Online lighting specification platform Spektd becomes LR Spektd following acquisition
(UK) - The online lighting specification platform Spektd has been bought by Lighting Reality. The design technology specialist now owns 100% of Spektd’s Intellectual Property rights, completing a deal that will rebrand as LR Spektd.
Lighting Reality is an independent, employee-owned company based with its own UK-based in-house development team. The company has 23 years of experience working with product & photometric data to deliver design and other productivity solutions for the challenges of lighting professionals & manufacturers.
The Worcestershire based company is most commonly known for its expertise within the street and outdoor lighting sector, this deal will enable the business to grow and develop.
Richard Hall, one of the Co-Founders of Spektd and Director at Lighting Reality said:
“We couldn’t be more delighted. Lighting Reality is the perfect home for taking usage and membership of the platform to the next level in terms of market up-take, empowering more in our profession to increase their productivity and enabling manufacturers to connect with their customers more efficiently.”
CEO of Lighting Reality, Tony Cook, “Bringing LR Spektd into the Lighting Reality portfolio makes complete sense for us as we transition from being a pure-play Outdoor Lighting Design Software house into a company offering a range of innovative, lighting-specific productivity solutions, all with the goal of empowering lighting companies & professionals to thrive – whatever the sector.”
The other Co-Founders of Spektd - Ida Moe Hoy and Andy Goodhand – will remain part of the business and will play key roles in ensuring a smooth transition and continued vision for the platform.
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Tridonic and Synergy Creativ support the ban fluorescent tubes with new sustainable remanufacturing scheme
(UK & EU) - Tridonic and Synergy Creativ have joined forces to raise awareness of the opportunities being created through the ban of fluorescent tubes.
In September 2023, T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes will be removed from sale in the UK and Europe. This is part of wider changes made by the EU Commission to the RoHS Directive, governing how lamps containing mercury must be handled. While the removal from sale will require an adaptation in working practices, there is concern that removing the whole fluorescent fitting will lead to an increase of waste and usable components going to landfill.
To counter this, Tridonic and Synergy Creativ are calling for a more measured response that highlights the sustainable benefit of the ban. Namely a remanufacturing approach where the hardware can be left in situ and lighting components in the fixture can be upgraded. To maximise the opportunity provided by the ban, building owners and asset managers can reap the benefits. The two organisations say this will offer better in longevity than replacing the tube with an LED alternative.
The remanufacturing process will mean the existing fitting is fully upgraded and reconditioned. By using reputable companies to carry out this work, building owners and operators can be assured that the latest technologies will be utilised. Synergy Creativ offers remanufacturing services through its dedicated division, Revitalite. The process involves a site visit from a member of the technical team then a test fitting is produced which will be rolled out across the premises after approval.
The ban also presents the opportunity for lighting control to be explored. As part of a remanufacturing process, wireless controls can be added to the system without the need to run cables and therefore cause disruption. Coupled with the transition to LED lighting technology, cleaner and greener systems can be introduced.
Cundall appoints Natalia Duffy as Birmingham's first Lighting Associate
(UK) – Global engineering company, Cundall, has broadened its presence in Birmingham with the appointment of Natalia Duffy as the first Lighting Associate in the region.
Specialising in lighting design, contributed to the successful delivery of projects in a range of sectors including commercial, residential, education, transport, and sports and leisure. She was also the lead designer for the public realm lighting strategy of Paradise, a new commercial and cultural hub that pays homage to Birmingham’s history and allows freedom of movement for pedestrians though the city.
Duffy’s background in both engineering and architecture allows her to combine architectural lighting concepts with engineering aspects in design solutions. In her new role as Lighting Associate, she will collaborate with Cundall’s global lighting team as well as the wider Birmingham design team, contributing her knowledge of lighting software, technologies, and the lighting industry’s policies, adding considerable value to the technical aspects of projects.
Commenting on her new role Duffy says: “I am excited to join Cundall Birmingham and add lighting design to the portfolio of design services already on offer. I have always had a passion for sustainability, and I am grateful to be working as part of a talented and energetic team, for a dynamic company with net zero commitments that resonate with my own personal beliefs and professional initiatives.”
Andrew Parkin, Partner and Global Head of Acoustics at Cundall commented: “The addition of Natalia as a Lighting Associate in our Birmingham office is something we are hugely pleased with. She has extensive experience with external lighting and environmental impact that complements our pioneering Dark Skies preservation work both in MENA and the UK and will help us achieve our ambitious net zero goals.”
Cundall’s lighting team has matured in recent years and now serves a broad geographical base with representation in three UK locations, Birmingham, Manchester, and London, in addition to Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. Duffy’s new presence in the Birmingham team, demonstrates Cundall’s ambition to grow its lighting team’s geographical base and has plans to grow their presence to Dubai and KSA.
Nulty launches new Singapore studio
(Singapore) - International lighting design studio Nulty has opened a new Singapore office in response to a recent influx of work across Southeast Asia.
Nulty Singapore is the company’s sixth international studio and its third base in Asia following the launch of Bangkok in 2019 and Pune in 2022. The expansion comes off the back of several active years in the region, which have seen the team develop a growing pipeline of projects, including multiple high-end hotels and F&B outlets, a premier department store in Manila, and a private hospital in Bangkok.
The new studio will be led by Chloe Fung, a design professional who has amassed valuable on-the-ground expertise working for lighting design practices in both Singapore and Hong Kong. Chloe will work in close partnership with Founder, Paul Nulty, Managing Director, Mark Vowles, and Director, Simon Berry, an ex-resident who spent over ten years in Singapore leading the lighting design arm at global hospitality firm Hirsch Bedner Associates.
Paul Nulty, Founder comments: “The launch comes at a crucial time for us as a business, as the scale and complexity of our work in Asia continues to evolve. It will be a huge advantage to have a local office to complement our Bangkok outpost and we are delighted to have Chloe at the helm. She will work collaboratively with our 25-strong team of designers across Asia, building on the great results that our team has achieved so far.”
[d]arc thoughts return to LiGHT 23
(UK) - [d]arc thoughts will return to LiGHT 23 on the 22 and 23 November in Islington, London.
Held on the Gallery Level of the Business Design Centre, the highly regarded talks-programme will be deliver two-days of content covering the most important topics and trends currently circling the lighting and design sectors.
Brought to you by [d]arc media’s Managing Editor Helen Ankers and the editors behind lighting design magazines arc and darc. The programme is completely free to all LiGHT 23 visitors and will feature a mix of presentations and panel discussions from leading industry professionals working with light.
Headlining the show will be the internationally renowned artist, Grimanesa Amoròs, 'Illuminating Boundaries: The Exploration and Creation of Art Through Light', followed by a Q&A session with arc magazine's editor, Matt Waring.
[d]arc thoughts will also address lighting’s role in, ‘Designing for Healthy Office Spaces’; ‘Designing for a Global Brand’; ‘Restaurant and Bar Design’; and ‘Sustainability and Circularity in Design’. There will also be a series of short presentations from lighting professionals, looking at ‘The Animated Light’; ‘Driving Human Behaviour with Light’; and ‘Parents in Lighting’, just to name a few.
“We have been inundated with designers from all areas of the industry keen to be involved in this year’s line-up and it’s been quite the challenge to narrow down our final selection,” says Helen Ankers, Managing Editor of [d]arc media. “After the success of [d]arc thoughts at LiGHT 22 last year, we have been keen to build on our offering – keeping both our content and speakers as fresh and varied as possible. While there are key topics that need to be addressed through our talks programme – such as sustainability, diversity and technology advancements – it is important to find new ways to address these existing topics. We are looking forward to announcing our final speaker selections and by working with various industry associations and media partners, we’re confident there will be something for everyone at LiGHT 23.”The full [d]arc thoughts programme and speakers will be announced this September. Find out more on the LiGHT 23 website:
LiGHT 23 announces [d]arc thoughts programme detail
(UK) - LiGHT 23he only trade show in the UK dedicated to lighting specification - will build on the success of its first year in 2022 by enhancing its offering to attract the wider design community.
LiGHT 23 wants to promote lighting specification to the whole design community, and not just to lighting designers. The show looks to encourage clients, developers, architects, and interior designers to discover how critical it is to have light at the forefront of any projects.
The show looks to highlight 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.
Aimed at designers who work with lighting in some capacity, the show and its talks programme aim to expand on topics such as understanding the effects of good and bad lighting on design schemes and the end-user, and broadening knowledge on the built environment.
The show will feature 100s of high-end lighting brands all under one roof so that residential and commercial projects of all sizes will be accommodated. Product offerings from an array of international brands will include IP-rated fixtures for bathroom and garden schemes, as well as statement decorative pieces for the hospitality market. Brands that offer bespoke solutions will also be present for clients looking for a tailored approach to a project.
LiGHT 23 will also host the highly regarded talks programme [d]arc thoughts, featuring experts from across the world of design, and moderating editors from design magazines including arc, darc, ICON, and OnOffice. The talks programme will cover topics that affect all areas of the industry, such as sustainability and circular design; designing for a global client; designing for healthy office spaces; and designing for small and large spaces, to name a few.
The show’s association partners will also support the talks programme with speakers from the likes of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID); Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID); New London Design Association (NLD); Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP); Society of Light and Lighting (SLL); and the International Association of Lighting Design (IALD).
The BIID and IALD will also be hosting members and potential new members in the Associations Lounge at the show, which will be a welcome chill out area for visiting designers throughout the two-day event. Guests can join IALD for a drink’s reception on 21 November as a part of the late-night opening and the BIID for a designers’ lunch on 22 November.
For the most recent up-to-date exhibitor list and all visitor information head to www.lightexpo.london
Arsenale Nord, Venice, Italy
Arsenale Nord is a significant historical site located in Venice, Italy. It is part of the larger Arsenale di Venezia (Venetian Arsenal), which was once one of the largest and most renowned shipyards in the world. Arsenale di Venezia played a crucial role in Venice’s maritime power during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The Arsenale was established in the 12th century as a state-of-the-art shipyard and naval depot for the Venetian Republic. It quickly became the heart of Venetian naval power, where warships and merchant vessels were built, repaired, and equipped. The Arsenale’s strategic importance played a significant role in Venice’s dominance as a maritime superpower for centuries.
LICLLAB has illuminated Arsenale Nord, using a custom-designed light product. The project demonstrates the seamless integration of artistic creativity, advanced technology, and sustainability to transform the historic site into a mesmerising visual spectacle. The company took up the challenge and crafted an extraordinary light product tailored to meet the specific needs of the iconic landmark. Its design team conducted in-depth research on Arsenale Nord’s historical significance, architectural features, and lighting requirements, collaborating closely with historians, architects, and local authorities to ensure a thoughtful and respectful design approach.
The system integrated smart controls and dynamic lighting effects to adjust brightness, colour, and intensity based on different events and occasions, transforming the site into a versatile canvas for artistic expression.
LICLLAB worked closely with heritage experts, structural engineers, and conservationists to ensure the lighting system’s installation didn’t compromise the integrity of the site. The team also employed advanced lighting simulations and mockups to assess the visual impact before the final implementation. The integration of dynamic lighting controls allowed for thematic displays during special events, festivals, and cultural celebrations, breathing new life into the site.
The results of the project were met with widespread acclaim from locals, tourists, and architectural enthusiasts alike. The lighting design enhanced the appreciation of Arsenale Nord’s architectural heritage while minimising energy consumption and light pollution.
LICLLAB’s commitment to sustainability extended beyond the design phase. The light product utilised energy-efficient LED technology, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to conventional lighting systems. Furthermore, the smart controls and dynamic lighting effects allowed for optimised energy usage based on the site’s specific needs, contributing to greener and more eco-friendly illumination.
The project serves as a testament to the power of innovative lighting solutions to transform historical landmarks into captivating artistic expressions, inspiring a new generation of architectural lighting design.
Gemma 35 IP67 Solovetro
Gemma 35 IP67 Solovetro is a recessed luminaire with extremely small dimensions and high performance. Characterised by the contrast between the evanescence of the glass and solidity of the structure. The glass is the unconditional protagonist that gives a touch of elegance to reliable fittings made to resist any weather condition. The distinctive honeycomb louver is primarily an aesthetical function but above all it grants a great low glare effect.
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Lumino announced as exclusive UK partner for Qu
(EU) - Lumino has announced an exclusive partnership with Italian lighting manufacturer Qu. Simultaneously, Qu is the exclusive partner for Lumino Italy. This collaboration represents a significant milestone for both companies and brings new lighting products to specifiers in both territories.
Qu has long been celebrated for its cutting-edge designs. Each of their lighting fixtures showcases the perfect fusion of functionality and aesthetics, making them highly sought-after by lighting designers, interior designers and architects. With Lumino's extensive network and deep understanding of the UK market, this partnership promises to bring the superior Italian lighting designs to a wider audience.
The synergy between Lumino and Qu will strengthen their shared commitment to sustainability. Both companies prioritise eco-friendly manufacturing processes and utilise energy-efficient technologies, ensuring their products not only enhance spaces aesthetically but also contribute to a greener future.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Qu, a brand synonymous with exceptional Italian design and craftsmanship. Together, we will provide the UK market with a comprehensive range of lighting solutions that fuse elegance and functionality, allowing specifiers to transform spaces with light,” says Lumino Managing Director, Andrew Small.
“It's exciting to appreciate and be partner with Lumino, from the first meeting it became clear that we share the same values and goals. We are certain that the path we will share will be dedicated to giving a further dimension to each project through light,” adds Qu CEO, Chiara Marzucco.
Michael Grubb Studio and ChapmanBDSP to headline Landscape 2023
(UK) - Landscape 2023 has announced Michael Grubb as one of its guest speakers for the annual trade event, taking place on the 27-28 September at the NEC, Birmingham.
Grubb will be the headline speaker of Wednesday’s talks to discuss his project, Lightplay in Torquay, a lit route that works in harmony with the town’s Royal Terrace Gardens. The acclaimed designer will be discussing what inspired the illuminated walkway that brings together themes of nature, wellbeing and ecology, as well as the beauty of landscaping.
Thursday will discuss Architectural Lighting and Sustainability with Fabiana Nery Pardhanani, from ChapmanBDSP. Pardhanani’s talk will discuss how collaborative design and sustainable lighting responds to the needs of humanistic sustainability and all living organisms.
Pardhanani will also be joining Landscape’s Women in the Industry event on behalf of Women in Lighting. She will be interviewed alongside leading women from different specialties by the team at #YesSheCan.
Landscape will be running networking drinks in the evening followed by the SGD Soiree on the first day of the show. This event is aimed to provide opportunities for visitors and exhibitors to network with top designers and make new connections.