Spire Torre UniCredit Milan: the new lighting by Spacecannon
Milan, Italy
The Spire of the UniCredit Tower in Milan is one of the most recognizable elements of the cityskyline. A steel structure that defines the vertical profile of the building and amplifies its presence in
the urban landscape.
The project undertaken by
of the Spire, installed on the structure built in 2011. The goal was to update the system with
next-generation lamps and LEDs, improving light quality, dynamic effect management, and overall
system reliability.
For an intervention of this scale, light is not merely a scenic element. It is a technical component of
the architecture, capable of making the spire legible, following its form, and precisely controlling the
luminous impact on the surrounding environment.
A technical renewal for an urban landmark
The work on the Spire required careful verification, testing, and product selection.Spacecannon worked closely with
the structure. Together they carried out tests with different lamps, evaluating performance,
accessibility, mounting methods, and lighting behaviour on the spire.
The limited accessibility of the fixtures made the choice of a stable, efficient solution suited to a
permanent installation even more critical. Every component had to deliver high lighting performance
while also simplifying installation, maintenance, and long-term management.
eCOLOR LINE gen 2: Precision, Control and Integration
The product selected for the system renewal was eCOLOR-LINE Gen 2, in the 90 cm and 60 cmversions, with power and DMX input/output.
The narrow optic made it possible to direct light precisely onto the spire, reducing luminous flux
dispersed towards the sky. This is a key consideration in an
the highest point of the Milan skyline: light must enhance the structure, not scatter needlessly.
Aiming was therefore an integral part of the project. Replacing the existing fixtures was not enough:
the entire system had to be rethought for more precise control, better dynamic performance, and
greater efficiency.
Custom brackets for a complex installation
To facilitate installation on the steel structure, Spacecannon collaborated with SEVAL on the
development of custom brackets.
This phase allowed the product to be adapted to the real conditions of the Spire, respecting the
constraints of the structure and simplifying work at height. The project therefore went beyond simply
supplying the fixtures; it included dedicated technical development work for mounting and physical
integration of the system.
This is one of the most important aspects of bespoke projects: the product must work from a lighting
standpoint, but it must also be installed correctly, remain stable, and meet the operational needs of
those who will manage it over time.
Additional protection for an exposed city landmark
The Spire sits at the highest point of the UniCredit Tower and, for this reason, the installation isparticularly exposed to weather conditions.
To reduce the risk of damage from lightning strikes, each fixture was fitted with additional protection
capable of withstanding up to
and protect the units in such a critical position.
In an intervention of this type, system longevity is as much part of the project as lighting quality.
Light quality must be accompanied by stability, protection, and continuity of operation.
78 Fixtures for dynamic effects along the entire Spire
Spacecannon produced, programmed, and delivered 78 individually controllable fixtures to theclient.
This configuration makes it possible to create dynamic effects along the full height of the spire, with
a maximum total absorbed power of just 3.500 W. The result is an efficient and flexible system
capable of generating more articulate lighting choreographies than the previous installation.
Independent control of individual fixtures broadens the possibilities of
be animated with sequences, chromatic variations, and vertical luminous movements, while
maintaining precise control over the entire installation.
Remote DMX Control to reduce management costs
One of the most significant elements of the project is the control system.
The installed DMX controller allows SEVAL to programme and switch on the tower remotely. This
choice reduces the need for on-site visits, simplifies operational management, and helps keep
maintenance and monitoring costs down.
For a permanent luminous installation in a complex location, remote control is not a detail: it is a
condition that makes the system more practical, more manageable, and better suited to continuous
use.
Are you working on a similar project?
Every iconic structure requires precisely designed lighting. Spacecannon develops solutions for
architectural lighting, permanent installations, DMX systems, and custom projects on buildings,
towers, facades, and urban landmarks.
Tell us about your project: we can help you identify the most suitable system, from fixture selection
to the development of custom components, through to programming and system management.
Products used
eCOLOR line gen 2
20 W / 40 W / 60 W / 80 W | 1280 lm / 2568 lm / 3852 lm / 5136 lm
