GVA’s exterior lighting project of Equinix’s DC21 data center in Ashburn, VA has been recognized with the Pace Setters Award at the 2025 Signatures of Loudoun Design Excellence Awards. This category “highlights bold, forward-thinking projects” and celebrates buildings and spaces that “push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and help shape the future of our built environment.”
In collaboration with Florida Lighting Associates, Alliance Lighting and the project team, GVA delivered a high-performance architectural lighting system using the FL Series color-changing luminaires and advanced light-shaping accessories. This system transforms the building’s utilitarian façade into a luminous landmark that evolves throughout the night and across special events.
As the jury noted –
“Equinix DC21 challenges assumptions—elevating data center design through striking façade uplighting that transforms the exterior into a nighttime landmark, merging infrastructure with civic art.”
GVA is proud to have contributed to this vision, redefining the possibility of public art and infrastructure with the power of architectural lighting.
