-minded creatives and celebrating everything this amazing community stands for. Thank you, darc Awards, for a truly dazzling night to remember!
Our highly acclaimed innovative lighting system, NatureConnect, was shortlisted in the Best Technology Lighting Products category. It’s a testament to our team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation in smart lighting. Being recognized among such fierce global competition was an honor, and it only fuels excitement for what’s coming next.
This night was the perfect blend of creativity, collaboration, and celebration. I couldn’t have felt luckier to be invited and to join such a brilliant team – it was truly an unforgettable experience that I’ll cherish. A huge thank you to Signify for giving me a moment I’ll never forget.
It was an incredible honor to attend the awards and witness the energy and excellence of the evening firsthand - a truly memorable experience that left me inspired and proud to be part of this industry. While it was a celebration for the whole team, it held extra meaning for me as an intern. I’ve learned so much – from the power of collaboration and teamwork to the importance of celebrating success and building meaningful connections. These are lessons I’ll carry with me long after this role, and I’m certain every experience like this is shaping me into the professional I aspire to be.
Signify UK&I PR
Nikita Mahajan
Tel: + 44 (0)7459751618
Email: nikita.mahajan@signify.com
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers and lighting for the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact connected lighting systems and data-enabled services, deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2022, we had sales of EUR 7.5 billion, approximately 35,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We achieved carbon neutrality in 2020, have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for six consecutive years and were named Industry Leader in 2017, 2018 and 2019. News from Signify is located at the Newsroom, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors can be found on the Investor Relations page.
