Disruptia
Following its debut event in Mexico last year, Light Collective brought its “festival of disruption” to London this October, hoping to inspire its audience, and start new conversations on the future of the lighting profession.
What does it mean to be truly disruptive in the lighting industry? This is a question that Light Collective asked of the design community at Disruptia, its very own “festival of disruption”.
Held at One Friendly Place in Deptford (itself an act of disruption!), the one-day event looked to challenge the norms of lighting events and, as Martin Lupton said in his opening remarks, was a way to “gather the smartest minds in the world of tech and innovation with the smartest people in lighting, put them in a room, and get conversations going”.
The event was split between a series of “Inspiration” presentations on lighting-adjacent subjects, such as the dawn of new tech, VFX, and visual pollution, and “Conversations”, where attendees could meet with designers, engage with installations, or learn more about new, emerging technology in lighting.
Opening the event was an Inspirations session from Ghislaine Boddington, artist, curator, and host of the Fast Forward podcast series. Her talk, a mind-bending discussion titled Illuminating the Living Body: From Shadows to Sentience, explored the role of light in influencing our sensory and cognitive processes, how today’s lighting technology is transforming public spaces, immersive environments, and even our digital identity, with a glimpse into the future of human experience. Harnessing her background in dance, she discussed the “immersion world” – spaces like cathedrals and nightclubs that are designed to enhance our senses, before delving into the theory of ‘Telepresence”, and the eventual merging of physical and virtual worlds. A fascinating exploration into what may be possible in the future – and an intense way to kick off proceedings.
The second “Inspiration” talk came from Tom McLoughlin of Territory Studios, who discussed the interplay between design, fiction, and reality, examining how imagined worlds can challenge our perceptions and inspire solutions. Using examples from his work in digital art, concept designs, and science fiction films, McLoughlin demonstrated how otherworldly, forward-thinking and imaginative design for works of fiction can actually inspire real-world development, bridging the gap between fiction and reality.
Up next, MTArt Agency founder Marine Tanguy gave an incendiary talk on the power of visual literacy, and the harm that “visual pollution” and over-exposure to large-scale screen advertising can bring. In her session, she discussed the links between the overexposure to high levels of commercial imagery and lower wellbeing, contrasting with an improved wellbeing when exposed to the arts. Citing her book, The Visual Detox, Tanguy called for the need to build an inclusive visual world, and how, in times of visual cognitive overload, we can train our eyes to challenge what we see daily. As someone who regularly travels through London Euston train station and has to see the monstrous advertising screen that spans across its entire interior, there was definitely a lot to personally take away from this talk.
The final Inspirations talk came from German light art extraordinaire Christopher Bauder, who wowed the audience with some recent examples of his amazing, immersive creations. Throughout his career, Bauder has become well-known for fusing light with music in ephemeral, encompassing performances that transport viewers into a parallel world of space, light, and sound. In a free-flowing presentation, Bauder shared some behind the scenes insights from two of his latest works – Vektor, in Berlin, and Dialogue, created for Noor Riyadh 2023.
Interspersed within the Inspiration talks were a series of “Conversation” sessions. Occupying 13 different spaces across three floors, the format of these varied from interactive installations to demonstrations of new tech in lighting, to guided meditations, where lighting plays a key role.
Lighting design studio Artin Light partnered with LEDFlex, creating a scenario in which visitors could create their own lighting installation in the main talks space of the venue, experimenting with form and colour to create unique scenarios. Elsewhere, WSP and Ayrton collaborated on Light Beam, an immersive artwork that merged cinema, sculpture, drawing, and sound. Guests could play with mirrors and three-dimensional beams of light to sculpt their own beautiful creations.
Merging light art and AI, Daniel Green of Into Lighting and Digital Gyoza teamed up with formalighting for Light P{AI}nting, exploring the crossover from virtual to physical with a specially developed interaction between formalighting’s latest range of moving lights, and realtime image generation using the Krea.AI system.
Demonstrating how new technology could shape the future of lighting design, tools such as VR, AR, content engines, intelligent sensors, and even video games were examined, in conversations with Juan Ferrari and Karam Bhamra of Hoare Lea; Claude Dutson of the Royal College of Art; Sarah Cox of Neutral Human; and James Simpson of Copper Candle.
There were further demonstrations from creative minds like Frankie Boyle, Tapio Rosenius, and Moritz Waldemeyer, who each shared their own takes on the future of art, light and design. Pixmob also demonstrated how its wireless LED technology can create immersive lighting experiences synced with music. Elsewhere, in a much-needed change of pace after seeing so much disruptive innovation, Kai Diederichsen and Magali Mendez slowed things down with a meditation looking to unlock emotional awareness through coloured coded light; and Maria Vera and Viviana Caro explored the notion of “Neuromance” with a beautiful installation that intertwined light and sound that sought to examine how humans experience light as both an aesthetic and sensory phenomenon.
As the event drew to a close, guests were treated to complementary tacos and tequila – a truly disruptive way to end an event – and sent into the night full of inspiration and disruptive thoughts for the future of the industry.
Disruptia was created by Light Collective, with support from Ayrton, formalighting, LEDFlex, and Light House.
www.lightcollective.net
4750L Floodlights - Hydrel
4750L is an exterior linear floodlight designed for challenging outdoor applications, delivering high performance and efficacy. It is available in continuous runs, enabling the designer to create an uninterrupted line of light. With static white, tunable white, and RGBW options, 4750L brings a bold lighting aesthetic to elevate the nighttime experience for building and landscape features.
A new 2-foot RGBW version facilitates smaller projects requiring RGBW. It also paves the way for continuous runs that require more flexibility in the final length beyond the standard 4-foot fixture.
Mounting accessories are available for surface, ground and wall-mount. The new rotated knuckle mounting options, which are also shorter than the standard version, expand the application possibilities. Lighting designers can now place the luminaire in small spaces or closer to a facade when there is minimal set-back.
The 4750L linear floodlight family can deliver up to 2000 lumens per foot, with a high efficiency of 134 lumens per watt, for an exceptional lighting experience that requires fewer luminaires.
A modular Flow-Thru technology enhances water management: water flows around the independently sealed integral driver module and LED module. It is also equipped with field changeable LED and driver modules for ease of maintenance. The fixtures are IP67-rated.
www.hydrel.com
Evica - EP+ Superwide Gobo
Frankie Boyle's Intra-spectrum to feature at LiGHT 24
(UK) - Intra-spectrum, Frankie Boyle’s latest creation will shine at LiGHT 24. The artwork, powered by Formalighting, invites all to embrace wisdom through light and colour.
The installation will take place at the Business Design Centre in London from 20 - 21 November 2024.
Combining scientific inquiry with creative expression, Boyle’s’s work is distinguished by her mastery of physics, colour theory, and the psychology of perception. Her installations explore the intricate interplay of light and emotion, creating immersive environments that prompt introspection and self-discovery.
Cultivating her heightened sensitivity to light and deep understanding of human behaviour, her latest upcoming installation, titled Intra-spectrum, has taken inspiration from her recent explorations of the narrative of consciousness and subconscious within her body of work through the harmony of reflection and refraction.
Boyle says: “I want people to immerse themselves within the light that we shine and the light that we hold within through an array of beautiful invigorating colours. This installation is all about eliciting introspection and connection.”
This relationship with colour is something that Boyle wanted to particularly focus on during Intra-spectrum. Colour theory is a fundamental concept in art, design, and psychology that helps explain how colours interact, how they can be harmonised, and how they affect human perception and emotions.
Boyle believes that as children we are attracted to colour as our eyes are more sensitive and stimulated by brighter colours, yet as we grow older, we start to eliminate colour from our lives because we associate it with immaturity and youth. Her work aims to “reignite those rich emotional experiences that influenced how we felt, thought and behaved through play when we were younger”.
To create the kaleidoscope of various colours in this artwork, Boyle is using dichroic film; a material that exhibits different colours when viewed from different angles due to interference of light waves - creating a colour-shifting effect. This phenomenon occurs because the film selectively reflects and transmits certain wavelengths of light while others pass through, creating a multi-colour appearance depending on the observer's position.
The concept of light has heavily influenced Boyle’s work as an artist. She has shared her experiences of growing up as a neurodivergent person, who used light as a communication tool from a very early age.
Boyle adds, “Light and human behaviour were definitely the first languages I understood. That is why I am so interested in the human response to my work, physically, psychologically and emotionally. Ultimately, light is a language that everyone speaks that taps into the subconscious, connecting us to a space.”
Visitors to LiGHT 24 will be able to view the exclusively created art installation ‘Intra-spectrum’ by Frankie Boyle, which is powered by Formalighting. The installation will be found in the space between the main exhibition and the conference hall, where it will aim to ignite and resurface memories and emotions as visitors move through this space.
Discover more about Frankie’s work here: https://www.frankieboylestudio.com/Find out more and register free for LiGHT 24 here: https://www.lightexpo.london/
[d]arc thoughts programme announced for LiGHT24
(UK) – LiGHT 24, the UK's only high-end lighting exhibition, is set to be a must-attend event not just for lighting designers, but for professionals across the lighting, interior design, and architectural communities. Packed with networking opportunities and insightful talks, there's something for everyone.
Running over the two-days, the highly anticipated [d]arc thoughts programme will feature discussions with top experts in the industry. Curated and moderated by the [d]arc media editorial team, this year’s talks will explore how interiors and lighting shape our environments, with a focus on sustainability and human-centric design.
The programme kicks off on the Wednesday, covering themes on the Business of Design, Lighting and Interiors. Covering topics like: The Next Generation of Design, Time to Step Up – The Role of a Lighting Designer, Taking the Leap, and The Value of Light – AI Takeaway. Later, the "Lighting + Interiors" segment will feature talks such as Using Lighting Design to Enhance Accessibility in Interiors, presented by the BIID, and a discussion on the relationship between interior design and architectural lighting
Thursday’s programme focuses on Wellness, Sustainability, and designing for the Planet. The "Wellness" talks will address themes like Lighting Controls for People and Planet, Maximising Wellbeing in Residential Environments, and Neurodiversity & Lighting. The "Sustainability" focus will include an overview of environmental assessments in lighting, while the "Planet" section features topics such as Starlight Certification & Outdoor Lighting, A Pilot Project for Sea Turtle Conservation, and Dark Frontier: Dark Sky Friendly Lighting Schemes.
Discover the full talks programme here:
https://www.lightexpo.london/talks-programme/
Providing unrivalled networking, branding and socialising opportunities; visitors can meet with exhibitors on their stands, enjoy late-night welcome drinks during the first evening, and take part in the popular LiGHT Lunch on day two of the event. As well as multiple areas to socialise with others in the industry, such as grabbing a coffee at the on-site cafe, Jacks, on the gallery level, or heading over to the dedicated LiGHT WORK workspace for quieter surroundings, allowing you to discuss potential project collaborations in more detail.
This year's LiGHT LUNCH will feature a Women in Industry networking event, with representatives from Women in Lighting, Women Lighting Professionals, and more. Attendees can learn about these empowering initiatives and how to get involved. A panel discussion will highlight the importance of women’s groups for both women and men. Another key networking event is the Silhouette Awards, uniting the global lighting community with mentor-mentee advice, educational insights, presentations, discussions, and photo opportunities.
Helen Ankers, Managing Editor at [d]arc media, said: “We are delighted to bring the lighting and design communities together for the most anticipated UK event in the lighting industry for the third year running. LiGHT 24 is not just for lighting designers - we value bringing together inspiring leaders and passionate people to share ideas and solutions to grow the future of the entire industry. A common misconception is that trade shows dedicated to lighting specification are just for lighting specialists, yet by bringing together architects, interior designers and other professionals in the community, with innovative brands and suppliers, LiGHT 24 is the perfect opportunity to network and seek inspiration, whatever role you play in a project.”
The show takes place on 20-21 November 2024 at the Business Design Centre in London. Secure your place to attend so that you don’t miss out on any of the key show events that are on offer.
Find out more and register for FREE here: www.lightexpo.london
Lighting for Genoa wins big at Luci Cities and Lighting Awards
(International) – The city of Genoa in Italy is the winner of the cities and Lighting Award 2024.
The winning project, called Lighting for Genoa, has revitalised 10 “non-places” in the historic centre of the city through skilful use of light, designed to create gathering spaces and make this particular urban area accessible, overcoming issues related to the type of usage, safety and accessibility.
The project worked with light to create a new sense of security for the people who inhabit it, with a particular focus on women, children the elderly, minorities and vulnerable groups.
Its ten permanent lighting installations are conceived in a joint effort with local associations and residents who live and animate the areas where the project was implemented.
Clarisse Tavin, architect and group manager at City of London corporation and member of the jury, says: “It proves through creative approach of lighting we can support social interaction and sense of belonging and reconnect spaces with their community.”
The 2nd and 3rd prizes go to Eskilstuna, Sweden for the Hamgatan and MDU Plaza; and Bologna, Italy, for project ‘New Light for the Arcades, Gates, and Historic Centre.
All winners receive high international recognition for their work. On top of a number of benefits, awarded projects will be highlighted as case studies with LUCI network’s events and communication channels such as online, print and LUCI’s City and Lighting Magazine, adding to the long-term collective knowledge shared with cities internationally.
New ‘after-dark’ heritage lighting studio launched
(Europe) - Lighting designer Chiara Carucci has unveiled her new practice, Noctua, a Cultural and Natural Heritage Lighting Design Consultancy.
Carucci launched the firm to act as a bridge between research and practice, aiming to protect heritage by integrating cultural narratives with environmental responsibility, while ensuring conservation and enhancing visitor experiences.
The principle behind the company is that heritage sites are living history, and their stories should continue to be told even when the sun sets. Conservation efforts can often be focused just during daylight hours, and Noctua seeks to make more of these precious natural and built environments.
Carucci will lead Noctua's efforts in addressing heritage sites and diverse urban environments with innovative, tailored solutions. Her adaptive management process, which includes thorough analysis, hands-on testing, and stakeholder input, has already shown success in past projects. This approach will guide Noctua through all project stages, ensuring long-term value while reducing risks in cost, time, environmental impact, and ongoing operational expenses like energy and maintenance.
Noctua is teaming up with Erik Hagström, Lighting Designer, and Dr. Rosangela Addesso, Environmental Scientist, bringing together lighting and environmental expertise to ensure that Noctua can deliver sustainable, innovative solutions, especially in ecologically sensitive projects.
Carucci says: “With two decades of experience in the lighting industry, traveling for work and conferences across the world and meeting the most interesting people (and living beings) I realised that I bring a quite unique perspective to the table that I should fully embrace and take advantage of. I also quickly came to appreciate how much I enjoy collaborating with individuals who possess multiple skill sets.
“Throughout my professional journey, working alongside experts like water and traffic engineers, conservation architects, and scientists has proven invaluable. A memorable instance occurred in 2017 during a discussion about a linear park in Sweden, where the City architect raised concerns about beavers harming trees and consequently disrupting bird nests, including those of two protected species. The guidance of a zoologist and an ornithologist enabled us to devise an optimal solution for the lighting design.
“As my work in Sweden continued to broaden my perspective on the interconnectedness of ecosystems and cascading effects of our design after dark, I found myself increasingly drawn to projects that considered the needs of all living beings. I gained experience working in various environments and harmonizing the coexistence of different species. “Walking the talk” led me to an exciting project: I was offered the opportunity to design the lighting for two tourist caves that are home to protected bats, in a very delicate ecosystem. Since the project was in Italy and we had just transitioned to working remotely, I realized this was the perfect moment to scale down and focus on what truly mattered to me - serving not just people, but all living beings.”
She adds, “Fast forward three years, after moving to Cilento, Italy, while continuing to collaborate with colleagues and clients in Sweden, I found myself longing for a space dedicated to informed design - one that bridges research and practice and fosters interdisciplinary cooperation and storytelling. This vision is a reality with Noctua: I look forward to welcoming forward-thinking, passionate people to co-create new ways of living after dark.
Workspace Design Show announces 2025 theme
(UK) – The UK tradeshow on workspace design has announced the theme of ‘Activate the Senses’ for its return to the Business Design Centre from 26 – 27 February 2025.
The theme invites attendees to embark on a journey of immersive experiences that stimulate the five senses. Guests will step into a space which showcases how each ‘sense’ has a profound impact on the mind, contributing to wellbeing, engagement and productivity.
The show will explore how factors like light, sound, and temperature are crucial in workplace design but can be divisive if not carefully considered, as individuals have varying sensitivities. Elements such as acoustics, lighting, aromas, and textures contribute to a multi-sensory workspace that enhances focus and wellbeing.
Esha Bark-Jones, Co-Founder of the Workspace Design Show, says: “With the industry being at such a pivotal point of change we are looking to gain a deeper understanding of how, through research and knowledge, Technological innovations can benefit the workplace environment. We are all becoming increasingly more in tune with our personal needs and how they differ from one person to the next. Through talks, exhibitors and connections, Workspace Design Show will bring this to life.”
Scot Lim joins LEDFlex as North America Sales Director
LED Flex has expanded into North America with appointment of Scot Lim as Sales Director.
In a strategic step towards global growth, the expansion responds to an increasing demand for LED Flex products across the region, driven by the success of several projects.
Lim will lead the venture, bringing 15 years of experience in sales and business in the healthcare lighting sector. The move enables LED Flex to provide end-to-end support for designers, architects, and distributors across North America, empowering the designer to execute more impactful projects.
Helvar welcomes Kim Långström as CEO
(Finland) - International lighting manufacturer announces with immediate effect Kim Långström as CEO as of 2 September.Långström aims to foster a culture that prioritises wellbeing and innovation, aligning with
Helvar’s goals of delivering smart solutions that enhance both occupant wellbeing and energy efficiency. Under his leadership, Helvar says it will continue to invest in research and development, exploring new technologies and approaches for the smart building industry.
Previous roles for Langstrom included senior leadership positions at Schneider Electric and Kone with his expertise lying in energy-efficient building solutions, commercial operations, and market expansion strategies. His background positions him to capture new opportunities in the market which are driven by increasing demand for smart building technologies and stricter energy regulations.
"I am thrilled to officially join the Helvar family,” says Långström. "Helvar is known for its commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, and intelligent lighting solutions. I look forward to meeting our customers, partners, and the team, and building on our strong foundation to seize new opportunities and further expand our market presence.”Långström adds: "Helvar has tremendous potential to shape the future of smart buildings. I am eager to lead our efforts in innovation, reinforcing our market position, and meeting the needs of our customers and partners worldwide."
LiGHT24 hosts discussion on gender equality
(UK) – Join LiGHT 24’s discussion on why it is important for both men and women to get behind Women’s Groups in the design industry and how male colleagues and peers can help change the narrative.
On 21 November at 12:00 and the Associations Lounge will host the panel discussion on the Gallery Level of the Business Design Centre, offering an opportunity to participate in the discussion of gender equality in the workplace alongside designers and representatives from these important women's initiatives in the design industry.
Speakers on the panel include Carmela Dagnello representing Women in Lighting; Rachael Davidson representing Women in Architecture; James Poore of JPLD; Harsha Kotak representing Women in Office Design; and Neil Knowles of Elektra Lighting.
The talk will be followed by a complimentary LiGHT Lunch providing an opportunity for visitors to network with peers and find out more about these much-needed industry women's groups. Kimberly Bartlett of Women Lighting Professionals and Zoe Bonser of the Women in Furniture Network will also be in the room to answer any questions.
This event has a limited capacity sue to the size of Associations Lounge therefore interested visitors should arrive in good time. However, this event is free for all LiGHT 24 visitors, which you now register here: https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/2my29bj4rukck
Silhoutte Awards announces call for mentees
(UK) - Applications for Mentees open until December 2024.
Designers now welcome to apply for a bespoke mentorship programme through annual Silhouette Awards. Applicants must have eight years or less experience in architectural lighting. This is an opportunity to benefit from a bespoke mentorship programme led by an expert panel of judges.
To enter, applicants must complete the online applications and submit a 3 minute (max) video recording.
Twenty successful applicants will be selected and supported by one of the programme’s mentors for a six-month mentorship journey. With the help of the Silhouette Awards’ sponsors and supporters, the winners will be granted the opportunity to enhance their skill set, pursue their career ambitions, adding real value to the creativity of the industry and raising the bar for talent around the world.
This year’s line-up of mentors include:
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- Andrew Powell - Lighting Design Alliance (LDA)
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- Armaghan Ahmadi Venhari - Light-Life-Academy
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- Camila Blanco - Glare
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- Cherine Saroufim – Atelier Saroufim
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- Daniel Blaker - Nulty
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- Eugenia Cheng - LightOrigin Studio
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- Fabiana Nery Pardhanani – Glare UK
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- Lee Barker-Field - AECOM
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- Magdalena Gomez - So It Is Design Studio
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- Maneck Tandon - ATPL Lighting
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- Marc Juarez - UPC Barcelona
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- Myriam Patricia Lopez Yanez
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- Philip Hammond - BHA Lighting Design & Consulting
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- Ratna Kumari - CD+M Lighting Design
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- Sacha Abizadeh - WSP UK
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- Sergio Boccia - Sergio Boccia Lighting Design
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- Shahrzad Abtahi - Borealis Lighting Studio
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- Tim Hunt - Arup
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- Ximena Munoz Abogabir - LUXIA
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- Vinod Pillai - Studio Lumen
Katia Kolovea, Co-Founder of the Silhouette Awards, says: “We are so excited to announce our outstanding line-up of Mentors for season four of the awards. By announcing a new year of the programme, we are able to create more meaningful relationships and offer 20 more designers an opportunity to learn from a mentor’s knowledge and experience to benefit them in their careers. We are so grateful to be able to continue this success for another season, offering more experiences to all of our winning mentees for 24-25. We can’t wait to see the incredible talent representing the industry this year and encourage mentees to get their entries in as soon as possible.”
Eve Gaut, Co-Founder of the Silhouette Awards, adds: “We are overjoyed to be back with a new season of The Silhouette Awards. Over the last three years we have seen countless successful journeys and development between our mentor and mentee pairings, and it has been a rewarding experience for everyone involved. We encourage all interested mentees to apply for an experience that is much more than an award and will make a huge difference to their future career and opportunities.”
More information about how to enter can be found here: https://silhouetteawards.com/how-to-enter/
