CAD Monke Ltd
Architectural & Manufacturing Design
The globe, intu, derby
Project Overview
Project Type: Bespoke Lighting Design & Manufacture Drawings
Location: Intu Shopping Centre, Derby
Client: Leeds-based Bespoke Lighting Manufacturer
CAD Monke Ltd were appointed by a Leeds-based bespoke lighting manufacturer to develop and deliver the technical design for a series of striking feature light fittings within The Globe, located inside the Intu Shopping Centre in Derby.
The project centred around the creation of a large-scale sculptural lighting installation, designed to act as a visual focal point within a busy retail environment.
The Brief
The client approached the project with a clear creative vision: a feature light fitting that resembled a giant rubber band ball. Initial information was limited to hand-drawn schematic sketches, with no defined structural solution or manufacturing strategy.
Our role was to translate this vision into a fully resolved, buildable design that not only captured the intended aesthetic, but could also be manufactured, transported, and installed safely and efficiently within a live shopping centre.
Constraints & Challenges
The project presented several significant constraints from the outset:
Scale and ambition:
A primary 4-metre diameter spherical light fitting
Four additional 6-metre diameter disc light fittings required to match the same design language
Undefined construction methodology:
No pre-existing structural or fabrication approach
Required a solution that balanced visual impact with practical manufacture
Lighting integration:
Incorporation of LED light strips and diffusers within the upper sections of the fittings
Coordination of lighting components without compromising the form
Weight and installation:
All fittings needed to remain lightweight
Hanging and fixing strategies had to be carefully designed to suit the installation environment
Throughout the design development process, several technical challenges were addressed:
Complex geometry:
Highly organic and irregular forms that were difficult to model, even using advanced 3D modelling software
Segment development:
Defining how the structure could be broken down into individual segments
Transport and logistics:
Splitting the fittings into manageable, transportable components
Manufacturing efficiency vs visual randomness:
Designing identical repeatable segments to simplify fabrication
Ensuring the final assembled installation appeared randomised and organic rather than repetitive
Our Role
CAD Monke Ltd provided full technical design support throughout the project, including:
Liaison with the lead designer to develop solutions addressing structural, lighting, weight, and installation constraints
Preparation of initial 3D models, general arrangement drawings, layouts, and visuals for client approval
Coordination with the lighting contractor to ensure LED strips, diffusers, and drivers were fully integrated into the design
Production of a comprehensive manufacturing pack, including:
Single-part and multi-part drawings
Material schedules
Installation and assembly drawings
Outcome
The project was successfully delivered, resulting in:
One 4-metre diameter spherical globe light fitting
Four 6-metre diameter aluminium disc light fittings
All fittings were designed, manufactured, delivered, and installed successfully in accordance with the original design intent.
To support fabrication, additional MDF formers were designed to assist with the accurate manufacture of the individual segments, improving consistency and build quality.
Our Value
This project highlights CAD Monke Ltd’s ability to bridge the gap between concept design and manufacture, turning ambitious creative ideas into practical, buildable solutions. Our collaborative approach, advanced 3D modelling capability, and detailed manufacturing documentation enabled a complex feature installation to be delivered efficiently and successfully.
CONTACT
General Enquires: (01535) 281182
WhatsAPP: 07590 564087
Email: hello@cadmonke.co.uk
Copyright ©2021 CAD Monke. All Rights Reserved.