Header: Brokis Studio
Large-scale lighting installation Beacon will be on view in Piazza San Babila in Milan during the city’s Design Week. Designed by Lee Broom and produced by Bokis, the installation was originally unveiled on London’s Southbank during the London Design Festival 2025. After Milan, the installation will continue its tour.
Beacon’s International Tour starts in Milan
The monumental artwork that graced the British capital between September 2025 and January 2026 will embark on an international tour, and Milan is just its first stop. And just like in London, the location is carefully selected to establish a dialogue with the urban environment. Located in the wider DDDesign district, along a major pedestrian route that links Duomo with Milan’s major districts, Beacon will interact with numerous passers-by, locals, and visitors alike.
Installation composed of lampposts
The Beacon appears as a giant chandelier, illuminating the surroundings. This effect was achieved with an array of individual sculptures, lampposts connected to the same base. The repetition of vertical lampposts, geometrical form, and the selection of materials echo the architecture of mid-century modernism. The rhythm and scale of the artwork mirror the modernist architecture of both Piazza San Babila and London’s Southbank, two places that informed the work. Next stop on the tour is the Czech Republic later in 2026. The third presentation of the public installation will represent a symbolic homecoming for the sculpture manufactured by the Czech company Brokis.
Sustainable design by Brokis
The installation has a strong emphasis on sustainability. The Czech lighting and glass manufacturer Brokis has collaborated with innovation company Materials Assemble to create a sculpture from recycled glass. The London-based company employed a special fusing technology to upcycle glass fragments into larger objects. The sustainable approach is visible in the installation’s longevity and reusability. Beacon represents a pivotal artwork in the oeuvre of Lee Broom, as it marks the first large-scale public artwork for an artist known primarily for product designs.
“I’m excited to see how the installation engages a new audience and how people might encounter it unexpectedly as part of their daily lives. As a public artwork, I hope it resonates beyond the design community, connecting with the wider public.”
Lee broom
Once the tour is over, the installation will be converted into a series of individual table lamps, which will be sold to the public. A part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to charitable causes, thus continuing the evolution of the artwork.
Beacon will remain on view for the duration of Milan Design Week, 21–26 April 2026. Centred on interaction and shared experiences, Beacon was envisioned as more than just a design installation- it is public and approachable, serving as a beacon for design sustainability and long-lasting cultural legacy.
