We are delighted to announce that our recent commission to produce a “Lighting Design In Stations” design manual on behalf of Network Rail is now complete and available to download. 🔗

The “Lighting Design in Stations”, now an integral part of the Network Rail design manuals library, provides comprehensive, structured guidelines that illustrate best practice in lighting design, benchmarking against industry standards, and highlighting paths for all stakeholders involved in the provision of lighting in railways stations to achieve optimal outcomes. By applying a consistent lighting methodology across various project types—whether it’s lighting replacement at the end of service life, station refurbishment, restoration, or new-build projects—this new guidance document seeks to solidify a clear and consistent Network Rail design identity.

EQUATION Lighting Design‘s extensive experience in the transportation and infrastructure sectors made us well-qualified to lead this initiative. Our portfolio includes lighting projects that have transformed key transportation hubs, such as the Elizabeth Line (line-wide design), King’s Cross Station, White Hart Lane, and Paddington Station. These projects not only showcase our expertise but also our commitment to delivering innovative lighting solutions that enhance both functionality and user experience.

We spoke with Equation’s Director, Keith Miller, to gain insights into the process behind the creation of this manual. Keith’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the team through the complexities of this project. Here’s what he had to say about the experience and what readers can expect from this publication:

“Network Rail has developed an extraordinary series of design guidance manuals with the aim of improving the built quality of its stations and infrastructure. The “Lighting Design in Stations” manual is one of the last pieces of this jigsaw. There are several conflicting lighting design guidelines, standards, and regulations currently in use within the UK rail industry. One of the prime objectives of our project was to create consistency, simplicity, and convergence by presenting key aspects of the design, construction, maintenance and operation of lighting installations in the public areas of a railway station in an accessible, richly illustrated format. “Lighting Design In Stations” clearly signposts ways in which improved lit environments can be achieved in railway stations in the future.”

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our wider team of contributors: Peter Raynham, Emeritus Professor of the Lit Environment The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, wayfinding consultants Maynard Design Consultancy and transport specialist luminaire manufacturer Designplan Lighting, whose expertise and contributions were invaluable.