Meeting of minds
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is one of the UK's prestigious Russell Group universities, committed to academic excellence and the generation of a meaningful societal impact.
Situated in East London, QMUL offers a stimulating educational environment that balances academic rigor with a rich cultural experience. Its diverse range of programmes, including Medicine, Engineering, Arts and Humanities, caters to an international student body and mirrors its global outlook.
It was a pivotal moment when Richard Frost, Building Services Engineer at QMUL met John Gibson, Fagerhult UK Specification Manager. Fagerhult, known for its commitment to sustainable and human-centric lighting, struck the team at the university as the ideal partner to help tackle its lighting challenges.
Richard’s role was important in identifying the need for a strategic partner who could provide specialised lighting solutions and consult on creating long-term sustainable practices. John Gibson, with his extensive experience and technical expertise, represented the kind of partner who could help QMUL translate its needs into practical strategies.
Bespoke challenge
The quality and sustainability of light fixtures varied significantly across the campus buildings, with the inconsistent lighting quality impacting both the university's environmental footprint and its provision of an optimal study environment. The absence of well-defined design standards complicated the procurement process, making it difficult to find a system that would be both efficient and harmonious with the architectural styles on the campus.
The disparity in lighting systems at the university presented a host of issues, from inconsistent light quality to varying energy efficiency. The latter had ramifications for the university's carbon footprint and its compliance with external regulations, such as the London Plan.
Renowned for its commitment to crafting superior lighting that enhances human well-being and sustainability, Fagerhult was uniquely positioned to provide QMUL with the comprehensive design standards it sought. John Gibson, with a detailed understanding of both the technical aspects of lighting, led the initiative to author superior light planning for a learning environment.
Importantly, these standards were not a one-size-fits-all solution but were tailored to meet QMUL's specific needs. John ensured that they addressed a myriad of concerns - from energy efficiency to the aesthetic and functional integrity of learning spaces.
The result was a set of design standards that resonated with both the University’s immediate and long-term goals. The solution harmonised seamlessly with QMUL's ethos of sustainability and academic excellence whilst enabling feedback that Richard and his team use to make informed decisions on lighting use.
A supportive partnership
The professional alliance between Fagerhult and QMUL has matured into an illustration of how a technical partnership can become a knowledge-sharing platform. Far removed from a typical vendor-client dynamic, there is a culture of open dialogue, where both parties are vested in each other’s growth and success.
John provides Richard with timely updates on emerging technologies, product innovations, and changes in environmental regulations impacting the lighting industry. Richard, armed with this knowledge, can make well-informed decisions for the university, ensuring they stay compliant with evolving standards whilst harnessing technology for energy efficiency and human well-being.
Committed to meeting client needs, Fagerhult have made quick adjustments to their smart lighting systems based on Richard’s feedback. They have changed their technology on occasion to better fit with QMUL's building management, showing a dedication to advanced yet bespoke systems.
Fagerhult reliably meets delivery deadlines thanks to well-coordinated efforts between their UK and Swedish units. This consistency helps QMUL manage its projects more effectively, saving both time and resources that can be used elsewhere.
Delivering consistently
Richard Frost explains more about what makes the relationship distinctive and valuable:
“Our communication lines with Fagerhult have always been transparent and constructive, allowing for a meaningful exchange of ideas and solutions. What sets them apart is their ability to understand the University’s unique challenges and objectives and then come up with tailored solutions.
“Fagerhult isn’t just a supplier, more an extension of our team, contributing to the overarching goal of maintaining an educational and research setting of the highest calibre. It's rare to find a partner that aligns so closely with one’s ethos and that delivers consistently on promises.”
On Fagerhult's side, John Gibson echoes these sentiments:
"Our engagement with Queen Mary University London has allowed us to contribute to an institution with very high standards, and the relationship that has developed over the years is something in which we take great pride.
“It’s a professional connection that adds value to our corporate identity. We’re looking forward to working further with this fantastic learning institution. It is really satisfying to know that we’re helping people to study, learn, and improve their and the world’s future.”
To find out more about lighting solutions for schools and learning environments, visit the Fagerhult Knowledge Hub or get in touch.
Read more about the Notor family
Fagerhult’s classic interior luminaire Notor is available in several versions for suspended, surface mounted or recessed installation. Notor is an obvious choice in circumstances when there is a desire to create long, unbroken lines of light. Discreet or striking – it is simple to adapt the nature of the lighting with the architecture in mind.
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