Ellie Walton

[d]arc awards entries are now open

(UK) – You can now enter your 2024 projects and products into the [d]arc awards, the international lighting design awards organised by [d]arc media.

Entries will then be taken through a shortlisting process where a panel of esteemed lighting designers will decide who will make it through to the voting process. Every entry will be displayed online for full exposure and every entry will receive a free profile in the online darc directory.

This is the only lighting design awards in the world to use a peer-to-peer voting system, where the winners are chosen by the lighting design community. As a thank you, each voter will the receive an invitation to attend the beloved [d]arc awards night, an evening celebrations and partying, and where the winners will be announced.

There are 14 categories in total – covering high and low budget lighting design projects, as well as light art installations, and products.

The architectural categories include:

• Structures Low Budget
• Structures High Budget
• Place Low Budget
• Places High Budget
• Spaces Low Budget
• Spaces High Budget
• Event

Head to the [d]arc awards website to enter now entries  www.darcawards.com/

Entries close on the 25^th of January 2025.

by Ellie Walton

One Click LCA and Recolight partner for carbon transparency

(UK) - One Click LCA, a provider of life-cycle assessment (LCA), and environmental product declaration (EPD) software, announce a reseller partnership with Recolight.

The agreement follows the launch of One Click LCA’s Luminaires EPD Generator, a tool to streamline manufacturing of EPD for lighting products.

By generating LCAs and EPDs, lighting manufacturers will better understand the carbon impact of its products and satisfy increasing specifier and client requirements for achieving green certifications like BREEAM, LEED, Net Zero, and more.

Key benefits of the partnership:

• Simple EPD generation: One Click LCA’s intuitive EPD software automates the process, helping lighting manufacturers to save time and resources.
• Market differentiation & benchmarking: EPDs will help lighting manufacturers stand out in a competitive market by showcasing its products’ environmental performance.
• Meeting customer demand: With EPDs, lighting manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to reducing carbon, meet green procurement standards, and attract sustainability-focused customers.
• Expert guidance: Recolight and One Click LCA’s understanding of the lighting industry will provide support and guidance to companies helping them cut through the complexity of environmental metrics.

Panu Pasanen, Founder and CEO at One Click LCA, says: “This collaboration with Recolight highlights our commitment to decarbonising the lighting industry. Recolight’s extensive network of luminaire manufacturers will benefit from combined access to world-leading LCA and EPD software, and support and consulting to enable them on their decarbonisation journey.”

Nigel Harvey, CEO at Recolight, adds: “An increasing number of specifiers and end-users are now demanding credible environmental metrics as part of their lighting procurement and specification.  Those companies that move early will gain a competitive advantage.  We are delighted that through our partnership with One Click LCA, we can provide access to industry leading LCA and EPD software that enhances embodied carbon transparency and helps both specifiers and manufacturers move towards a low carbon future.”

www.recolight,com

www.oneclicklca.com

by Ellie Walton

Nichia Announce 2024 European Roadshow

(Europe) - LED manufacturer, Nichia, launches sustainability focused roadshow across Madrid, Lyon, and London 2024.

This event will gather top industry experts, architects, lighting designers, and manufacturers to delve into lighting technology and conscious design to create spaces that enhance the way people live, work, and interact with their environments.

The roadshow will unveil sustainable lighting innovations leveraging the latest advances in LED technology, solutions that enhance light quality to engage more profoundly with human experience, cultural context, and biophilic principles, fostering a closer connection to nature within built environments.

Featuring a comprehensive agenda including a sessions that address local design challenges and opportunities along with hands-on lighting demonstrations to allow participants to engage directly with technology solutions both in architecture and automotive lighting.

The roadshow starts with a half-day forum on 19 September held at the Four Seasons Madrid. The programme includes conference-style presentations featuring contributions from Anoche Iluminación, Arkilum, ARUP, Estudio Lamela, Formula Luci, MadeinLED and sAtt. The presentations will explore luxury retail and hospitality lighting along with lighting design powered by Nichia in Centro Canalejas Madrid.

Attendees will also participate in a roundtable debate, led by a panel of industry experts and moderated by Lightecture, on the challenges and opportunities to promote sustainability and well-being in architectural projects.

Part two is held in Lyon on 6 November and will present topics including high CRI for indoor automotive applications, and the convergence between architectural and automotive lighting. Guest speakers include ENTPE, Cluster Lumière, Gaggione, Stilec, and Formula Luci.

Dr Ulf Meiners, Managing Director of Nichia Europe, says: “Nichia is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of sustainable lighting technology to achieve unparalleled light quality. Our roadshow is an opportunity to share this vision with the architects, designers, and innovators who will bring it to life. These events will not only showcase our latest advancements but also serve as an engaging platform for collaboration with our customers, as we work together to shape the future of lighting.”

www.nichia.com

by Ellie Walton

Goldensea Acquires SGM

(Worldwide) - SGM Lighting AS, will be under new ownership of Goldensea.

Established in Italy in 1975, and now located in Aarhus, Denmark, SGM is a well-respected lighting manufacturer pioneering the use of IP65 moving lights before, more recently, focusing on architectural lighting. Both these aspects create strong synergies with Goldensea which is investing heavily in both entertainment and architectural IP65 solid state lighting products.

As a globally renowned brand, SGM has always focused on technological innovation, being the first in the industry to launch all-weather waterproof moving head fixtures.

SGM’s unique patented technology covers both the architectural and stage lighting portfolios, and its products are well-known in the industry for low maintenance costs, unique design, and consistent performance.

Recognising the qualities and potential within SGM, Goldensea identified complementary aims and philosophies between the two companies, and the benefits its financial investment can bring to SGM’s product development and growth.

“Our investment in SGM aligns with Goldensea’s future strategic and long-term development plans,” says Christopher Agius Ferrante, VP Goldensea.“The purchase of SGM is highly complementary to our existing business, and will help to enrich and strengthen the product range and expertise that we can offer all our clients – for both architectural and stage lighting equipment.”

Goldensea states that all SGM Denmark staff will remain in place. “We strongly value the whole SGM team and are excited to have them on board as we seek to invest and grow in our determination to make SGM sustainably successful,” continues Ferrante.

SGM Light has begun the process of reviewing existing orders and will be contacting all customers to discuss these orders, advise of new lead times and deliver other pertinent information.

Due to the necessary change in legal entity, all customers are advised that new orders will need to be placed in lieu of the existing orders for them to remain valid.

In the coming days, SGM will also be able to accept new orders for all current SGM products.

SGM also announces that all existing warranties which were valid under the old entity are to be honoured going forward.

www.sgm.com

www.goldensea.com

by Ellie Walton

Sofia Hagen designs installation for Spotlight 2024

(Austria) - From 9-12 October, Spotlight in Feldkirch by the Lichtstadt association, will showcase an installation by artist and architect, Sofia Hagen.

The London-based multidisciplinary artist and architect from Vorarlberg, Austria created the installation fusing art, design, and architecture. Crystaline features metres tall, illuminated salt crystal, prominently positioned in the historic centre of Feldkirch.

This central piece is accompanied by smaller crystals, all of which are crafted from recycled medical plastic waste using advanced 3D printing technology. These sculptures are not only visually striking but also incorporate specifically designed light and sound elements that interact with the surrounding architecture, creating an immersive experience.

The installation offers a blend of sustainable materials, technology, and artistic expression that harmonises with a historic context. The event is set to be a captivating experience, showcasing Sofia Hagen's talent in combining various artistic disciplines with a focus on environmental sustainability.

Hagen says:  "Crystalline is a beautiful collaborative journey where we were able to explore the frontiers of cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and multi-sensory light art. The success of this project hinged on the dedicated teamwork involved: from my advanced 3D printing partners and software engineers who pushed their robots to the limit, to the structural, installation, and lighting engineers who transformed our innovative methods into a striking piece of art. And ultimately, turning the light art installation into an immersive experience, the ephemeral, poetic soundscape was composed specifically for ‘Crystalline’, perfectly complementing its context within Feldkirch's medieval centre.”

The light art installation is open to the public and is free of charge.

www.lichtstadt.at/en/spotlight-

by Ellie Walton

LiGHT 24 Welcomes All Designers

(UK) – The only trade show in the UK dedicated to lighting specification provides an incredible opportunity for designers to discover new technologies, solutions and inspiration.

Lighting is one of the first things that designers should consider when working on a project. The importance of working with the right tools and having the right knowledge to produce the best light – and in turn the best environment for the end user – is undeniable.

A common misconception is that trade shows dedicated to lighting specification are just for lighting specialists. Yet by bringing together architects, interior designers and lighting designers with innovative brands and suppliers, LiGHT 24 is the perfect opportunity to find the right lighting for your next project, whatever the role you play.

So, if you’re not a lighting designer, what does LiGHT 24 have to offer you?

If you are looking for ways to more seamlessly integrate the right lighting solutions into your project designs, you can learn more about the effects of lighting on design schemes and the end user. LiGHT 24 will feature 100s of high-end decorative and architectural lighting brands all under one roof. With brands from all over the world on show, it is guaranteed that there will be a product at LiGHT 24 that fits the brief for your next project.

A dedicated space for decorative and design-led lighting brands returns to the gallery level for a second year, focused on providing a space to collaborate, inspire and specify decorative, design-led lighting solutions all under one roof.

This year, the Associations Lounge will host a number of industry associations from the architecture, interior design, and lighting communities, providing a comfortable space for designers to meet with colleagues and gain vital information on the advantages of memberships with these associations.

Not only that, but the next [d]arc thoughts talks programme is taking place at LiGHT 24. This highly-regarded talks programme will feature experts from across the world of design and editors from speciality design magazines, while covering project highlights and topics that affect all areas of the industry. Watch this space for a full talks programme announcement coming very soon!

Are you ready to meet like-minded individuals and make connections in the lighting, interior design and architecture communities? LiGHT 24 offers visitors multiple unrivalled networking opportunities, including late-night welcome drinks during the first evening and the popular LiGHT LUNCH on day two of the event. This year, LiGHT LUNCH will be centred around a Women in Industry networking event – this brunch with representatives from Women in Lighting, Women Lighting Professionals, Women in Office Design, Women in Architecture, and the Women in Furniture Design Network, offers an in-person insightful opportunity to find out more about these empowering initiatives and how to get involved.

Another networking opportunity will be the Silhouette Awards event, which involves the entire global lighting community, featuring advice from the programme’s mentors and mentees, education insights, presentations, discussions, and all-important photo opportunities.

LiGHT WORK will also make a welcome return to the show, with visitors making good use of the dedicated workspace area to network, hold meetings, or complete office tasks, while offering dedicated wi-fi, free coffee, and charging points so that you don’t need to leave the show floor to do vital work.

LiGHT Expo values bringing together inspiring leaders and passionate people to share ideas and solutions to grow the future of the industry. For all visitor information, visit: www.lightexpo.london

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring and influential event! Registration is now OPEN > LiGHT 2024

by Ellie Walton

Metaroom and DIALux partner on 3D Modelling app

(Austria) – From mid-September, users can send 3D scan data from Amrax’s Metaroom solution directly to DIALux’s planning software, allowing precise light plans for each room.

The Metaroom app is an advanced 3D scanning app, driven by the power of AI, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) technologies. This enables professionals in spatial planning industries to envision and redefine spaces.

The Metaroom solution is a workflow consisting of Metaroom app for capture and Metaroom Studio for optimisation before export, which is available on iPhone Pro or iPad Pro*. The scans are then uploaded to the cloud, generating true-to-scale 3D models within seconds. Users can then use Metaroom Studio, to enrich these 3D models with additional information before exporting.

DIALux is utilised by more than 750,000 active users to design, calculate, and visualise lighting for both indoor and outdoor areas. Featuring real luminaires from over 412 DIALux members, users can create unique atmospheres and generate comprehensive project documentation. Available in 26 languages, DIALux supports a worldwide network of lighting professionals and adheres to the open BIM approach. The integration with Metaroom is also based on open BIM and IFC standards.

Metaroom promises to save lighting time when designing and placing luminaires. Projects can be downloaded from Metaroom Studio and imported into DIALux. The planning results can then be exported as an IFC model for the Open BIM process or other programs, significantly reducing the workload.

Martin Huber, CEO of Amrax, says: “Advances in 3D modelling, software and AI are combining to democratise design. Lighting designers and electrical planners now have access to powerful tools that significantly enhance efficiency, enabling them to serve more customers in less time. This is going to lead to a revolution in how buildings are designed and how we all interact with our built environment.

Huber adds: "Partnerships between cutting edge solutions like Metaroom and DIALux are key to powering this change. By creating an extensive ecosystem of lighting design solutions, we will significantly improve accessibility, reduce costs and bring spatial design to the mainstream.”

Dieter Polle, CEO at DIALux, adds: “Simply scan the room with your smartphone and start planning right away. Wouldn't that be fantastic? By integrating Metaroom into DIALux, this is now possible. The time-consuming task of constructing the geometry before starting the actual lighting design is eliminated. Martin's team and their solution have convinced us. The integration follows our Open BIM strategy technologically. With this integration, we've made life a bit easier for lighting designers.”

www.dialux.com

www.amrax.ai

by Ellie Walton

DALI Alliance to Host First DALI North America Summit

(USA) - The DALI Alliance, the global industry organisation for DALI, announces its first North American DALI Summit, taking place on 30 October, 2024, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.

 The Summit promises a range of topics surrounding sustainability, smart buildings, DALI-2 certification, D4i use, and the integration of DALI with building management systems.

Attendees will benefit from expert-led presentations, interactive workshops, and panel discussions designed to address the current challenges and opportunities within the lighting industry.

Key Highlights:

• Explore the Latest DALI Technologies and Applications: Gain insights into cutting-edge innovations and practical implementations in the field of DALI lighting control.
• Network with Leading Figures and Peers: Connect with industry experts and fellow professionals to exchange ideas and build valuable relationships.
• Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Participate in selected sessions to earn CEUs and enhance your professional development.

Paul Drosihn, General Manager for DALI Alliance, says: “This is the first time we have brought the DALI Summit to North America, and we are excited to connect with our peers and friends in the industry to share knowledge and best practices. We have listened to the feedback from our members, and we are committed to opening up our knowledge base and sharing expertise on DALI technology. The summit is a key part of our efforts to expand the educational opportunities available to our members and other stakeholders. We are looking forward to sharing this special event with members of the lighting industry.”

Early bird registration is now open until September 1. More information can be found here.

ww.dali-alliance.org

by Ellie Walton

LIA launches updated website

(International) - On 2 July, 2024, the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) launched its newly refreshed website. A significant milestone for the organisation, the launch went live marking its commitment to developing initiatives that enhance member experience and support personal development.

Megan Henshaw, Marketing Manager at the LIA, explained: “A fresh-faced website was imperative to our goals for 2024 as it became clear we needed a platform to better reflect The LIA as we are today and create a site that is easier to navigate for members and the industry.”

The website takes on a modern look while introducing two new features: an Online Learning Portal and a Member Engagement Platform. The former offers courses tailored from introductory to advanced technical skills, to behavioural and leadership development.

The Member Engagement Platform is a space for members to connect, share insights, and access exclusive content. This platform contains resources such as industry articles and webinars, while having the opportunity to interact with peers, gain knowledge, and find the latest trends within the sector.

Teresa Beazley, Commercial & Training Manager, commented: “It’s important to recognise the needs of people within the industry have changed, and offering learning opportunities that fit around busy work and life commitments is essential to bridging the emerging skills gap, while engaging and retaining talent. Our new online training portal brings a range of new content to life, while making it as accessible as possible.”

Ayça Donaghy, CEO of The LIA, added: “The launch of our new website, online learning platform, and member engagement platform represents a significant step forwards for The LIA. We are committed to providing our members with the best possible resources and a platform that supports their professional development and engagement within the industry. This new site is a testament to our dedication to continuous improvement and innovation.”

www.thelia.org.uk

by Ellie Walton