KOKO, Camden London: Nightclub Lighting Systems Case Study
Built in 1900 and reimagined for the 21st century, KOKO, Camden London is one of the Capital’s most iconic music venues. From punk gigs to pop videos, it’s played host to them all. But when the pandemic hit, this legendary venue needed more than just a facelift, it needed a full-scale technical transformation.
Audiotek stepped in to deliver digital signage in the main club, whilst installing lighting and AV systems next door at “House of Koko”. A two sited project that respected the venue’s heritage while propelling it into a new era.
Project Challenges
What began as a straightforward lighting brief quickly expanded into a complete AV overhaul. Then COVID-19 arrived.
The project faced challenges including:
- Design changes midstream due to shifting scope
- Equipment delays and global shipping issues
- Onsite health and safety constraints
- Late-stage requests for additional AV support
- Integration with systems already installed by other suppliers
Project Scope – AV Installation at House of KOKO, Camden London
Audiotek was engaged for:
- Entertainment lighting systems design and delivery
- Supply and installation of Chauvet Professional fixtures
- Lighting control via Avolites TitanNET and Quartz
- Infrastructure design for flexible fixture placement
- Additional support for video distribution, audio control, and digital signage
The brief grew as the project developed, but so did the impact.
Design Approach to Nightclub Lighting Systems
Our design goal was to create a lighting system as flexible as the venue’s schedule. KOKO plays host to:
- DJ sets
- Live gigs
- Corporate events
- Film shoots
Lighting had to adapt quickly. We implemented:
- Chauvet Professional moving lights for high intensity shows
- Wash and profile fixtures with variable white and RGB colour mixing
- Avolites TitanNet control backbone for scene storage and recall
- Flexible infrastructure with DMX nodes across zones for scalable control
The result across both venues was one that looks and feels different every night, but with a consistent technical core.
Koko, Camden London Key Innovations
- COVID-Responsive Design: Systems were selected based on availability and supply chain resilience during the pandemic
- Integrated Expansion: Lighting design was extended to House of Koko and other social spaces without interrupting the primary venue timeline
- Rapid Mobilisation: Audiotek scaled the on-site team at short notice to meet shifting delivery windows
- Multifunctional Layouts: Lighting can now be quickly re-zoned and reprogrammed for diverse formats
Koko, Camden London & House Of Koko Installation & Execution
KOKO reopened in 2022, but the work began in 2019. Over three years, we:
- Coordinated with heritage conservation teams
- Managed partial installations between lockdowns
- Commissioned lighting, video, and control systems simultaneously
- Integrated Wyrestorm Network HD AVoIP, Samsung Displays, and Vivitek NovoDS as part of extended AV support
Every decision was made with longevity and adaptability in mind.
Commercial & Educational Insights
Commercial & Educational Insights
What KOKO, and House of Koko teaches us about significant AV in heritage venues:
- Expect the unexpected: Flexibility was key during a pandemic-era build
- Plan for expansion: Extra systems were added late, but the infrastructure was ready
- Modular lighting = maximum uptime: Sections can run independently
- Historical venues need high-tech sensitivity: Respect the bricks, modernise the glow
Conclusion – Nightclub Lighting Systems That Evolve With the Venue
KOKO, along with House of Koko, is no ordinary nightclub, and this was no ordinary install. From COVID curveballs to last-minute AV requests, Audiotek adapted fast.
Now, Camden’s iconic venue doesn’t just sparkle, it stuns. Night after night.
