UAE
Overview
When De Montfort University, ranked among the UK’s top 25 universities, initiated plans to relocate its Dubai campus, KPS was appointed to bring the vision to life. Tasked with delivering a world-class educational environment under a tight timeline and challenging site conditions, the project exemplified the kind of bold, ambitious work we thrive on.
Project Details
Project Name: De Montfort University
Brands: Kreon, Neko, JR Lite
Completion Date: 2025
Conceptual Design: JLL
Fit-out Contractor: KPS
Scope: Lighting, Controls
Country: UAE
The journey to deliver this five-storey transformation began with phase one, which needed to be completed by autumn 2024, just in time for the new academic year. The team began by stripping back outdated early-2000s office spaces to shell and core, enabling a full reimagination of the environment. KPS progressed the concept design developed by JLL into a detailed scheme.
As part of this transformation, Acoulite was brought on board to provide lighting and controls that would not only complement the architectural vision but also support energy efficiency, user comfort, and future-ready functionality across the educational spaces. We worked closely with both JLL and KPS throughout the process, ensuring that the lighting strategy was fully aligned with the broader design and operational goals of the project.
The classrooms were a key area of focus. These core learning environments required functional lighting with good uniform lux levels and dimmability to support various teaching formats and ensure visual clarity throughout the day. Our design prioritised lighting that enhances focus, reduces fatigue, and remains adaptable to both students and faculty needs.
Beyond the classrooms, collaborative and breakout areas were designed to be open, social, and acoustically balanced. In these zones, Acoulite introduced a wide range of acoustic lighting to support sound absorption and improve the user experience. These areas also featured playful decorative lighting elements to add character and encourage creative interaction among students.
While the focus of phase one was on the ground floor and levels one and two, there was a need to create temporary teaching spaces on levels three and four to ensure uninterrupted learning during construction. The unique and often complex requirements of a higher education establishment meant that innovative solutions were key. That’s why KPS chose Acoulite as their lighting partner to help deliver the project smoothly, safely, and without compromise.
We implemented Philips Dynalite across the building to enable advanced features that enhanced both visibility and sustainability. These included motion detection, scheduling, integration with AV systems, and stage lighting with auditory support. We also supported the redistribution of power across the entire campus, upgrading the outdated infrastructure to meet modern energy demands.
This holistic and forward-thinking approach earned Acoulite a Highly Commended recognition in the Education category at the Dynalite Partner Awards. With all phases now complete, DMU’s Dubai campus stands as a modern educational hub featuring future-focused teaching spaces, an energising ground-floor café, and a location in Dubai Internet City that places it at the heart of the region’s innovation ecosystem.
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