LEDucation 2026 Speaker Submission Opens
(USA) – The call for speakers at next year’s LEDucation conference, taking place on 14-15 Apil at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City, is now open.
LEDucation is renowned for its dynamic presentations, lively panel discussions, and compelling case studies that dive into the most pressing and emerging issues in the lighting industry. The conference highlights groundbreaking technologies, the latest regulatory updates, key industry challenges, and exciting new lighting trends. All sessions are AIA CES-approved, with many offering AIA HSW credits – making it a must-attend event for professionals eager to stay at the forefront of lighting innovation.
“As the lighting industry navigates rapid advancements, shifting regulations, and ongoing challenges, we’re more inspired than ever to hear from thought leaders who are driving progress and developing strategic solutions. We look forward to fresh perspectives, forward-thinking ideas, and impactful topics to offer our attendees. Expertise is essential to guiding the future of lighting, and we are excited to see the 2026 proposals that come in,” state LEDucation Presentations Committee co-chairs, Wendy Kaplan, Kelvix; Craig Fox, ETC; and Shaun Fillion, RAB/NYSID.
Speaker submissions require a detailed abstract and four (4) clear and measurable learning objectives for proposed sessions.
LEDucation is seeking presentations on the following topics:
- Sustainability and material transparency
- Codes and compliance issues
- Lighting for health and wellbeing
- Lighting design tools, communication, metrics, and methodologies
- The business of lighting in different market sectors
- Emerging LED, OLED, and controls technologies
- Case studies of lighting design applications.
- Lighting design and specification topics.
Proposals are welcome from speakers representing a diverse range of backgrounds reflecting the broad array of industry insights. Proposals will not be accepted from marketing companies, third-party entities, life coaches, or business coaches. Keynote speakers will not be considered.
Presentation proposals must be submitted by 15 September, 2025. Complete guidelines, requirements and application information can be found on the LEDucation website, along with past presentations, for reference.
International Year of Light: 10 Years Later...
10 years ago, UNESCO launched the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies - a year-long celebration of light and its impact on human society, that spawned a number of lighting events, including the very first [d]arc awards. 10 years later, we look back on its impact and its legacy.
In 2015, something extraordinary happened. Under the patronage of UNESCO and adopted by the United Nations, the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015) launched a global celebration of light – its science, its applications, and its profound importance to human society. What started as a science-led initiative quickly evolved into something broader and more inclusive, thanks to the passion and persistence of the lighting design community, and the support of UNESCO. Ten years later, as arc magazine celebrates the newest winners of the [d]arc awards – a programme born from that very same momentum – we pause to reflect on how IYL 2015 changed the course of lighting design history.
The Origins
The first idea for an International Year of Light dates back to 2009, when IYL 2015 Steering Committee Chair John Dudley proposed the ideal while representing the Quantum Electronics and Optics Division (QEOD) of the European Physical Society (EPS) at a meeting of the International Council of Quantum Electronics (ICQE) in Baltimore, USA. An item that was discussed at this meeting was how to follow up activities that were planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the laser in 2010 with something even more ambitious. The photonics community felt that there was an opportunity to reach out beyond the scientific sector to raise much broader awareness of the problem-solving potential of light-based science in so many areas of life, and to make a global effort to influence education and policy in both developed and developing countries. The proposal was endorsed by ICQE, which then began the path towards IYL 2015.
International Years are part of the United Nations declared observances, designed to promote awareness of issues relevant to its aims and international programmes. The first step to successfully achieve the proclamation of the International Year is to work through UNESCO to prepare and submit a resolution to the UN General Assembly; but before this, EPS had to construct the proposal in detail, and build a consortium amongst the major optics and physics societies. During 2010 and 2011, the main motivations and goals for IYL 2015 were drafted, and it was decided that 2015 would be the target year, based on several key scientific anniversaries.
Reflecting on these initial conversations, John Dudley tells arc: “It was extremely difficult to learn how to interact within the UN system. Luckily, we were helped by Ana Maria Cetto from Mexico, who had extensive previous experience with UNESCO and the UN, as well as the late Professor Francis Allotey from Ghana. With their help, we were able to cross the starting line to launch the political process with a draft resolution to UNESCO. Once the resolution was adopted at UNESCO in 2012 in Paris, it opened the door to visiting New York and speaking at UN Headquarters in 2013. [The date of this meeting was 16 May 2013 – the day that, coincidentally, became the UNESCO International Day of Light] A number of member states then took up the process, and a formal proclamation was made at the UN General Assembly in December 2013.”
With the official UN green light, work accelerated during 2014 to put into place all the structures to ensure the success of the year – fundraising, enhancing the network of organisations supporting the initiative, increasing the number of IYL National Nodes, and reaching out to non-scientific communities such as artists and architects.
In the UN’s Executive Summary of IYL 2015, published in July of 2016, an official statement defined the primary objectives of the year as follows: “The International Year afforded an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate the importance of light science and its applications in contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In particular, light-based technologies contribute directly to the effective achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, given that they provide practical and cost-effective solutions to challenges in areas such as agriculture and food science, energy and the environment, poverty eradication, water purification, combating diseases and climate change. Moreover, light science is an inspiring subject to stimulate children’s interest in education, and industries based on photonics are major economic drivers.
“A central aim of the International Year was to raise global awareness of the importance of those issues, and to stimulate associated capacity-building and research in the basic sciences and engineering. It also promoted the themes of visual arts and culture, architecture, and light pollution.”
From the Shadows into the Spotlight
However, when IYL 2015 was first proposed, lighting design wasn’t part of the conversation. The focus was firmly on photonics, optical technologies, and scientific breakthroughs. But lighting designers knew that light was more than data and devices.
A grassroots petition emerged, gathering momentum to include lighting design within IYL's framework. Thanks to the excellent organisation of the IYL2015 Global Secretariat, and particularly to the welcoming support of ICTP, UNESCO Category I Institute, the outcome transformed the initiative itself: lighting design wasn't merely recognised – it became integral to IYL's identity, illuminating light's artistic, cultural, and social dimensions alongside its scientific achievements.
Recalling the extra support that the lighting design community brought to IYL 2015, Dudley adds: “Aspects of public lighting quality, culture, and design were essential in reaching the general public. UNESCO has three key words in the acronym: education, science, culture. But experience shows it’s much easier to attract people to an education/science event if there is a light show that showcases art, design, and broader themes.”
It was in this context that the Lighting-Related Organisations (L-RO) coalition was born: a voluntary federation of 45 international associations, institutions, the academic world and media (including arc magazine), formed to ensure the built environment and human experience were part of the global light conversation.
Soon after, the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), a founding L-RO member, became a patron sponsor of IYL2015, underscoring its commitment to promoting the power and potential of light on a global stage. IALD's sponsorship and active involvement were crucial in elevating the visibility and importance of architectural lighting design within the broader celebration of light during IYL 2015, particularly highlighting its relevance to the built environment and human wellbeing.
The Emotion-driven Technology
Lighting designers brought something to IYL 2015 that no one else could: a unique blend of science, art, and empathy. As Joe Niemela, Global Coordinator for IYL 2015 at UNESCO, stated in an interview for issue 82 of arc magazine (then known as mondo*arc), "I think the role of Lighting Designers should be… BIG." Designers showed how light isn’t just functional – it’s emotional. It shapes behaviour, fosters connection, creates identity, and uplifts communities.
The IYL platform made it possible for the wider world to see what designers had long understood: that light can help make a street feel safe, a home feel warm, or a public space feel magical. Through exhibitions, educational events, public interventions, and artistic installations, lighting designers around the world illuminated the human and space experience of light. Meanwhile, education-based events were held worldwide demonstrating the physics and magic of light for students, professionals, and citizens alike.
Amongst the many events launched to coincide with IYL 2015 (of which Dudley believes there were “more than 13,000”), UNESCO held an official Opening Ceremony on 19-20 January 2015 in Paris, France, whose 55 speakers included UNESCO leaders, five Nobel laureates, distinguished international scientists, students, representatives of non-governmental organisations, former CEO of Signify, Eric Rondolat, and then-IALD President, Barbara Horton. A closing ceremony was held in Mérida, Mexico, from 4-6 February 2016, in which follow-up actions were defined for the future. The ceremony was accompanied by art events, a high school outreach programme, a film festival, and a light installation at the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá.
Several countries obtained high-level support and patronage from Heads of Stage, while several governments officially recognized the International Year. Many countries chose light as the theme for important national science education initiatives, while regionally, the European Commission provided €2.65million for coordination and support in 30 European countries to promote the importance of light science and careers in photonics to young people, entrepreneurs, and the general public. It is this involvement in education that Dudley recalls the most fondly. He said: “Personally, I really liked the events I was involved in at schools – seeing the enthusiasm of young people for light was remarkable. 10 years later, I am regularly contacted by people who participated in outreach events in schools during 2015, and who are now continuing the legacy in their own careers.”
Reflecting on IYL 2015 10 years later, Joe Niemela recalls how the diversity of lighting as both a concept and a profession added to this broad array of lighting events: “The term ‘light’ attracted many different and important segments of society. For instance, light artists were very active during the year, as were the lighting community, in terms of improved living and working spaces, spectral tuning of digital lighting sources for wellbeing and productivity and affordable and accessible lighting in the many parts of the globe that lack it, thereby providing light that enhances education and also safety.
“Then there were elements of light as a philosophical concept (enlightenment, knowledge, etc), which reached directly to cross-sectoral aspects of UNESCO and also attracted, for example, the Vatican (which produced its own commemorative postage stamp), and of course, the optics and photonics community providing, amongst other things, applications of affordable technology to aid in food production, water purification, healthcare, and more throughout the developing and developed world. This diversity in partners mirrored the diversity of our societies, reflecting the need to work together for sustainable solutions to pressing societal challenges. Raising awareness of the potential of light and light-based technologies to improve our quality of life – across a broad spectrum of society – was directly connected to the overall success of the year.”
L-RO members and countless volunteers donated their time, energy, and expertise throughout the year. This collective effort – driven by commitment, passion, and professionalism – fostered a global community united by light's potential. Their dedication transformed IYL 2015 from celebration into movement, creating ripples that continue expanding today.
Lighting a Legacy
The L-RO’s final publication, We Are Light, captured the spirit of this transformation. The IALD supported this initiative, printing the booklet as a great effort of cooperation and advocacy. We Are Light presented the activities organised by L-RO to celebrate the Year of Light, and emphasised on expanding the knowledge of lighting beyond the profession, planting the seeds for cross-disciplinary thinking that continues to flourish today.
And while the International Year of Light officially ended, its energy lives on in lighting festivals, academic programmes, social impact projects, and design communities. It lives on in the [d]arc awards, which launched as an official IYL 2015 activity and has since become a defining platform for contemporary lighting design. It lives on in the countless collaborations sparked during that year, many of which still shine brightly.
The legacy of IYL 2015 is one of recognition and relevance. A decade ago, lighting design was often dismissed as niche or luxury. Today, it's increasingly recognised as essential – an agent of sustainability, wellbeing, and cultural enrichment that shapes how we experience the world around us.
Reflecting on the impact of IYL 2015, Dudley adds: “There have been a number of important outcomes at different levels. Firstly, when we started working with UNESCO in 2012, the value of International Years as an instrument for education and awareness raising was being discussed and evaluated within the UN system, and the success of 2015 really helped to cement their place. In fact, Joe was present in New York in 2016 in a special session where the final report was presented to the UN General Assembly.
“We used the 2015 experience to help other groups with their international year projects as well: the International Year of the Periodic Table of Elements (2019); the International Year of Glass (2022); the International Year of Basic Science for Sustainable Development (2022-23); the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (2025). I think we really made life a lot easier for them, as they were able to point to what a real successful international outreach initiative can achieve.
“And, of course, the International Day of Light is a direct legacy, which is now celebrated annually – in the eight editions so far, we have seen over 3,000 events worldwide in more than 100 countries, continuing to reach out to new audiences, and new generations of young people.”
The Next Ten Years
The challenges we face, climate change, urban transformation, biodiversity loss, require new ways of thinking. Lighting design, with its unique ability to blend technology and empathy, form and function, is poised to help lead that charge.
As the lights go up on this year’s [d]arc awards winners, it’s worth remembering that their platform was built not just from accolades, but from advocacy. Their spotlight exists because a community of designers believed in the value of what they do, and demanded to be seen.
As we look ahead, the legacy of IYL 2015 reminds us of what’s possible when lighting designers claim their space in the global dialogue, not just as technicians, but as storytellers, changemakers, and stewards of light.
Ten years ago, we proved that light could unite us. Now, it's time to let it guide us forward, on a shared mission: “With the people, for the people, through Light.”
Neko Lighting - Neptune XSU CV
Small but powerful, this mini outdoor projector light packs a punch with its 34mm diameter, robust weatherproof design, and a minimum available beam angle of 12°. As part of the versatile Neptune series, it offers flexible options, including models with base and size variants for diverse installation needs, combining compact elegance with powerful, reliable illumination.
30th anniversary edition of GILE hailed a success
(China) – The Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE) celebrated its 30th edition in style this June, with the participation of more than 200,000 visitors from across 151 countries and regions around the world.
Themed “Light for Life”, the 250,000sqm event ran alongside the Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology (GEBT) event, and once more looked to connect industry professionals while fostering innovation in the global lighting sector.
Reflecting on the event, Lucia Wong, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK), said: “This year’s GILE introduced the concept of ‘Light-enhanced Living’, demonstrating how lighting technologies can transform fields such as cultural tourism, smart agriculture, intelligent health ecosystems, and home design. As we celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary, we are proud of its significant contribution to the development of the global lighting industry over the past three decades.
“The exhibition provided an exceptional platform to showcase these innovations and foster collaboration among industry players. The enthusiastic response from participants underscores GILE’s vital role in driving the adoption of new ideas and technologies, and we remain committed to supporting the growth and evolution of the lighting industry.”
GILE 2025 welcomed a diverse range of visitors from 151 countries, and various industries. The event featured several buyer matching sessions through its Power Match programme, providing tailored opportunities for professionals to connect with suppliers and explore targeted solutions. Through its lighting design forums, the fair also hosted more than 100 exclusive sessions, providing a platform for professionals to explore the latest advancements in lighting design and technology. Highlights included the “illuminnovation lab”, which showcased innovative lighting solutions for hotels, commercial spaces, residential environments, and wellness. For example, the Asia Lighting Art Forum explored cutting-edge trends in lighting design, while seminars on smart agriculture and bio-optics highlighted the role of lighting in sustainable food production. Elsewhere, a session titled ‘Chinese Designers Go Abroad: Blend in or Lead Out” examined how cultural integration and innovation contribute to global success. These sessions underscored GILE’s role as a vital hub for cross-disciplinary collaboration, inspiring innovation and influencing the future direction of the lighting industry.
The next edition of GILE will be held on 9-12 June 2026. The fair is part of Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building Technology fairs, headed by the biennial Light + Building event; the next edition of which will be held on 8-13 March 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany.
www.messefrankfurt.com.hk
www.light.messefrankfurt.com.cn
Designers Mind to return
(Online) – Designers Mind, an online community first established in 2019 that aims to promote mental health awareness in the design sphere, has announced that after a hiatus, it will be returning.
Founded by interior designer Kaye Preston, with support from lighting designers Kael Gillam and Martina Frattura, Designers Mind was formed with a mission of helping to improve the mental health and wellbeing of designers at work. Its ambitions were to change mindsets around mental health, breaking down the stigma surrounding it, while promoting a message of openness and acceptance.
Primarily an online community, Designers Mind regularly held meetings both virtually and in person, offering support and tips on how to incorporate wellbeing practices into daily routines, while also sharing health and wellbeing resources. Alongside this, Designers Mind produced a regular column in arc magazine, discussing topics such as overwhelm and imposter syndrome, until its organisers announced in October 2023 that it would be taking a break.
However, after a nearly two-year absence, Designers Mind has announced that it will be returning. In a statement, the group said:
“We’re excited to share some good news: we’re back!
“Over the past few months – maybe even longer – each of us felt the quiet urge to reach out and ask one another, ‘Do you think we’re still relevant?’
“At one point, we thought about starting with that question publicly, throwing it out into the world to see if anyone missed us as much as we missed each other.
“But then we paused. Because what we were really missing wasn’t just the spotlight. It was the space to speak, to listen, to get feedback, share ideas, and rethink how we approach the topics that matter to us.
“That’s why we’re starting again: not with a big announcement, but with an open invitation. We’d like to host a series of online gatherings, open to anyone who wants to join the conversation. If you’re interested, sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/9d7TaAyvfp.”
Dates for the online meetings will be announced in the coming weeks.
Project Light - Canada Water, London, UK
Project Light, part of the extensive Canada Water regeneration scheme in London, is a transformative, multi-phase development bringing new life to a historic waterfront area. The project includes the creation of thousands of homes, new businesses, public spaces, sports facilities, a library, and a landscaped garden – all designed to serve a growing, diverse community. With an emphasis on human-centric urban design, the outdoor spaces are crafted to foster community interaction, wellbeing, and accessibility. Central to the experience of these spaces is an elegant and compliant lighting solution, delivered by Kingfisher Lighting in collaboration with Greenside Landscapes, one of London’s premier landscaping agencies.
The lighting scheme had to meet a high standard of design and environmental responsibility. Due to London's stringent regulations regarding light pollution and emissions, the plan demanded careful attention to fixture selection, placement, and light temperature. The Kingfisher Lighting team responded by implementing a system that is both aesthetically refined and ecologically conscious. Warm 3000K colour temperatures and low-glare fittings were used to create a calming and visually comfortable night-time environment, ensuring compliance with city lighting policies while enhancing the site's ambiance.
At the heart of the scheme is the use of the Gothic 180 bollard, a stylish Italian-designed luminaire that provides a distinctive “down and out” light distribution. This design significantly reduces glare and prevents upward light spillage, making it an ideal solution for sensitive urban environments. The bollards' square, structured form complements the modern yet elegant architectural tone of the area. A total of 99 Gothic 180 bollards, with three-way and four-way optic configurations, were strategically positioned throughout the gardens and walkways. The optical distribution of these luminaires was used to form geometric light patterns on the ground, echoing the trilateral layout of the landscape and enhancing the artistic elements integrated into the site.
Additional lighting features include the Thunder 55 recessed luminaires, which were discreetly built into seating benches surrounding key recreational areas. These fixtures, while compact, deliver a focused and effective light output, contributing to the safety and usability of these communal spaces after dark. The circular seating area near the play zone and table tennis arena is a prime example of how this subtle lighting approach enhances both the functionality and visual appeal of the site.
In particular, the table tennis court, situated in a circular courtyard, benefits from a blend of bollard and recessed lighting. This creates an inviting and well-lit space without overwhelming brightness – supporting recreational activities while preserving visual comfort.
In conclusion, Project Light’s lighting design is a strong example of how careful planning, appropriate technology, and design expertise can come together to elevate an urban regeneration scheme. By prioritising low-glare, energy-efficient lighting, Kingfisher Lighting has helped shape an environment that is not only beautiful but also safe, functional, and community-oriented. The resulting scheme allows residents and visitors to enjoy the landscaped areas into the evening, seamlessly blending form, function, and sustainability.
SGM Lighting - POI Graze
Perfect colour from top to bottom. The powerful, outdoor-rated POI Graze deliver up to 914lm/ft in 4000K calibrated white via SGM’s TruColor calibration and vivid colours with DynaMix technology. Available in 1, 2, or 4ft lengths and named after their wattage per foot (25, 50, 100), POI Graze features built-in DMX, power supply, multiple beam angles, and IP66 protection — ideal for any architectural lighting project, indoors or outdoors.
New WEEE regulations published
(UK) – New regulations that will require online marketplaces to finance recycling of electrical waste were published last week. The new waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations laid before parliament close a crucial loophole that has allowed non-compliant product to be sold via online marketplaces.
Commenting on the news, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey said: “For over a decade, online marketplaces have facilitated the sale of WEEE non-compliant products on an industrial scale. The consequences have been very damaging for legitimate UK businesses. The sellers of non-compliant products have gained an unfair advantage because they do not pay their share of recycling costs. But to add insult to injury, that has in turn meant that WEEE costs to compliant businesses have been higher than needed.”
The new regulations mean that online marketplaces must report all household electricals within the scope of the existing WEEE regulations from non-UK suppliers. As a consequence, online marketplaces will incur some additional WEEE costs in 2026, with full costs being allocated from 2027.
The lighting industry has been particularly impacted by the scale of freeriding on online marketplaces. A survey by the UK WEEE Scheme Forum showed that 76% of LED lamps offered for sale on a major marketplace were not registered for WEEE.
Nigel Harvey added: “This is a great day for many companies in the UK lighting industry. At last, the end is in sight for this unfair competition. Recolight has pushed long and hard for this change, on behalf of our 220 members.
“The mechanism that the government has chosen to implement the change is particularly efficient: rather than requiring many tens of thousands of non-UK companies to register for WEEE, they have instead placed that obligation on the small number of online marketplaces. That makes enforcement by the UK environment agencies much more straightforward.”
The regulations will need to pass through both houses of parliament and can be seen here.
corporate friends opens new office in Kamenz’s historic post office
(Germany) – corporate friends has officially opened its new headquarters in the beautifully restored former central post office in Kamenz, Germany. The event attracted hundreds of visitors from both the region and abroad, including the Prime Minister of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer.
Originally, just three public tours had been scheduled. However, due to overwhelming interest, the company ended up hosting 17 tours – a clear sign of the public’s enthusiasm for corporate friends' innovative work.
Founder and Managing Director Jan Eickhoff commented: "Our aim was to create a space that brings together history and modern technology. By moving into this iconic building, we’ve not only preserved a piece of cultural heritage, but also created an inspiring environment for our work."
corporate friends is internationally recognised for its minimalist design, premium materials and meticulous attention to detail. Its lighting solutions illuminate exhibitions in some of the world’s leading museums.
During the official opening, Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer highlighted the project’s significance for the region: "This initiative shows how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. It’s a true inspiration for the whole of Saxony."
The new headquarters is not only a workplace, but also a space for collaboration and creativity. corporate friends plans to host workshops, exhibitions and events open to both professionals and the wider public in the future.
Chris Burridge joins SGM as EMEA Account Manager
(UK) – SGM Lighting has announced the appointment of Chris Burridge as EMEA Account Manager.
With nearly 25 years of experience in sales, operations, engineering and sales leadership within the lighting industry, together with a mechanical engineering degree from Brunel University, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven record to this key role.
Burridge’s extensive network of lighting specifiers, and integrators – combined with a strong understanding of global markets – positions him to make an immediate and meaningful impact. Based in the UK, he will play a vital role in strengthening SGM’s presence and visibility across the EMEA region.
“We’re excited to welcome Chris to the team,” says Leif Orkelbog-Andresen, Global Sales Director at SGM Lighting. “His background in manufacturing, distribution, and systems integration enables him to support our clients both technically and commercially. We are confident that his expertise, enthusiasm and proactive approach will resonate strongly with our partners.”
Burridge joins SGM at a dynamic time in the company’s evolution. Following its acquisition by Golden Sea, SGM is positioned to deliver its solutions by combining Golden Sea’s advanced production capabilities with SGM’s R&D and innovation hub in Denmark.
“It feels like an exciting time to join SGM,” Burridge adds. “The brand has a strong heritage of pioneering lighting solutions for architectural and entertainment applications. With a clear roadmap and ongoing commitment to innovation, I’m excited to support our clients and help bring their creative visions to life.”
As EMEA Account Manager, Burridge will execute SGM’s sales strategy, adopting a customer-focused approach, while leveraging his deep technical knowledge and solution-oriented mindset. His extensive relationships across all facets of the lighting community will open new opportunities for SGM in high-profile architectural, entertainment, and commercial projects.
ALBA Lighting Installation Workshop returns for second year
(Lebanon) – The ALBA Lighting Installation Workshop, first held in 2024, returned for a second year on 2-4 June, bringing together students, young professionals, and leading industry figures for three days of intensive, hands-on collaboration.
Held at the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA), the workshop concluded with an inspiring showcase of large-scale experimental lighting installations.
This year’s edition, building on the success of its debut last year, welcomed more than 45 participants, including students from ALBA and the Lebanese American University (LAU), as well as emerging lighting professionals. Working in 10 interdisciplinary teams, participants conceptualised and executed lighting interventions that explored the emotional, spatial, and narrative dimensions of light.
Curated and led by Cherine Saroufim, lighting designer, educator, IALD Board Member, and Women in Lighting Ambassador for Lebanon, the workshop continues to serve as a key platform for experiential lighting education in the region. The academic programme was further enriched by the presence and guidance of Dr. Amardeep M. Dugar, lighting researcher, educator, and founder of Lighting Research & Design, who joined as a principal mentor for the second year in a row.
Throughout the workshop, ALBA’s campus was transformed into a vibrant testing ground, where design thinking met hands-on technical execution. The programme featured structured check-ins, fabrication sessions, and a Lunch & Learn series hosted by Zumtobel, iGuzzini, and Lutron, giving students direct access to insights from international manufacturers and designers. The workshop concluded with a public jury presentation and closing event hosted by Simon Electric, attended by more than 50 invited guests, including deans, press, and representatives from the design and lighting sectors.
This year’s edition was made possible thanks to the support of key industry partners. LEDFlex, Linea Light, and Lumière Groupe provided logistical and technical support, while lighting products were generously contributed by Tridonic, Flos, Lamp, Tabet Engineering, Sogelec, Unilux, and Debbas.
As it continues to grow, the ALBA Lighting Installation Workshop reinforces Lebanon’s role as a regional hub for lighting design education, professional mentorship, and interdisciplinary experimentation. Plans for future editions include broader institutional participation and expanded international collaboration.
NatureConnect: When lighting meets wellbeing
In this article, Darren Smith discusses how Signify’s NatureConnect lighting system, inspired by biophilic design, brings the benefits of natural daylight indoors to improve wellbeing, productivity, and indoor environments.
Daylight is something so basic, that often we do not realise how important it is to us. Increasing amounts of research reiterate that the exposure to the right amounts of light during the day, as well as the colours and dynamics from nature, strongly impact our mood, energy levels, comfort, quality of sleep and our health and wellbeing in general.
Equally, on the other hand, while we understand the importance and impact of the right lighting on us, we spend a lot of our time indoors, often in locations without windows or proper access to daylight. On an average, we spend more than 90% of our time indoors. Studies show that natural light has a huge impact on productivity and alertness, reduces stress and contributes to better sleep. If we do not get the right amount and the right quality of light, it is sure to impact our moods and productivity.
Natural light and darkness give our body clocks essential time cues to stay in sync with the outside world. Robust and synchronised circadian rhythms are at the core of good health, quality sleep and wellbeing. Yet today’s way of living and working makes us spend most of our time indoors, which estranges us from daylight. Let’s understand this better:
The idea that light affects mood and behavioural state is not new. Daylight is something so basic that we often do not realise how important it is to us. Picture this: you’re basking in the warm glow of a summer afternoon, feeling inexplicably content. Or perhaps you’re trudging through a gloomy winter day, feeling blue. Coincidence? Not really. The relationship between bright light and our mental health is far more intricate than we might initially suspect. But here’s where it gets interesting. The impact of light on our mental health isn’t just about feeling chipper on a sunny day. It also impacts fundamental changes in brain chemistry, hormone production, and even our perception of time. This is because light sets our circadian rhythm, or body clock, via specialised light sensors within the eye. The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour internal “body clock” that governs the sleep/wake cycle and other vital human physical and mental health aspects. When you shift multiple time zones quickly, the circadian rhythm gets out of sync, and you experience the symptoms of jet lag, sleep deprivation or tiredness.
Natural light and darkness give our body clocks essential time cues to stay in sync with the outside world. Robust and synchronised circadian rhythms are at the core of good health, quality sleep and wellbeing. Yet today’s way of living and working makes us spend most of our time indoors, which estranges us from daylight.
Merging light with wellbeing
At Signify, we understand the importance of daylight and its impact on human wellbeing. That’s why we have rethought this crucial relationship between light and wellbeing within the professional indoor space, bringing nature back into our lives with a lighting solution that brings the benefits of natural light indoors. How does it work? NatureConnect mimics daylight and replicates a view of the sky using light scenes that boost energy levels and help windowless spaces feel in sync with nature.
NatureConnect builds on proven Biophilic Design principles that reconnect us to the outside world. It mimics the natural patterns of daylight indoors to create comfortable, engaging and attractive environments. The NatureConnect system consists of luminaires and a scene set to provide the automatic day rhythm and options to choose the right light at the right moment. Using principles and algorithms from nature, underpinned by science, NatureConnect aims to provide the following benefits:
- Enhance wellbeing: Supports the body’s natural day-night rhythm to stay active during the day and rest well at night.
- Boost performance: Makes people feel more energetic and stimulates interaction and collaboration.
- Create an inspiring environment: Enhances the company identity by creating a vibrant, joyful and immersive atmosphere.
The system is controlled by an intuitive wireless wall switch that allows users to choose between automatic Day Rhythm, or one of the three specific natural Light Scenes with the aim to encourage focus, higher alertness and vitality.
Bringing the daylight into Battersea Power Station
What’s true for employees in office buildings, hotels, students in schools and universities, staff and patients in a hospital and people who work from an office. Business travellers, office workers, and students face circadian disruption from flights, artificial lighting, or suboptimal environments. In all these areas, the proper lighting can make all the difference. For most of us who spend most of our waking hours indoors, circadian lighting implemented by dynamic LED luminaires and science-based lighting recipes is a must-have. One such example is the installation of NatureConnect at the windowless offices of IWG at Battersea Power Station
IWG, world’s largest co-working space company known from Regus and Spaces, recently opened a venue at London’s iconic Battersea Power Station. This resulted in offices without windows in the co-working location. To make the workspace attractive and to bring the outdoors in, IWG was looking for a lighting solution that was going to deal with the challenge the company had with the lack of windows and day light in their workspaces.
Therefore, IWG worked with NatureConnect by Signify to meet those challenges and provide a better experience for their customers as it helped bring the experience of daylight indoors to make the workspace more attractive.
This project involved building a high-quality workspace venue inside a 100-year-old power station.
This helps the tenants to spend the whole day inside a windowless office while connecting with the skylight mimicked by the light, giving them a boost and more energy. As a result, the offices were let out very quickly, offering commercial benefits like better occupancy, better renting price and increased productivity from the tenants.
In Conclusion
Imagine stepping into a hotel room that adapts the colour, temperature, and intensity of the lighting to support your circadian rhythm and help you overcome jet lag or working in an office designed to keep you alert and engaged by simulating hour-by-hour changes in natural daylight. These aren’t future concepts – they are proven applications already transforming performance and wellbeing in business, medical, and sports settings.
Let’s collectively rethink lighting in this new era for health and wellbeing. The sky is not the limit!