Header: L’Observatoire International
In 2024, L’Observatoire International, under the direction of Hervé Descottes with designers Leah Xandora, Akito Aiba, and Billy Wong, revitalised the façade lighting of Harrods in London, reinterpreting one of Britain’s most recognisable landmarks for a new era.
The project honoured the department store’s legacy while introducing a refined, sustainable lighting system that brings fresh depth and atmosphere to the historic exterior. It also received an Honourable Mention at the 2024 LIT Lighting Design Awards.
A Heritage Reimagined in Light
Designed by architects Charles William Stephens and Kendall King Scott, Harrods has long stood out as a symbol of luxury and British craftsmanship for nearly two centuries. The new lighting scheme reflects that heritage while looking to the future. Retaining the store’s signature festoon lighting was central to the concept. These strings of bulbs, synonymous with Harrods’ night-time presence, now feature modern colour-changing LEDs that shift from warm to cool white each evening and take on special hues for events and celebrations.
This familiar sparkle is enhanced by a new layer of architectural lighting that highlights the building’s intricate details and layered history. Subtle highlights emphasise the façade’s structure, revealing depth and rhythm while defining a clear hierarchy between its public-facing areas and upper levels. Together, the two systems bring the façade to life and underline Harrods’ role in London’s cultural landscape.
Inside and out, the lighting celebrates the spirit of Harrods itself, a blend of tradition, innovation, and spectacle. After dark, the façade comes alive in a soft choreography of light that ripples across its surface, evoking a sense of magic and discovery that mirrors the experience within.
Tradition Meets Sustainability
Sustainability played a key role in the redesign. The designers used advanced LED technology that drastically reduces energy consumption and maintenance while enabling precise control over brightness and tone. These improvements ensure the new lighting not only preserves the building’s visual character but also aligns with contemporary efficiency standards.
The project captures the enduring charm of Harrods and translates it into a luminous narrative, one that respects its past while embracing modern craftsmanship. Through thoughtful detailing and technical precision, L’Observatoire International has transformed the way London’s most famous store meets the night.
Photo Credit: L’Observatoire International
