We were commissioned to design a striking sculptural lighting installation for The Acre in Covent Garden, working in close collaboration with Gensler and Goddard Littlefair.

The client’s vision was to transform a large, cavernous ceiling into a vibrant focal point that would impress and usher visitors through the space. The installation needed to act as both an artistic centrepiece and a subtle wayfinding element – something that would humanise the architecture, celebrate nature, and set the tone for a welcoming central plaza.

Stretching over 22 metres and composed of more than 300 bespoke glass and ceramic pieces, the installation sweeps gracefully through the heart of The Acre, welcoming visitors as they transition from the bustling streets of Covent Garden into a serene, modern naturescape.

We crafted a story of movement, seasonality, and transformation, bringing the energy, colours, and textures of nature indoors.

Each individual piece, suspended on near invisible, microfibre stainless steel cables, is uniquely pigmented with swirling veins and crackled textures, evoking the delicate quality of leaves in motion. As visitors journey through the space, the composition appears to flow like a breeze, shifting gradually from fresh spring greens to vibrant summer hues and finally to rich autumnal reds.

Meeting the project’s technical demands required meticulous planning. The installation traverses five distinct ceiling constructions, ranging from metal grilles to timber panels, each necessitating custom attachment methods to ensure both structural integrity and the illusion of weightlessness.

Every component was crafted by hand, with glass fabricators in Exeter and ceramic artisans in Stoke-on-Trent contributing to the piece’s exceptional quality. Despite its considerable scale, the installation was designed to feel light, joyful, and spontaneous as if nature itself had swept through the building and left this vibrant trail behind.

Images © James French