Connected Light was commissioned by the University of Bath to deliver a full lighting design and compliance upgrade for 2 West, the university’s largest lecture theatre. Working closely with the estates and project team, the brief was to modernise the general and emergency lighting systems while integrating seamlessly with the existing building infrastructure and Helvar controls.
The installation was delivered in partnership with RPC Electrical, whose on-site support helped ensure smooth delivery within the short holiday window available.
Visual comfort and glare control were key challenges. While many would default to linear systems, only specific MPO optics and luminaire widths were able to meet the tight glare and performance criteria. Connected Light trialled and selected a bespoke specification that achieved exceptional uniformity ratios and supported the university’s high standards for lecture environments.
All general and emergency lighting was tailored to the space. Asymmetric wall wash fittings were introduced to highlight the teaching wall without glare, and all emergency fittings were placed to satisfy compliance regulations for escape routes, exit signage and emphasis points.
Ben Spicer, Head of Engineering Services at the University of Bath, noted:
“This project was a major step forward in modernising one of our most used teaching spaces. Connected Light’s thorough approach to design, compliance, and delivery helped ensure everything ran smoothly from concept through to handover.”
The lighting was fully configured to work with the university’s existing Helvar system, providing scene control via local switches and AV integration. A full BAFE-compliant certificate was issued upon completion.
Lobby areas were also upgraded. Connected Light designed and supplied plug-and-play retrofit LED gear trays, transforming the ceiling reveal with dynamic colour-wash effects. Direct-facing pendants were used to maintain visual balance while preserving the impact of the ceiling display.
James Short, Building Management System Supervisor, added:
“The integration with our Helvar controls was seamless, and the new lighting scenes have made a real difference to usability. The team at Connected Light understood exactly what we needed and delivered it without compromise.”
Matt Holway, Director at Connected Light, said:
“This project shows what’s possible when a clear design vision, expert installation, and tight collaboration all come together. It gave our lighting design team the perfect opportunity to demonstrate both technical precision and creativity, all while meeting compliance and control objectives in a live teaching environment.”
The entire project was carefully scheduled to align with the university’s Christmas closure, ensuring full completion ahead of the new term. From initial survey to final commissioning, Connected Light delivered a future-ready, regulation-compliant system tailored to one of the university’s most important teaching spaces.
