ConTech Lighting appointed Megaman North American distributor
(USA) - Megaman partners with ConTech Lighting as exclusive distributor throughout North America.
ConTech Lighting has a strong and well established distribution network and is well recognised by designers for providing reliable, high performance products and market expertise.
As Megaman’s official distribution partner, ConTech Lighting will be responsible for increasing sales for the full range of Megaman energy efficient LED technology throughout the USA and Canada.
Fred Bass, Managing Director of Neonlite International, the brand owner of MEGAMAN, commented: “We’re delighted to be expanding in America. ConTech Lighting is seen as an ideal partner for us, because our technology is developed with designers in mind. With a strong heritage in applications such as grocery, fashion, hospitality, interior design, jewellery and car showrooms, our partnership with ConTech Lighting will be key in developing the business in these exciting sectors still further.”
John Ranshaw, President and CEO of ConTech Lighting added: “There is a tremendous opportunity for growth of a high performance LED lamp family with our unique customer-centric distribution model in North America.
"Our customer base of designers and specifiers is looking for LED lamps that offer peace of mind that the technology they specify is going to look good, be simple to install and is reliable. They also want a guarantee that the end user will receive the benefits they expect in terms of aesthetics, efficiency, sustainability and colour rendition, Megaman technology delivers in all these areas.”
Sam Neuman launches pool lighting project
(UK) - Sam Neuman and Mark Saxton launch pool lighting range, Lighthouse.
Start-up, Lightwater Design, has created the new Lighthouse range of underwater lighting with rectangular form and a mirrored finish, along with the latest LED technology and other features.
Lightwater Design was established by pool designer Mark Saxton and professional lighting designer Sam Neuman. By combining their range of skills and experience they have approached the design of pool lighting products from a unique angle.
Neuman, Founder and Partner at Lightwater Design said: “We are incredibly proud and excited to be in a position to bring this revolutionary concept to market. Manufactured in the UK to exacting standards, our pool lights are the result of extensive research and development, innovative design and rigorous testing. With the Lighthouse range we believe that pool designers and owners finally have a real alternative for underwater illumination.”
The rectangular shape of the Lighthouse range and clever casing design, make it easy to install. Saxton commented: “We realised early on that the installation and maintenance was of equal importance to the luxury look and feel of the product. As a result, we believe that we now have the most contractor-friendly lighting solution on the market.”
Lightwater Design have new products in the testing phase due for launch in 2015 and others on the drawing board.
Electrolight opens London studio
(UK) - Founding Director Paul Beale joined by Christopher Knowlton to run London office.
The studio, located in Shoreditch, London, is the third Electrolight office and the first one outside of Australia. Beale said: "It's great to be back in London and very exciting to be opening the first international office of Electrolight. I hope to build upon the success of the Australian practice and to become an active participant in the UK design scene."
Donn Salisbury who heads up the Sydney studio has taken on a national role and now leads the Australian practice as a whole. Jess Perry and Elisha Howard (both based in Melbourne) have been appointed directors. Beale remains involved with the Australian practice the same as Perry and Howard have involvement in the London studio.
The London office are currently working on a retail centre in Lahore with International architects AHR. As well as some projects in Kings Cross and the international roll-out of a high-end fashion retailer.
Beale said: "We just want to do interesting things and collaborate with nice people. Projects may be big or small but must be interesting - we want to make a difference through the work we do."
Derek Barnwell extends reach of Available Light
(USA) - Senior Associate, Derek Barnwell opens Available Light Raleigh.
Available Light Senior Associate, Derek Barnwell, has returned to his southern roots and opened up Available Light Raleigh in the process.
Creative Director Steven Rosen reported: "We've done work in Raleigh before including the RDU Triangle Icon Sculpture and the venerable North Carolina Museum of Natural Science, but with Barnwell working locally we are extremely excited to be bringing our distinctive lighting design style to North Carolina."
With a fast growing economy, the Mid-Atlantic boasts multiple cities on Forbes' Best Places lists (fifteen in the Top 100 Best Places for Business). And with over 200 AIA Architects in the Research-Triangle, 36 museums in the anchor cities, over 1,000 individual interior designers, and a number of architects, museums and exhibition companies below the Mason-Dixon line, Available Light will be better able to serve its Southern clients.
"After nine fantastic years at Available Light and twelve in New England I am really looking forward to sharing all the beauty and charm of my home with my family. We are excited to deliver high performance lighting design with unbeatable service to the Raleigh market," said Barnwell.
Martech UK appoints new Director of OEM Sales
(UK) - Graham Lewis joins Martech UK as Director of OEM Sales to expand market share.
With experience gained over 25 years, Lewis started his career in Lighting Design working for OSRAM as part of the Trade Sales Team. He developed knowledge in lighting and across a range of applications. He subsequently became Head of Business Units - UK & Ireland, for a number of divisions at OSRAM including OEM, Speciality Lighting, Projects and Solutions. Following his career at OSRAM, Lewis worked as a consultant to the lighting industry for blue chip companies such as Mackwell, before joining Martech UK.
Lewis' background and knowledge of lighting and LED technologies, along with his track record in leadership, made him well placed to head Martech’s OEM Sales Team.
Lewis commented: “I am looking forward to the challenge ahead and to working with everyone at Martech. I believe that the key to Martech’s future is to continue to react to its customers’ needs by evolving the range, providing innovative and high quality products whilst offering flexibility through its Custom Product and Product Variation services.”
Craig Marney, Managing Director at Martech UK, said: “I am delighted to welcome Lewis as Director of OEM Sales and his appointment will strengthen the senior management team as we continue to expand our market share and establish Martech as the OEM lighting partner of choice in the UK, Ireland and beyond."
Light Touch PLD Dubai celebrates five years and opens London office
(UK) - Howard Lee-Smith to head-up London consultancy for Light Touch PLD.
Managing his own practice for over ten years, specialising in lighting design solutions for private clients, and having worked with some of the most well known architectural lighting design studios prior, Lee-Smith brings to Light Touch PLD fifteen years of experience.
Paul Miles of Light Touch PLD said "Our success as a company is purely down to the level of enthusiasm and commitment that we deliver to our projects, and we are so pleased that our clients have recognised this to enable us to reach our five year milestone in such good shape. We see the arrival of the London practice as an opportunity to further improve our level of service, and we look forward to seeing where we are in five years from now."
Howard Lee-Smith said "It's really exciting to set out on this new journey with Stephen Gough (PLD Singapore) and Paul Miles (Light Touch PLD Dubai). The UK continues to be a strategic hub for design and, as one of the top architectural lighting design studios of choice within the Gulf region, Light Touch PLD are of the calibre to have significant presence here in London as well".
A New Home in New York City
(USA) - Luceplan and Modular Lighting Instruments launch New York showroom.
Modular Lighting Instruments, Belgian manufacturer of architectural lighting systems and Luceplan, Milan design lighting company, have launched a new co-branded showroom in New York City’s Soho neighbourhood.
Patrizia Vicenzi, General Manager, Luceplan; Bart Maeyens, General Manager, Modular Lighting Instruments; and Giuseppe Butti, CEO, Luceplan USA, celebrated the showroom’s official launch at a cocktail event on March 11th at 14 Wooster Street – inspired by the Italian and Belgian homelands of these companies.
Vicenzi said: “Linking a major Italian design brand to an architectural and technical lighting innovator was a logical and strategic pairing for both companies. This showroom serves as a source for engagement where architects and interior decorators, design professionals, builders and consumers can view and experience the products and understand their capabilities in person.”
Modular L.I.’s three-year plan is to become a must-buy fixture for American architects and their projects, and eventually become one of the leading brands in architectural lighting in the US. The new showroom currently carries the best-selling collections and popular brands include: the Smart series, Mini-Ritm, Spock and Stove.
The Project
Designed by architect Amedeo G. Cavalchini, the space exemplifies synergy between decorative and architectural lighting fixtures and offers architects and designers a one-stop shop for projects.
Cavalchini’s design was initially inspired by the actual products that would be showcased there – looking at the technical, commercial, economical and aesthetic components.
Set on two floors, Cavalchini divided the showroom’s main level into 22 light boxes each infused with a special still life, using new materials such as the de Castelli etched aluminium walls and pine wood slats. The lower level mixes old and new, integrating the original redbrick columns with modern lighting elements, meeting space and informal seating areas featuring furniture from Buzzispace.
mondo*arc india launched to critical acclaim
(India) - Launch event in Mumbai attracts almost 400 designers and architects ready for a high quality lighting design magazine for the India market.
Dressed to impress, the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre at the NCPA (National Center for Performing Arts), Mumbai stood with pristine glory as nearly 400 guests walked through its doors for the launch for the first magazine in the country dedicated to designers with light. mondo*arc presented the inaugural issue of their Indian edition with much elan and gusto.
mondo*arc india, a collaboration between mondo*arc and Indian company STIR, brings the quality of the international magazine with greater Indian context pertaining to industry professionals, brands prevalent in the Indian market, research and development initiatives as well as the local and international lighting design fraternity. Ensuring that lighting is seen as a lifestyle product, which touches the emotional cords of any interior and architectural space, the publication is a platform for discussion and dissemination of ideas pertaining to light.
The Indian avatar of the publication was extremely well received by the invitees, including eminent personalities from the architecture and design fraternity, artists, art collectors, fashion and allied design professionals, developers and hoteliers, top industrialists, corporate executives, as well as the media.
The guests were left in awe as they entered the auditorium to find a large-scale cube constructed out of suspending fabric panels adorning the stage. Reflecting in the mirrored backdrop, an interplay of myriad colour light and projections rendered the space in infinity. Balancing this was an incredible maze of threadwork woven around cuboidal frames at the back of the auditorium. Dynamic colour changing lights penetrated through these towers of thread to accentuate the star-studded ceiling of the theatre.
Walking out of the auditorium, the guests were greeted by a larger than life sculpture titled NAAG, brought to life by dynamic projection mapping creating patterns and movement on its undulating surfaces. Sitara Yab, the interactive light art installation pulled people into its tunnel to experience light through personal movement.
The enthusiasm of the crowd was evident in their desire to be clicked with the newly unveiled magazine. With mondo*arc and STIR peppered in the backdrop, people lined up to catch the photographer's eye.
Highlights of the event:
- Opening note by Mrinalini Ghadiok (editor, mondo*arc india) introducing mondo*arc india.
- Talk by Paul James (editor, mondo*arc/darc) about the journey of mondo*arc and darc magazines over the past 15 years.
- Introduction to STIR by Andre Tammes (curator and visual planner, Australia)
- Talk by Chiara Carucci (Lead Coordinator, L-RO, Italy) about 2015, the International Year of Light.
- Presentation by Charles Stone (President, Fisher Marantz Stone, USA) about his lighting design scheme at the World Trade Centre Memorial in New York.
- Panel discussion on the importance of lighting and lighting design in India, moderated by Andre Tammes. Panelists included international experts Charles Stone, Chiara Carucci, Babu Shankar (Principal, ILD, USA), Paul James; and Indian architects Kamal Malik and Abha Narain Lambah.
- Talk by Alexandra Mathews (Executive Vice President, Lucifer lighting) about connecting people and the pertinent position of lighting in today's world.
- Talk by Amit Gupta (publisher, mondo*arc india) aboutmondo*arc india, bringing the world of lighting design together to mark this new initiative.
- Set design and scenography by Sumant Jayakrishnan.
- Light art presentation and electronic music by BLOT, accompanied with a Bharatnatyam performance by eminent dancer, Jayalakshmi Eshwar.
- NAAG, a large scale sculptural installation with video projection mapping by artists Vishal K Dar in collaboration with Gabriel Dunne.
- Sitara Yab, an interactive light art presentation by Quicksand.
- Media interaction and interviews.
- Social-professional networking over cocktails and dinner.
To request a copy of mondo*arc india please email info@stir.lighting
Philips provides update on Lighting business plans
(Netherlands) - Shareholders circular recommends proposed separation of Lighting business from Royal Philips to fund HealthTech strategy through stock market launch.
Philips has published the shareholders circular providing a further specification and explanation of the proposal to approve the separation of the Lighting business from Royal Philips through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).
In a letter to shareholders Jeroen van der Veer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Frans van Houten, President and Chief Executive Officer stated: “As part of the next decisive phase of our multi-yearAccelerate! transformation program, we announced our plan to capitalize on fundamental market changes and new growth opportunities by separating Philips into two market-leading independent companies focused on the vast opportunities in health technology (HealthTech) and lighting solutions, respectively. We believe that it is the right time to pursue this decision.
“Our goal is to become the global leader in HealthTech and shape the future of the industry, which we plan to achieve by building on the strenghts of our Healthcare and Consumer Lifestyle businesses. At the same time, we will establish a separate Lighting Solutions company that will be better able to expand its global leadership position and capture adjacent market opportunities. Both companies will be well-positioned to drive profitable growth, ultimately generating more value for our customers, employees and shareholders.
We intend to create the Lighting Solutions company by separating the Lighting business from Royal Philips. The purpose of this Shareholders Circular is to provide shareholders with more information on the proposed separation and to explain why we consider the separation to be in the best interests of Royal Philips and its shareholders.”
The first section of the circular, ‘The next strategic step: two independent companies’, explains that “... by establishing a stand-alone Lighting Solutions company, the Lighting business and management team will be better positioned to capture growth opportunities, be closer to customers, adapt more quickly to evolving customer needs, and enable decisive investments in the future of lighting.”
In the second section, ‘Approach to the separation’, it states that the most likely course of action is an IPO of the Lighting Solutions company in the first half of 2016. Its LED components business, Lumileds, will not be part of the IPO and instead will be sold together with its Automative Lighting business.
It goes on to say, “In light of the size of the Lighting business, Royal Philips will probably initially offer only a minority interest in the IPO. This initial divestment is expected to be followed by one or more secondary offerings, or by one or more other transactions, with the aim of full divestment of the Lighting Solutions company over time.
“At the same time, we will continue to carefully review alternatives (including, but not limited to, private sale) in light of all relevant circumstances, such as general market conditions and developments in the Lighting business as well as in the lighting industry.”
Soraa commissions Ann Reo to guide LED portfolio
(USA) - Soraa appoints Ann Reo as Senior Vice President of product development.
The first decade of Reo’s career was split between architectural firms, lighting companies and design consultancies. In 2001, she developed a business plan, raised venture capital investment and launched her own LED-based luminaire company IO Lighting. Serving as President and CEO, she grew the company until Eaton’s Cooper Lighting acquired it in 2007.
Under Reo's leadership, IO’s products won several design awards, including the Best New Product of the Year at Lightfair International 2004. At Cooper, Reo stayed on board as Vice President of Global SSL Solutions and General Manager of IO Lighting.
Jeff Parker, CEO of Soraa said: “Ann’s background in lighting design and expertise in building LED products from the ground up gives Soraa an edge in pioneering solutions that designers and customers want and the market needs.”
Reo’s background as a trained architect and lighting designer blends with Soraa’s positioning in some of the most demanding architectural environments including museums, retail, hospitality and healthcare.
“LED technology has fascinated me since 1999 and I believe Soraa’s GaN on GaN LED technology is the first true milestone since the invention of the LED,” said Reo. “I am beyond thrilled to be joining such an innovative company with a very talented team and I look forward to developing LED products that continue to inspire outstanding lighting designs.”
Reo will lead Soraa’s new product development efforts in light engine design for OEM integration as well as custom solutions for specifiers, OEMS and end-users.
Winner of Strand Lighting competition revealed
(UK) - Paul Nulty Lighting Design scoops prize for 'Anamorphosis', turning a vintage Patt 23 into deconstructed art.
Paul Nulty Lighting Design (PNLD) was revealed as the winner of the Philips Strand competition during The Society of Light and Lighting Fresnel Lecture, held at the Royal Institution of Great Britain last week.
Philips was chief sponsor of the event, alongside support from the IALD. Following the talk, Philips' Lighting Application Design Lead and competition judge Mike Simpson announced that PNLD's design had come out on top.
"It was a difficult decision as the other finalists were fantastic, however 'Anamorphosis' was a very deserving winner," said Simpson. "Many lighting designers will have grown up with the Patt 23 and spent hours lovingly maintaining it and taking it apart, so to see its deconstruction in PNLD's design brings back those memories. I think it's very appropriate when celebrating an iconic spotlight to be able to look inside and consider how the original design has stood the test of time."
Launched at the end of last year to celebrate the brand's centenary, the Strand Lighting competition garnered much interest from lighting designers and artists worldwide. Over 90 people registered their interest.
The prototypes of the winning design and two finalists were built by Howard Eaton Lighting and displayed at the Royal Institute for attendees of The Fresnel Lecture to view.
"Being short listed and having 'Anamorphosis' made was amazing enough, but to then be invited to the Royal Institution and have our design declared the winner in the historic building was a real honour," said Karen Smart, PNLD team leader for the project. "The team couldn't be prouder, it's an amazing feeling and a moment we will all remember for a very long time."
The Fresnel Lecture marked 200 years since Augustin Fresnel discovered his Wave Theory of Light and coincided with the UNESCO International Year of Light. Peter Phillipson of the SLL gave the lecture, with a guest appearance from Dr. Bryson Gore.
Osram illuminates DKB Handball Cup Final
(Germany) - Osram and REWE partner to light up most prominent handball event worldwide.
Osram will be responsible for lighting the DKB Handball Cup Final from 9-10 May 2015 with its smartphone-controlled lighting system, Lightify.
Alongside lighting the tournament the cooperation offers Osram further marketing rights, such as branding advertising space in the arena and LED signs.
Oliver Lücke, Corporate Communications Manager at the DKB handball league said: “Innovative and professional lighting concepts are a central element when portraying the emotion of professional and top class sport. In Osram the DKB Handball League has a partner recognized worldwide as an innovation and technology trailblazer in the manufacture and conception of lighting.”
Since 1994 the DKB cup final has been a final four tournament of the four best teams from the quarter finals played across a weekend and is considered the top event in German and international handball sport.
