Planning & commissioning
Planning a Light of Stars project.
A useful first conversation can begin with photographs, approximate dimensions, likely dates and a sense of how the building is normally used. The detail develops from there.
The process
From first conversation to a season under the stars.
Initial conversation
We start with the venue, its architecture, likely dates, intended audiences and what already happens in the space. Photographs and approximate dimensions are enough at this stage.
Site and design development
Scale, sightlines, hanging positions, access and historic features shape the composition. We also consider what the installation might enable across worship, visiting, performance, learning and community activity.
Technical planning
Fixing positions, access, rigging responsibilities, lighting, power, installation and removal are developed with the venue and the appropriate technical professionals for the building.
Installation and programme
The stars are installed to the agreed design. Once in place, the venue can continue its normal life while also using the setting for additional events and experiences where appropriate.
Removal and review
Removal is planned from the outset so access, staffing and technical responsibilities are clear. We then review the project with the venue and capture learning for future work.
What helps us assess a space
Useful information for an initial enquiry.
Wide views of the space, including the ceiling or roof structure, key sightlines and any existing suspension points.
Height, width, length and any plans or drawings that help us understand the scale of the building.
When you would like the installation to open, how long it might remain in place and any immovable events around installation or removal.
Normal opening, services, concerts, exhibitions, learning, hospitality or other activity that needs to continue beneath the installation.
Technical planning & responsibilities
Clear roles from the beginning.
Historic and public buildings need careful planning, so creative and specialist technical responsibilities are agreed as the design develops.
Light of Stars
We develop the creative approach, star composition and installation requirements, supply the stars and work with the venue throughout the project.
The venue
Your team brings the building knowledge: operational constraints, access requirements, internal approvals, existing services and the practical realities of keeping the space in use.
Technical partners
Competent technical professionals plan and undertake specialist rigging, access and technical installation appropriate to the building. Their scope, appointments and fixing method are agreed for each project.
What gets agreed
Access, fixing positions, rigging responsibilities, power, lighting, installation, removal and any restrictions around normal venue activity are worked through before installation.
Technical planning
The practical questions are part of the design process.
You do not need every technical answer before contacting us. The first stage is to understand the building well enough to identify the questions that need resolving.
Access and height
Ceiling height, access routes and the practical method of reaching proposed hanging positions affect what is possible and how installation is planned.
Fixing and rigging
Tell us about existing suspension points if you know of them. Their suitability, loads and fixing method need assessment by the appropriate technical professionals. Required building and conservation approvals are identified with the venue before work is agreed.
Power and lighting
Available power, cable routes, lighting controls and the intended daytime and evening appearance are considered alongside the design. Electrical requirements and responsibilities are agreed with the relevant technical professionals once the composition and site conditions are understood.
Installation and removal
Agree time for access equipment, delivery, assembly, installation and removal, alongside staffing and any closures. The venue and technical team also need to consider emergency routes, fire safety, protection of historic surfaces and arrangements for checking the work during the season.
Working buildings
Practical questions we are often asked.
Can the venue stay open?
Bath Abbey continued ordinary opening, worship and its programme while the stars were in place. At another venue, this depends on the technical and operational plan. Installation and removal may require restricted access or temporary closure, even when normal use can continue during the season.
How long can an installation remain in place?
That is agreed with the venue. The Bath Abbey installation remained in place from November 2024 into January 2025, allowing the installation to support a wider seasonal programme.
Is every installation the same?
No. Architecture, scale, access, programme and community all shape the composition, so each project is developed for its own setting.
Programming
Plan what happens beneath the stars as well as where they hang.
The strongest projects connect the visual installation with the existing life of a venue and new reasons to visit.
Events Under the Stars™ explores how worship, performance, talks, learning, community activity, hospitality and ticketed events can share one seasonal setting.
Start a conversation
Send what you have.
We can review the building, identify the next questions and help determine what needs to be developed from there.