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.
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.”
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
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.
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.
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.
ISSUE TEN
INSIDE ISSUE #10:
DESIGN LINE //
POSTCARD //
DANCING LEAVES • PARIS //
ROCKSALT • SILEMA //
A SPACE • BERLIN //
RIJKSMUSEUM • AMSTERDAM //
BACCARAT SHOWROOM • SHANGHAI //
POV LOUNGE & TERRACE • WASHINGTON D.C. //
HOTEL HOTEL • CANBERRA //
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY SET • NEW YORK //
LAS IGUANAS • DERBY //
O2 WORLD • BERLIN //
HOTEL CONTINENTAL • OSLO //
STAR CASINO • SYDNEY //
TAVERN ON THE GREEN • NEW YORK //
GLEN COBEN • NEW YORK //
JOYCE WANG • HONG KONG //
ADAM HOETS • CAPE TOWN //
MAISON & OBJET REVIEW • PARIS //
EUROLUCE PREVIEW • MILAN //
NORTHERN LIGHT FAIR • STOCKHOLM //
CALENDARC //
IF //
AC-ET appoints new sales representative
(Germany) - A.C. Entertainment Technologies appoints Detlef Eobaldt as Regional Sales Representative for Germany.
Eobaldt has more than 25 years of lighting experience in sales and managerial roles, including establishing himself as a leading industry expert in LED solutions over the past fifteen years.
After spending seven years working in product development, production, marketing and international sales roles for LED companies in the Netherlands and Germany, Eobaldt set up his own LED consultancy business in 2008 to specify tailor-made solutions for client applications.
Eobaldt’s experience qualifies him to represent local sales and support the technology brands available in this region from AC-ET, such as the Chroma-Q range of premium performance LED entertainment and architectural lighting solutions.
The company's choice of brands includes LED technologies from a portfolio of over 200 available via the company's specialist lighting, audio, rigging and video sales divisions.
Eobaldt commented: "It’s an exciting challenge for me to add my LED experience to AC-ET’s international sales team, to further provide the premium level of support customers have grown to expect from such a professional company."
AC-ET's Managing Director Phill Capstick said: "AC-ET continues to extend its international business. We offer leading technology solutions to our global customers at market relevant prices, supported by excellent service. We are delighted that Eobaldt will be working with us as we further our commitment to our international presence."
Nordeon-Group acquires Griven
(Italy) - Italian architectural lighting manufacturer joins Hess to form a strong architectural lighting portfolio for German based lighting group.
The Nordeon-Group has further strengthened its comprehensive proposition to the architectural lighting market through the strategic acquisition of Italian based Griven. Griven specialises in architectural lighting solutions and is very complimentary to the Hess product portfolio and offerings to architects and lighting designers across the globe. As part of the Nordeon-Group, Griven will continue to operate independently under its own brand through its existing organisation and management team in Castel Goffredo, Italy.
Patrick van Rossum, Partner of Varova, the owner of the Nordeon-Group, sees a win-win situation in the acquisition for both companies: “With its broad product and lighting solution portfolio, its extensive technological know-how and deep understanding of architectural markets, Griven will substantially strengthen the market position of our Hess subsidiary. Griven will be able to further accelerate the execution of its strategic agenda and benefit from the existing market access of Hess – particularly in the US and Germany – and the Nordeon-Group’s technology and research and development capabilities. All in all, it makes great strategic sense to Griven and the Nordeon-Group and will greatly benefit our customer base and markets.”
Griven was founded in 1990 by Luigi and Silvio Pederzani in Castel Goffredo in Italy. Luigi Pederzani will continue in his current role as managing director. His brother Silvio Pederzani will continue to lead the company’s product and technology development efforts.
“Under the umbrella of the Nordeon-Group, Griven will continue to be the Griven that our customer’s know, but at the same time our customers and employees will benefit from the products, technology and markets that the Nordeon-Group will bring us,” says Luigi Pederzani.
Griven, a private limited company founded in 1990, has established itself as one of the world’s leading developers and manufacturers in the architectural lighting market. Griven’s comprehensive catalogue of proven quality, high reliability, and fully weatherproofed lighting fixtures, in combination with its in-depth knowledge in designing and programming lighting solutions, have placed it at the forefront of architectural lighting. Griven has always taken a lead position in the area of lighting technology, and started applying LED technologies as early as 2001.
Pierre van Lamsweerde, CEO of the Nordeon-Group, commented: “I am very pleased to welcome Griven – a leader in its market with a strong track record to back that up – to our Group. With Hess – our premium brand for architectural outdoor luminaires – we have good access to the creative and architectural world of light. With Griven and Hess, we now have a comprehensive platform that offers lighting designers, planners and architects the possibility to create or design better and more attractive public spaces and buildings. This positions us to offer light solutions of every shade – innovative, valuable and global – from a single source.”
Architainment appoint new Marketing Manager
(UK) - Carlton D’Souza takes over marketing communications for UK lighting solutions team.
D’souza has experience in Marketing, PR and Sales with manufacturers, distributors and integrators in the electronic security sector, including three years at Sony as a European Product Marketing Manager.
He will be responsible for marketing communications, including PR, website, social media, newsletter and events.
D’Souza commented: “I’m delighted to be part of the Architainment team that works with specifiers to deliver both dynamic and white lighting solutions across sectors such as urban, retail, office and hotel environments.”
Nic Tolkien, Managing Director of Architainment added: “Our portfolio of solutions is evolving and growing, and D’Souza will be responsible for communicating these developments to both existing and new customers and markets. We welcome him to the team.”
New European Account Manager for GDS
(UK) - Fernando Freitas takes over GDS's European Dealer Network.
Freitas will be responsible for European territory working with GDS’s Dealer Network in Europe and end users in both the entertainment industry and development of new opportunities in other industries.
Moving from Marketing Manager to European Account Manager he changes his role at GDS as part of the ongoing strategy to increase GDS participation in the European market.
With nearly two years of experience within GDS, Freitas brings a good understanding of the entertainment and event industry.
Freitas said: "Having settled into the marketing department I am now thrilled to work with our European partners directly in this amazing industry. I am looking forward to this new exciting role and providing the best solutions to current and future customers."
Matt Lloyd, GDS Managing Director, stated: “We are delighted to have Fernando as European Account Manager. Fernando is an invaluable member of the team who can now apply his years of experience working with the company to continue our growth in Europe with our dealer network and end user customers.”
Amsterdam Light Festival call for concepts
(Netherlands) - Amsterdam Light Festival calls for artists, designers, engineers and architects to submit ideas for Art Works to be staged at the festival's 2015 - 2016 edition.
The fourth edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival will take place in the city centre of Amsterdam from 26 November 2015 till 31 January 2016.
This edition will celebrate humanity, and light as a universal language of expression. The festival's theme this year is “Friendship”. During the period of the Amsterdam Light Festival, Amsterdam is the stage of the European Summits as a result of The Netherlands holding presidency of the European Union.
The festival wants art works that express an understanding of the importance of friendships across Europe, of the way the continent has become evermore united over the past 50 years and how the "friendship" that has been established within the European Union translates into the continent's value for all individuals who live there.
The festival will again present the Water Colors boat tour and the Illuminade walking route. Water Colors comprises of larger, colourful, monumental works along the canals while the Illuminade offers a platform for talent, experimentation, interaction and mixed forms of art and digital technology.
The deadline for submission is 25 March 2015. Late entries will not be accepted. The festival will announce 70 finalists on 8 April 2015 who will be asked to further detail their design and to resolve production issues. 30 winners will then be announced on 29 April 2015. All winners will be required to visit Amsterdam for a site visit in May 2015, now scheduled for 11 – 13 May, the precise dates are to be announced.