Smart Lighting That Responds to Human Movement

When VISA’s Innovation Center wanted more than just lighting—they needed an interactive experience that would reflect their commitment to innovation and transform their modern workspace into a dynamic environment that responds to human presence.

ClientVISA Innovation
TypeInstitution
LocationRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
ProductsS-Play SP1-1, ENTTEC Pixel Strips
Year2024
Project CreditsMain Integrator: Acoulite

Located in the prestigious King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), VISA’s new headquarters marks a significant milestone as the global payments leader celebrates 40 years of operation in Saudi Arabia. This state-of-the-art facility, part of VISA’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, positions the Kingdom as a global hub for fintech and digital commerce innovation.

KAFD itself is an architectural marvel—the world’s largest LEED Platinum certified mixed-use business center, designed by 25 world-leading architectural firms including Foster + Partners, Henning Larsen Architects, and Gensler.

VISA’s Innovation Center represented more than just a corporate space—it embodied the company’s vision of innovation and forward-thinking technology within one of the most advanced sustainable developments in the world.

The challenge was clear: create a lighting system that would react to people’s movements, enhance the modern architectural design, and work seamlessly with Acoulite’s installation process. The project called for a solution that was robust, reliable, and intuitive for the installation team to deploy on-site.

Solution

Controls.

Powered by S-Play SP-1

Lights.

Lit up with Pixel Strips

The concept transformed lighting from a passive element into an active participant in the environment. Instead of traditional static fixtures, the design featured precision-cut pixel strips mounted in striking geometric triangular frames and wrapped around a central pillar. This architectural integration created visual continuity while establishing dynamic focal points throughout the headquarters.

To make the space truly engaging, the design incorporated proximity sensors strategically placed to detect movement and trigger responsive lighting sequences. As staff and visitors move through the space, the lighting shifts and evolves, creating an atmosphere of energy and interaction that reflects VISA’s innovative spirit.

Our team provided custom-engineered pixel strips and S-Play SP1-1 controllers, all tailored to Acoulite’s exact specifications. Each strip was precisely cut and professionally soldered to the required lengths in our warehouse facilities, ensuring strong, reliable connections and eliminating field-cutting variables. This preparation allowed Acoulite’s installation team to focus on placement and positioning rather than technical assembly.

The interactive magic comes through 5 strategically positioned proximity sensors, each linked to an S-Play controller running custom programming. As people move through different zones of the headquarters, various sensors trigger unique lighting scenarios—creating personalized experiences that make the environment feel alive and responsive. This sensor-to-controller architecture delivers both the visual impact VISA desired and the installation simplicity Acoulite required.

The project reached completion and handover in 2024, with Acoulite’s installation team reporting exceptional results. All connections performed reliably with zero loose contacts, and the system’s robust engineering ensured consistent operation from day one. The finished installation seamlessly blends lighting technology with sensor responsiveness, providing an immersive experience that enhances the workspace for both staff and visitors.

This project stands as a powerful reference for both Acoulite and ENTTEC, demonstrating what becomes possible when precision engineering meets creative vision. The VISA Riyadh headquarters now showcases how interactive lighting technology can transform corporate environments into spaces that respond, adapt, and inspire.

Check out the process below:

Result

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