IN THE FAST LANE

In this exclusive interview, renowned lighting expert Roberto Grilli, shares his expertise on the art and science of lighting design, as well as his collaboration with Signify on the iconic Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore and the most recent project in Las Vegas

- Roberto Grilli

Roberto Grilli, General Manager of DZ Engineering, has been revolutionising the world of lighting design for over two decades.

As the General Manager of DZ Engineering, the renowned Italian lighting specialist, Grilli has been instrumental in illuminating iconic venues and events around the globe. With a career spanning over two decades, he has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, which has been a benchmark for urban lighting design since its inaugural F1 night race in 2008. In this exclusive interview, he shares his expertise and experiences, from illuminating iconic venues like Singapore's Marina Bay Street Circuit to shaping the future of lighting design.

Do share the idea behind this project, how it was conceived?

The first time I heard about lighting a Formula 1 street circuit, I thought it would remain just a technical exercise that might never truly see the light. I could not have been more wrong. Within six months, I was on a plane to Singapore, and only a few weeks later I was living there, working on the visionary project that Singapore and Formula 1 wanted to bring to life. At that time, the idea of a night race was revolutionary. The concept was to create an event within the event: with a single ticket, spectators could enjoy support races, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, concerts with international stars, and entertainment for all ages, all accessible by public transportation. It was a smart way to broaden the audience, attract new fans, and give the city a new cultural icon.