Prize(s) Winners in Exterior Architectural Illumination
Lighting Design/Product Company CD+M Lighting Design LLC
Lead Designers Design Lead: Ratnakumari Ramakrishnan | Principal: Waleed Fakousa
Architecture Company Adrian Smith
Client EMAAR
Other Credits Manufacturer: Traxon Technologies MEA FZE Supplier & Contractors: Scientechnic, JTS, iDEA Associates
Completion Date 02-December-2024
Project Location Dubai
Entry DescriptionThe designers are proud to illuminate icons and none shine brighter than the Burj Khalifa. Our journey began in 2016, when we were entrusted to design the Guinness World Record-breaking largest media screen in the world, wrapping the tower with more than 34 km of LEDs. Launched on New Year’s Eve 2017, it left millions worldwide in awe.
In 2022, the client once again called to reimagine Dubai’s most celebrated landmark. Our mission: lead the comprehensive redesign of its lighting system, set a new global benchmark for architectural lighting, and make the world’s tallest tower stand out from every angle. Spanning nearly 3 years of meticulous planning, testing, and execution, the overhaul has redefined the Burj Khalifa’s iconic skyline presence.
Partnering with innovators, we pioneered powerful RGBW floodlights with unmatched optics, and after years of testing and integration, a new standard was born. The system expands the color spectrum, enables fluid storytelling, and adapts to cultural celebrations, national milestones, and global events, seamlessly integrated to preserve architectural elegance.
Revealed on New Year’s Eve 2025, the Burj Khalifa once again captivated the world,an achievement celebrated across social media. We are proud and grateful for the opportunity to showcase our creative and technical expertise.
Company DescriptionCD+M blends cutting-edge lighting expertise, energy-efficient architectural lighting techniques and years of construction experience to provide clients with highly creative, easy to maintain and sustainable designs.
We collaborate with architects, interior designers, developers and engineers, and use light to emphasize the distinct themes and nuances that make an architectural space unique. Our goal is to help our clients realize their creative vision through illumination.
