The [d]arc awards is a unique concept utilising arc and darc magazines’ reputation as being the most widely read and respected lighting design publications in the world. In collaboration with creative consultants Light Collective, we have created a unique opportunity to get every practice involved in the awards process.
Anyone can enter (lighting designers, architects, interior designers or manufacturers), but here’s the exciting bit – once the shortlist has been chosen by an international jury of lighting designers – we invite independent lighting designers, architects, interior designers and product designers to vote on their favourite projects and products making this the only truly peer-to-peer lighting design awards in the world.
All submissions are published on the website and entrants also benefit from a free [d]arc awards directory company profile – a comprehensive online lighting design resource that can be used by designers and clients for inspiration.
All eligible designers that participate in the voting will get a free ticket to the awards party [d]arc night on 24 April, 2025 in London, where we’ll announce the winners at a special 10th anniversary event.
LOW BUDGET / HIGH BUDGET
Any type of exterior lighting scheme involving a structure such as building façades, monuments, sports stadia, bridges etc. Specified luminaires can be architectural and decorative. For Low Budget entries the total value of the luminaires must be less than £30,000 in value. For High Budget entries the total value of the luminaires must be more than £30,000 in value.
LOW BUDGET / HIGH BUDGET
Any type of indoor lighting scheme. Can include commercial, retail or residential venues. Specified luminaires can be architectural and decorative. For Low Budget entries the total value of the luminaires must be less than £30,000 in value. For High Budget entries the total value of the luminaires must be more than £30,000 in value.
Any type of urban or rural landscape lighting scheme involving an area such as parks, plazas, streets etc. Can include commercial, retail or residential venues. Specified luminaires can be architectural and decorative. For Low Budget entries the total value of the luminaires must be less than £30,000 in value. For High Budget entries the total value of the luminaires must be more than £30,000 in value.
LOW BUDGET / HIGH BUDGET / BESPOKE
Low Budget and High Budget: Any type of art installation where the main medium of expression is light. Can include permanent or temporary projects (such as installations in festivals of light or guerilla lighting events). Specified luminaires can be architectural and decorative. For Low Budget entries the total value of the luminaires must be less than £30,000 in value. For High Budget entries the total value of the luminaires must be more than £30,000 in value.
Bespoke: Any type of bespoke sculptural lighting installation. Can include permanent or temporary projects. There is no Low or High budget criteria for this category.
Any temporary event or temporary collection of installations where the main medium of expression is light (such as festivals of light, workshops or guerrilla lighting events). Events should be entered by the event organisers (There is no Low or High Budget criteria for this category).
EXTERIOR / INTERIOR / DECORATIVE / TECHNOLOGY
Split into four categories. Any exterior architectural lighting product. Any interior architectural lighting product. Any type of decorative lighting product – both interior and exterior products are eligible. And any light sources and gear; control and power systems; and Internet-based systems where a luminaire is not part of the product offering.
Following the peer-to-peer voting process the awards party [d]arc night will take place in London on 24 April, 2025 where we will reveal the winners.
This year we will celebrate 10 years of [d]arc night and there will be a special party for over 500 designers against a backdrop of light installations from collaborations between manufacturer partners and lighting designers Imagine light art, street food, lighting installations… this breaks all the awards rules and what’s more, there’s a free bar!
Designers
Only independent architectural lighting designers, light artists, interior designers, architects and product designers that vote in all categories of [d]arc awards are entitled to come to [d]arc night free of charge! But beware you must cast a vote in each of the categories to be eligible. Tickets are limited and available on a strictly first-come first-serve basis so don’t forget to vote! Voting opens – February 2025
Suppliers
Suppliers can buy tickets for £500 + VAT each (£400 + VAT each per entry into [d]arc awards). For more information and to enquire about tickets to the event email Mo Naeem: m.naeem@mondiale.co.uk
