GIA Equation rebrands as Equation

(UK) – Lighting design practice GIA Equation has undergone a full rebrand, changing its name to Equation.

The new name aims to reflect the fact that the studio is an independently run company from GIA, and has been for a number of years. Financially and operationally, it is unchanged and will continue to be a powerful brand, dedicated to delivering design excellence with a client-focused service.

The rebranded Equation has also launched a new website, which showcases the firm’s UK and international portfolio, covering almost every built environment sector, including commercial, residential, retail, hospitality, urban regeneration and masterplanning.

Maida Hot, Equation Managing Director, said: “From a single statement interior feature to an extensive exterior lighting scheme for a large development site, we give each project the same level of care and attention, starting from first principles, to produce designs that have maximum impact. Our thought process is firmly focused on what drives our client – it makes every project an exciting journey.”

www.equationlighting.co.uk


Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong: Current

Composed of 12 illuminated steel arches, Current is a dynamic sculpture that celebrates transformation on New York's Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Referencing the ebb and flow of river currents, currents of light, and currents of time, the sculpture, designed by Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong for the New York State Thruway Authority and ArtsWestchester, is under continual transformation. By day, the sculpture’s moving shadows and refractions of sunlight passing through the glass fins are ever-changing. In the evening, Current creates a shared spatial experience through the light animations, designed in collaboration with Arup, that respond to movements of passers-by.

Videography: Eloise Sherrid
Edited by: Eloise Sherrid and Devan Harlan
Drone footage: Kurt Orderson

www.cw-zw.com
www.arup.com


Jason Bruges Studio: Latent Façade

Inspired by the pioneering research undertaken on the Cambridge Science Park, Latent Façade is an exploration of image capture and computer vision. Its cellular form references the work of Sir Nevill Mott who first described "latent image" - the process by which light transforms hexagonal silver halide crystals within photographic film to record an invisible "trace".

During the day, two motion detection cameras become the artwork's "eyes" observing pedestrian and vehicular movements which are then recounted in real-time as animated patterns of light. At night, or during quiet spells, the artwork closes its eyes and "dreams". Using bespoke, generative algorithms, it samples a library of recorded visitor movements randomly selecting one "trace" at a time and using it as a seed for an evolving display.

Situated on the south-west and south-east façades of a landmark building designed by architects Scott Brownrigg, Latent Façade finds beauty in the mundane. By interpreting everyday actions as unpredictable, performative patterns it explores how art can transform the built environment into a dynamic ever-changing spectacle.

Film: Matthew Watt (Hotmilk Films)
Music: Tom Cove

www.jasonbruges.com


How Very Queer: LGBTQ+ Identities in the Lighting Industry

Presented in partnership with Women in Lighting, the North American Coalition of Lighting Industry Queers (NACLIQ) and Women in lighting + Design (WILD), this panel discussion acknowledges the role and experience of Queer/LGBTQ+ identities within the lighting industry, and aims to make sure that we are inclusive of all women and gender non-conforming individuals within the lighting community.

Panelists shared from their experience, and provided a history of the queer perspective, current struggles, and definitions for any who are curious to better understand their friends and colleagues under the LGBTQ+ umbrella and to open pathways of communication across the global lighting community.

Panelists:
Francesca Bastianini, WIL USA Ambassador / Principal, Sighte Studio
Alana Shepherd, NACLIQ / Principal, Intangible Light
Sophie O'Rourke, Nulty Lighting
Marién Vélez, WIL Puerto Rico/Caribbean Ambassador / 22 Studio

Resources discussed in the panel can be found here.

www.womeninlightingdesign.wordpress.com
www.womeninlighting.com
www.nacliq.org


Lutron: Athena

Introducing Athena, Lutron’s all-in-one lighting and shading solution that brings the magic of light to everyday moments.

Athena powers next-level lighting experiences for a broad variety of applications, whether intimate restaurants, boutique hotels, and a host of other work and lifestyle spaces.

Extend natural light seamlessly into your space, and easily design with any light source in one system, whether your space requires energizing light, warm dim light, natural light or colour changing Architainment light.

www.lutron.com/europe


Recolight analysis shows high recycling rate in luminaires

(UK) – Recolight has commissioned a detailed analysis to assess the recyclability if waste luminaires. The results show that more than 83% of a typical batch of luminaires can be recycled.

To perform the analysis, Recolight contractec SWEEEP Kuusakoski, based in Sittingbourne in Kent, to treat a mixed sample of three tonnes of luminaires to establish the recycling and recovery rate of materials through their recycling process.

Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey, said: “It was encouraging to learn that 83% of material recovered from our sample of three tonnes could be recycled. But it is disappointing that more than 14%, the plastic content, didn’t make the grade and was sent for waste to energy; a process that produces carbon emissions.

“It is however pleasing to note that only 2% went to landfill because it was neither recyclable nor could be used to create energy.”

With the bulk of material used for waste to energy being plastic, Recolight is calling for more incentives for manufacturers to include a proportion of plastic from recycled sources. The company would also like to see more manufacturers using plastic derived from recycling in the manufacture of new fittings in preference to using new plastic.

www.recolight.co.uk


Vivid Sydney 2021 cancelled

(Australia) – Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, has been cancelled for 2021.

Originally planned to take place from 17 September to 9 October, given the ongoing uncertainty, the NSW Government has now cancelled the event to minimise the impact on event attendees, partners, artists, sponsors and suppliers. The next edition of the event is now due to be held in May-June 2022.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, believes that Vivid Sydney can be a shining light for the community to look forward to next year.

“As we work together to contain the current outbreak and get our community vaccinated, we can all look forward to the return of major events like Vivid Sydney that bring us together in celebration,” he said.

“Vivid Sydney 2022 will shine brighter than ever – our artists and creative industries are so eager to put on a show and we can’t wait to see the Harbour City shining brightly again.

“We thank everyone who has contributed to the planning for Vivid Syndey 2021. Of course, it is incredibly disappointing to cancel for the second year, but the most responsible decision was to cancel early, giving everyone certainty and minimising impacts where possible.

“The health and safety of our community is our highest priority, which is why we’re encouraging everyone to get vaccinated so we can get back to enjoying Covid-safe events again soon.”

www.vividsydney.com


Xicato and amBX announce strategic partnership

(USA/UK) – Xicato and amBX have announced a strategic partnership to integrate Xicato’s smart wireless controls with amBX SmartCore lighting control software.

The strategic partnership offers the smart building industry a complete intelligent and wireless solution that includes lighting, sensor and data management within one unified and simple to use platform, eliminating the need for separate control systems by functionality.

“The integration of the amBX SmartCore lighting control software with the Xicato Intelligent Gateway provides new opportunities for specifiers, designers and installers of smart lighting systems, uniting two highly innovative solutions into one single platform,” said Andre Jutel, Business Development Manager at amBX. “The promise of intelligent, fully integrated hardware and smart control offers unique interoperability with other systems such as building management solutions, security and access control.”

April Mitchell, VP of Channel Marketing at Xicato, added: “Wireless connected Xicato devices can now be used with the powerful amBX SmartCore lighting software system, delivering reporting and visually representative operational data in real-time. Additionally, amBX’s recent addition of smart emergency lighting control to their product suite is a further benefit, as this functionality is a highly popular request from Xicato’s worldwide customers.”

www.xicato.com
www.ambx.com


New Chairman of the Board at Trilux

(Germany) – Trilux has announced that Hubertus Volmert has taken over as Chairman of the Board, replacing Michael Huber on 1 July.

“It’s good to know that the company’s fortunes will remain in the capable hands of an experienced company and market expert,” said Huber of the changeover. The longstanding general representative will also continue to support the company in accordance with the shareholders’ resolution. Moving forward, he will focus on the active, strategic orientation and management of Trilux as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

In his 16 years of management within Trilux, Huber, as a general representative of the company’s shareholders, has succeeded in realigning the traditional family and making it fit for the future. “The ever-changing technology pushes have been challenging but have also shown how dynamically a family-owned company can distinguish itself in the high-tech sector,” he said.

Huber’s successor as Chairman of the Board, Hubertus Volmert, has been part of the Trilux family since 2006, and has actively promoted the technological transfer process in recent years.

As Chairman of the Board, he will lead the three-member board in the future, joining CFO Johannes Huxol and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Joachim Geiger. The Trilux board is also supported by Michael Blum, Managing Director Sales Germany, and Klaus Röwekamp, Managing Director Technology.

www.trilux.com


Institution of Lighting Professionals release new Professional Lighting Guide

(UK) – The Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) has released PLG26, a new Professional Lighting Guide on Corrosion Protection of Minor structures.

The guide is a follow on from Technical Report 26 (TR26) Painting of Lighting Columns. This was published in 2003, and additions have been made to it over the years, such as a root protection and galvanising guidance, but the core document has remained the same.

PLG26 however, covers changes to the classification of lighting columns and signposts as minor structures in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. The newly published guidance will therefore be of use to those considering improving or constructing minor structures, such as lighting columns, signposts, CCTV columns and masts on roads, car parks, rail, docks, harbours and airports. The document can be of use to a wide range of similar situations for public sector, retail, commercial and leisure industries.

“PLG26 is a vital publication aimed at civil engineers, exterior lighting professionals, asset managers, contractors, professionals, designers and manufacturers,” said the ILP. “It provides a comprehensive and impartial guidance on a wide range of corrosion protective systems, their preparation, application and maintenance.”

More information on how to order a copy online can be found here. ILP members can view it for free.

www.theilp.org.uk


Silhouette Awards launched to shine light on rising stars

(Worldwide) – Archifos and Parrot PR and Marketing have launched the Silhouette Awards – a new awards programme designed to shine a light on emerging talent within the lighting industry.

Focused on providing support to young professionals, the Silhouette Awards will provide a platform to showcase young industry talent, offering much-deserved recognition and publicity for their achievements to date, followed by six months of mentorship with a senior lighting professional.

The newly launched awards have garnered significant industry support, with supporters including [d]arc media, apdi, Designers Mind, IALD, Lightecture, Skills Army and the SLL, while sponsors to date include Delta Light, Filix Lighting, formalighting and Vode Lighting.

The goal for the awards is to find the industry’s rising stars, who have the vision and ambition to steer and lead the industry in the coming years. Shortlisted nominees will be invited to an interview led by an expert panel of judge mentors, comprising senior influential lighting designers who are on the lookout to nurture young talent and help other likeminded individuals benefit from their own personal experiences.

The panel of judge mentors comprises a dynamic group of senior lighting professionals from across the world, all aligned with the vision of giving back to the industry. The line-up of mentors includes: Melissa Mak, Marcus Steffen, Suzan Tillotson, David Gilbey, Dario Nunez Salazar, Monica Luz Lobo, Linus Lopez, Beata Denton, Fernando Mazzetti, Sam Koerbel, Lara Elbaz, Anna Sbokou, Rouzana Kopti, Ruth Kelly Waskett, Martin Klassen, Star Davis, Michael Grubb, Marci Song, Jonathan Rush and Victor Palacio.

Eve Gaut, Founder of Parrot PR and Marketing, commented: “We felt there was a real gap in the market in rewarding and supporting the latest talent in our industry through something more than a conventional awards programme. Asa mentor, I feel strongly that young people should be supported, and given the opportunity to rise and excel further, so the Silhouette Awards seemed the perfect project for Parrot and Archifos to collaborate on. We have a shared passion to nurture young people, and to give back to the industry that we love so much. We feel confident the Silhouette Awards will deliver just that.”

Katia Kolovea, Founder of Archifos, added: “Having been recognised for my commitment to the industry at a young age, I strongly believe that there needs to be a platform for the rising stars of today – one that goes beyond a trophy and offers continued support.

“Receiving recognition early in my career proved to be invaluable to me and my future endeavours, and I hope the Silhouette Awards will also provide others with this opportunity to shine, build confidence and discover their professional potential with the support of their mentor. Mentorship is important for growth in all aspects of life and the mentor-mentee relationship is vital for everyone to experience.”

For more info on the Silhouette Awards and how you can get involved, contact info@silhouetteawards.com.

www.silhouetteawards.com


Lighting Design International announce new promotions

(UK) – Lighting Design International (LDI) has announced the promotion of Ben Ferris and Charlotte Svenson to Associates.

Sally Storey, Founding Director of LDI, said of the promotions: “I am excited to share the wonderful news of the new promotions within LDI. Ben and Charlotte have demonstrated their expertise and knowledge over many years and many completed projects. I am extremely proud of the design team and what we have achieved in these challenging times. We are all looking forward to new, exciting adventures in light.”

Ferris joined LDI in 2008, having gained experience in product design and custom lighting design and manufacture. His experience and dedicated approach to creative design across a broad range of projects, including private residential, retail, yachts and hospitality, have brought success in a number of awards, including the IALD Radiance Award in 2019.

“After a challenging year, I’m looking forward to the opportunities my new role will bring,” he said. “With everything beginning to return to normal, it’s an exciting period at LDI, adding additional motivation to continue working with our fantastic and talented team, providing the best in creative lighting design.”

Svenson studied Product Design ad Central Saint Martins, learning hands-on skills for design and technology. This hands-on approach and creative skill have led to her working on several iconic projects, including the Lanesborough Club & Spa London, The Edwardian Manchester, The Savoy, and Claridge’s. Her portfolio also includes private residences and villas around the world. Svenson also has extensive experience working on superyachts, with 11 completed and two more completing this year.

She added: “It has been great to be a part of the LDI family over the last 13 years. I have had the privilege of working with some of the most creative minds in the industry and am thankful to those who have taught and inspired me along the way. I look forward to my new role and working with others to help shape LDI’s future.”

Further moves have also been made within LDI, with Tim Gurl, Cashel Brown and Christian Haimes promoted to Senior Designers.

www.lightingdesigninternational.com