Lee Broom’s iconic lighting installation, Beacon, will illuminate the heart of Milan at Piazza San Babila during Milan Design Week 2026.
Originally unveiled as an official Landmark Project at the London Design Festival 2025, Beacon made its first appearance on London’s Southbank in collaboration with Materials Assemble. Now embarking on its international tour, Milan marks the installation’s first destination outside the UK.
Set within the newly revitalised Piazza San Babila – one of Milan’s most prominent public squares – the installation is part of a broader cultural programme extending to Via Durini and Corso Monforte, reinforcing the district as a hub for design and contemporary culture.
Beacon draws inspiration from Brutalist architecture and the Festival of Britain 1951, historically celebrated as a “beacon of change.” The installation transforms classic street lamp forms into a monumental sculptural chandelier, created using a unique fusing technology that upcycles discarded glass fragments.
Designed with sustainability in mind, Beacon can be deconstructed into individual light fixtures after the exhibition, ensuring lasting beauty and practical reuse. Its presence in Milan offers both a striking visual landmark and a celebration of innovation in design and craftsmanship