Light Link appoints a new commercial director
Dubai-based lighting design and supply firm Light Link has appointed Jonathan Brown as its new commercial director. Jonathan has a long-standing career in the industry, having worked for several leading contractors and lighting design and supply companies across the region. He is a qualified quantity surveyor and also has broader commercial asset management experience.
The appointment strengthens Light Link’s senior management team as it enters the third year of business and expands its influence into other countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The company has completed 60 projects totalling 300,000 sq. ft, with the latest wins including Abu Dhabi’s Early Childhood Authority, Emirates REIT, AKA Restaurant, Microsoft, Accenture, RJ O’Brien, and IFF.
Light Link, founder Jaspal Bal commented: “Jonathan has believed in Light Link’s vision from the start, so we’re thrilled that he’s finally able to join us. His unique mix of commercial and construction experience is a real asset in a market where clients are looking for a more comprehensive level of support.”
Light Link, commercial director, Jonathan Brown added: “I’m delighted to join Light Link and help the business in its next stages of growth and development. The team has built a truly impressive portfolio of projects within two years and we’re all eager to maximise the many opportunities available in a cross-section of industries.”
As a result of growth, Light Link has recently moved into a dedicated two-storey premises in Al Quoz. The Light Garden – featuring a workshop and storage space on the ground floor – brings the design, project management, and logistics teams together in one location.
Founded in 2019, Light Link collaborates with end-users, design teams, contractors, MEP consultants, and project managers to create the perfect balance between art and engineering. Services include lighting design and supply, systems design and supply, WELL testing and commissioning, and full site support.
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ALEC completes final lift of the show-stopping bridge ‘The Link’ at One Za’abeel
ALEC Engineering and Contracting L.L.C (ALEC) has completed another major engineering milestone with the final lift of ‘The Link’, a 9,500 tonne steel structure, which forms the central feature of Ithra Dubai’s flagship, mixed-use, luxury development, One Za’abeel.
The innovative and complex cantilever now stands at a total height of 125m after a four-day lift which started on October 21, 2020. ‘The Link’ went through a final alignment during the week, as part of which the cantilever was welded into the towers on which it is placed.
Kez Taylor, CEO of ALEC, said: “We have witnessed the impossible come to life through ‘The Link’. Throughout the four-day process this month our team continuously monitored the structural behaviour of ‘The Link’ and the Towers, reassuring the design’s integrity and strength. It has been a great privilege for ALEC to work on such an innovative and breathtaking design, and we are humbled to be part of an engineering project that solidifies Dubai’s reputation as a centre of innovation and excellence. One Za’abeel is a development that has already earned its reputation as an iconic structure within Dubai’s world-class skyline and we look forward to a successful top out in the months to come.”
Having successfully completed its first lift in August 2020, ‘The Link’ is destined to become the world’s largest cantilevered building upon completion, an official Guinness World record, as it will be placed between two towers that stand at 300 and 235 metres, respectively.
VIDEO: Ithra Dubai’s One Za’abeel’s record-setting structure, “The Link”, is ready for lift
Ithra Dubai’s iconic One Za’abeel development has achieved a major milestone with The Link accomplishing its final slide at ground level. This part of the structure is now extended to its ultimate length of approximately 189 meters, bracing The Link for its show-stopping engineering feat where it will be lifted 100 meters above ground level to its final position connecting One Za’abeel’s two towers. A cantilevered structure will be later added, giving the Link its final shape as a cantilevered sky concourse. Currently, The Link is safely positioned over The Happiness Bridge in Dubai’s Financial District and is undergoing its final technical preparations for its epic ascent later this year.
The Link began to take shape in a series of slides to elongate the structure to its final position before its lift. It is at its heaviest in its current position, weighing a total of 7,100 tonnes. Made from composite material of steel, it required a significant 500 tonnes of force and a team of experts in the fields of construction, engineering and contracting to carry out this last slide.
While still under development, One Za’abeel has earned its reputation as an iconic structure within Dubai’s world-class skyline, the construction itself having garnered international attention. When complete, One Za’abeel will redefine the mixed-use offering in the region throughits three building structures that include The Link, and house the finest residential spaces and the world’s first urban resort. The sky concourse will make the bucket list of any jet-setting traveller for its views, ambience, world-class restaurants, and panoramic photo opportunities.
Company profile: Light Link – Design Middle East
New lighting design and supply firm Light Link has secured a total of 20 projects within its first year of operation. Light Link has worked with high-profile clients, including Snap Inc., PwC, KPMG, Ericsson, Iron Mountain, and The Cove Abu Dhabi, to deliver a range of lighting solutions over the past twelve months. Founded on May 1, 2019, Light Link collaborates with end-users, design teams, contractors, MEP consultants, and project managers to create the perfect balance between art and engineering.
One of Light Link’s main areas of expertise is WELL testing and commissioning, which was required for PwC’s six-floor office project. For Snap Inc., Light Link was briefed to develop a unique design in keeping with global brand guidelines, and the curves of Snapchat’s logo were used to create bespoke ceiling lights using a non-linear wave system.
Light Link founder, Jaspal Bal said: “It has been an incredible first year, full of opportunities, plus some unexpected challenges for the market as a whole. As well as winning a significant amount of work, and exceeding our sales targets, we’ve built a specialised team to service different sectors and taken on a dedicated warehouse, streamlining the logistics process for our clients. Our growth has accelerated quicker than expected, even in a difficult climate. We listened to the industry and brought certain milestones forward to accommodate our customers’ needs. I am so grateful to our clients, staff, and stakeholders for their continued support and look forward to the next stage in our development.”