Lighting Up History: My Experience at Clerkenwell Design Week

The Lighting exhibition was held at an unforgettable venue:  the House of Detention, an underground Victorian prison tucked beneath Clerkenwell. Built in 1847, it once held prisoners awaiting trial — now, it was holding light in all its creative forms.

With no natural light filtering through, the underground venue gave each installation a chance to stand out. The contrast between the raw brick walls and the glow of each display made the lighting the real focal point — and it worked brilliantly.            

I was there for Signify’s showcase — and it was one I was proud to be part of. We brought along some of our most exciting innovations, all focused on combining creativity, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology.

NatureConnect Skylights were the first to catch people’s attention. Designed to recreate the feeling of natural daylight indoors, these skylights transform spaces with a bright, open-sky effect. It was impressive watching people pause and look up, genuinely surprised at how realistic and energising it felt.

Around the corner, Color Kinetics brought a completely different kind of energy. The calming, colour-shifting displays added subtle movement and mood to the bare prison walls — a great example of how lighting can be used to completely change the atmosphere of a space, the result was both eye-catching and immersive.

One of my personal highlights was seeing the Signify MyCreation 3D-printed luminaires — especially the Waterblue Collection, made from at least 65% recycled materials, including old water jugs. The designs had a beautiful texture that gave off a soft, blue-toned glow when lit. It proved that sustainable lighting doesn’t have to compromise on style or quality. 

Beyond Signify’s stand, the House of Detention was full of surprises. As I explored the rest of the exhibition, I was struck by just how imaginative and diverse the lighting displays were — each one offering something completely different.

What struck me most was the inventive use of materials and form. From unexpected textures to imaginative installations, it was clear that designers are pushing boundaries — exploring how light can be interactive, emotive, and expressive. This wasn’t just about lighting products; it was about engaging with concepts, narratives, and artistic exploration.

The event also provided an incredible opportunity to connect with people from like-minded organisations and professionals who share a passion for innovation. Conversations flowed easily, and there was a shared excitement about the future of the industry — from sustainability to smart technologies and beyond. It was both inspiring and insightful to learn how others are navigating similar challenges and driving dynamic solutions.

Walking through a former prison transformed into a space for design gave me a whole new perspective on lighting. I realised:

• Lighting doesn’t just illuminate space—it gives it a new life, a new face.
• It can bring the outside world in. It can enable wellness.
• It can inspire calm, provoke emotion, and even tell a story.
• And most importantly, it can do all this while being sustainable, smart, and stunningly beautiful.

The world of lighting design is where technology meets emotion, and sustainability meets creativity. Signify’s participation in events like this highlights our commitment to staying at the forefront of design, sustainability, and innovation. For those in the industry, or just passionate about lighting, our showcases are where cutting-edge ideas meet real-world application.

As an intern, attending Clerkenwell Design Week was not only inspiring — it was empowering. Signify doesn’t just talk about innovation and opportunity — it lives it. Interns are encouraged to be part of the conversation, attend major events, and gain real exposure to the industry. Being able to attend Clarkenwell Design Week was an incredible learning experience and a proud moment in my early career.

Visiting this event as marketing intern for Signify was a proud moment — not only because of the innovation we displayed, but because of the community of brilliant designers I got to engage with. Every piece of lighting had a story, and every exhibitor brought it to life.

If you're attending a design or lighting event in the future, there's a good chance you'll find Signify there — leading the conversation, sparking inspiration, and sharing what’s next in the world of light!

Clerkenwell Design Week showed me how far lighting design can go — and there’s so much more to come!