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Building on a longstanding and evolving partnership rooted in innovation and design excellence, ERCO and Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) came together once again during Clerkenwell Design Week 2025. This marks the third consecutive year of collaboration, reflecting a shared vision for integrating architectural lighting and spatial design in ways that shape how we experience the built environment. Together, the two firms continue to redefine the boundaries of architectural lighting and design.
During the three-day programme, ERCO and ZHA delivered a rich line-up of talks, tours, and an immersive exhibition exploring architectural design, light as a tool for architectural precision, workplace wellbeing, inclusive design and the form and function of ZHA’s furniture design.
Hosted at the ZHA Gallery on Goswell Road, the collaboration attracted hundreds of architects, designers, and lighting professionals, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on how lighting and architecture intersects with materiality, neurodiversity, and spatial performance.
Programme Highlights:
Inclusive Design: Space, Light + Perception in partnership with Arc Magazine.
Together with Arc Magazine, ERCO + ZHA, collaborated on a special evening event, dedicated to the timely topic of Inclusive Design. This thought-provoking session addressed how inclusive design can shape spaces that welcomes all users, with light playing a central role in perception and experience.
The panel consisted of Amy Rennie, Buro Happold, Dr. Katie Gaudion, Royal College of Art, Bidisha Sinha, Zaha Hadid Architects, Jim Ashley-Down, ERCO and was moderated by Matt Waring, Editor of Arc Magazine. The speakers shared their experiences and knowledge working with a range of products from schools to museums. These conversations reaffirmed a shared commitment to purposeful, human-centred design.
Inside ZHA: Guided Studio Tours
Attendees were offered an exclusive look inside Zaha Hadid Architects’ London office — a space shaped by flowing geometries, sustainable cork installations, and ERCO’s nuanced approach to architectural lighting. The tours showcased the collaboration between ZHA, ERCO and Gencork, for the refurbishment of the office and gallery space.
Function Through Form: Furniture Design by ZHA
Moderated by ZHA’s Head of Interior Architecture, Kar-Hwa Ho, this design talk focused on ZHA’s product and furniture design methodology. Speakers unpacked how form and performance co-exist, revealing the studio’s approach to creating emotional and functional resonance through design.
Lighting & Materiality in the Workplace
Aligned with the office tours, Chris Lepine, ZHA, Paulo Estrada, Gencork and Ethan Verrall, ERCO Lighting, came together to further discuss the refurbishment project for a lunchtime talk. An exploration of how natural materials and well-calibrated lighting schemes can foster healthier, more dynamic workplaces. The discussion examined cork’s sensory potential and how light supports user comfort, orientation, and spatial legibility. The audience also gained insight into ZHA’s design process and how the project came to life.
Throughout the week, visitors explored a curated installation within the ZHA Gallery. The immersive display showcased ZHA’s distinct approach to furniture design, providing a behind-the-scenes look into the studio’s creative process. The exhibition is beautifully illuminated by ERCO’s architectural lighting, creating a captivating and engaging display.
This year’s collaboration reaffirmed the deep synergy between ZHA and ERCO — two design leaders united by a shared commitment to innovation, purposeful design, and the transformative power of light. Their ongoing partnership continues to advance conversations around architecture and lighting as tools for creating more inclusive, high-performing, and human-centred environments.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us at CDW,” said Jim Ashley-Down, Managing Director of ERCO UK. “These events give us a platform to ask big questions, about space, equity, and the role light plays in design. Through continued dialogue, we can continue to create better spaces for all.”
Images Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects. Photography: Luke Hayes