Dual Inventive - Field Lab Rail (Netherlands)

Client: Dual Inventive

Location: Field Lab Rail, Netherlands

Project Overview

Dual Inventive’s Field Lab Rail facility provides a safe, controlled environment for testing and demonstrating railway innovation in real-world conditions. The space supports live testing, demonstrations, visiting stakeholders and evolving project requirements, all within an operational rail context.

1stintheatre was commissioned to design, install and programme a lighting and control system that balanced professional presentation with the robustness and flexibility required of an active test facility.

The Challenge

Field Lab Rail is not a traditional performance or presentation space. The installation needed to:

• Operate reliably in an industrial test environment

• Be flexible enough to adapt to changing layouts and demonstrations

• Provide consistent, high-quality illumination for both live viewing and documentation

• Be intuitive for non-specialist users, while remaining powerful enough for complex scenarios

• Integrate safe, well-managed power and control infrastructure

The Solution

1stintheatre delivered a distributed LED lighting and control system designed around flexibility, reliability and ease of use.

High-output LED cyc fixtures were specified to provide even, controllable illumination across the test environment. Control distribution was handled via a robust DMX network, allowing fixtures to be repositioned or expanded as the facility evolves.

At the heart of the system, a Pharos architectural lighting control system was installed and fully programmed by 1stintheatre. This allows Dual Inventive to:

• Recall pre-set lighting scenes for demonstrations and visits

• Operate the system confidently without specialist lighting knowledge

• Maintain consistent lighting conditions across repeated tests and presentations

Power was managed via a three-phase distribution system with industry-standard cabling and connectors, ensuring safe, reliable operation throughout the space.

Installation Summary

• 24 × eLumen8 Cyc 500 LED fixtures providing high-output, even illumination

• Pharos lighting control system, programmed by 1stintheatre

• Rack-mounted and truss-mounted DMX splitters for reliable signal distribution

• Extensive 5-pin DMX and combined PowerCON/DMX cabling

• Three-phase power distribution and infrastructure

• Rigging hardware, safety bonds and fixings throughout

• On-site lighting design, programming and commissioning

The Outcome

The completed installation provides Field Lab Rail with a professional, adaptable lighting and control system that supports both technical testing and stakeholder engagement. The Pharos control platform ensures the system is easy to operate day-to-day, while still offering the flexibility required for complex and evolving demonstrations.