Jonathan Speirs Scholarship Fund 2020/21 winners announced
(UK) – The Trustees of the Jonathan Speirs Scholarship Fund (JSSF) have announced the winners of the 2020/21 award – Laura Carcano and Lawrence Lynch.
Currently studying architecture at London Metropolitan University, Carcano has a First degree from Politecnico of Milano, following which she spent a year working as an architectural assistant. Having understood the power of light to affect aesthetics and atmosphere, during the course of her research she found herself increasingly curious about the importance of the biological and emotional impacts of light on mood, performance, productivity and many other aspects of daily life. Her future plans, to be supported by the scholarship, include further studies and research into the role of light in creating responsive and adaptive architecture that improves emotional and physical wellbeing.
A student of the Welsh School of Architecture at the University of Cardiff, Lynch’s undergraduate degree work shows his passion for the poetics of light and form. Having spent some time working for DaeWha Kang Design – a firm that specialises in wellbeing and human-oriented design and collaborates with professional lighting designers – he has cultivated a deep interest in the psychological effects of light. Returning to his architectural studies, Lynch’s Master’s dissertation explored how biophilic aesthetics affect emotional wellbeing. It is this research that he would like to continue into the future, with the support of the scholarship, with the aim of aiding the general understanding of the emotional effects of lighting within architecture.
John Roake, Chairman of the JSSF, said: “When we announced the Jonathan Speirs Scholarship last year, little did we know what lay ahead.
“We suspected it was going to be an extremely difficult time for students to study, particularly in the creative industries, but we hoped that with online conferencing that some manner of tutoring would be available. Despite the very best efforts of the Universities, all of this year’s submissions spoke of the extreme difficulties experienced both with remote studying and finances.
“It is therefore with the greatest pleasure that despite this, the resilience and fortitude of the students who made this year’s submissions has resulted in two fantastic new scholars to add to our growing list.
“We congratulate them both on becoming part of the JSSF family, and trust that their scholarships will help them to finish their studies and go on to develop further as both architects and lighting designers.
“I conclude with a ‘thank you’ to all our supporters: in a year that has been so hard in all sectors of business, to have the financial backing of our generous sponsors has shown us the true meaning of charity. Jonathan would have been proud!”
Results for final Light4health Erasmus School announced
(International) – The third and final International Erasmus School of the Light4health (L4H) project was held within the framework of the Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership grant programme. The event ended with the aim of testing a novel educational course to teach health research methods and findings to lighting designers at the graduate level.
The event was organised and run by representatives of leading international universities and European architectural schools in the field of lighting design, including Aalborg University (Denmark), Hochschule Wismar (Germany), KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden), Thomas Jefferson University (USA), ITMO University (Russia), and the University of Wolverhampton (UK).
In 2021, classes were held in a remote format, as they were in 2020 as a consequence of the Coronavirus pandemic. Classes were hosted online by Aalborg University under the theme “Lighting for Healthcare Environments” - a particularly relevant topic in the context of the pandemic.
Two associated partners supported the L4H project with tools and expertise; Solemma (www.solemma.com) provided a free year-long ALFA license and ClimateStudio for all students and teachers, to be used throughout the project. The new Associated Partner Janowicz Architekci (http://janowicz.pl/wp/) has supported the L4H Project providing four three-dimensional models and CAD drawings for the following rooms to be studied: a patient room, a waiting room/waiting area, a nurses station, physiotherapy room.
The learning process lasted six and a half weeks from 19 March 2021 (with a welcome/kick-off) to 5 May 2021 (with a final presentation). The course was divided into five specific training modules. Each week was devoted to a specific topic that included a theoretical part, based on pre-recorded lectures, and practical tasks, concluding with a final presentation. The work was conducted in interdisciplinary, international groups (24 participants in total). Within its framework, participants comprehensively evaluated the lighting of four assigned spaces. This involved the analysis of natural and artificial light, and the study of the effect of lighting on the daily and night-time rhythms of users (patients and medical staff).
During the first introductory module, students learned about best lighting practices. Focus was given to the new health related lighting standards and the guidelines developed by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) with the presentation of different studies covering various cases. In the second module, which was dedicated to the topic of daylight, participants were taught about vision, daylight standards and its assessment.
During the third module, students explored dynamic and interactive lighting in healthcare facilities. In particular, aspects such as the use of virtual reality (VR) in distraction therapy, lighting and autism, VR and autism, lighting control and interfaces were touched upon. Using the knowledge gained from this module, students were able to incorporate dynamic lighting elements into their final projects.
The fourth module focused on biofeedback and measurement devices. Students learned about handheld spectrometers, flicker meters, EEG, and eye tracking. The fifth and last module was devoted to work for a final lighting project. With the help of modelling tools and software (Dialux, ALFA, ClimateStudio, Velux Daylight Visualizer, etc.), each group developed its own concept for a new architecture-integrated lighting design aimed at supporting the health and wellbeing of the users. They developed conceptual recommendations for improving the existing daylight and artificial lighting conditions. The fifth module culminated with a final presentation given by the students.
The L4H project will be completed by the end of August 2021, with a free of charge, open-access L4H remote course and a Teacher’s Guide. Before this occurs, the consortium partners will seek feedback and review of the course content from a selected group of lighting practitioners, academics and student participants of previous L4H Summer Schools.
For more information on the Light4Health project, contact Asst. Prof. Dr. Karolina Zielinska-Dabkowska, the L4H project’s principal investigator representing Hochschule Wismar (HSW), at k.zielinska-dabkowska@pg.edu.pl.
John Cullen Lighting celebrates 40th anniversary
(UK) – Lighting manufacturer John Cullen Lighting this year celebrates its 40th anniversary with a focus on miniaturisation and sustainability.
The brand, established by the late John Cullen in 1981 and now led by Creative Director Sally Storey, is recognised around the world for lighting design excellence with award-winning schemes and discreet architectural luminaires, and its ability to enhance the enjoyment of spaces through the power of light.
The impact and effect of light on space and design has been a core focus for the company since its foundation, as Storey explained: “John Cullen’s philosophy is to create the finest quality of light from the most discreet luminaires; in achieving this, the light source should always be concealed.”
The company also takes a great deal of inspiration from nature and natural light, with discreet fittings again being a key facet of this. “Lighting is the most versatile interior design tool that can entirely change the way a room looks and feels at the touch of a button,” Storey continued. “No other interior element can have such a strong impact. Architectural lighting should be as discreet as possible, to look effortless and make any space wonderful to be in.”
To mark its 40th anniversary, John Cullen Lighting is continuing to focus on discreet fixtures, with the development of two new miniature luminaires: the Minim joinery downlight, which is the same size as a UK five pence piece; and the Vorsa Dot, the smallest luminaire on the market.
Alongside a focus on innovation and technological advancement, the company is paying extra attention to its environmental impact and is currently working on a sustainability policy to be carbon neutral by 2030, driving towards luminaire design and manufacture for the circular economy.
A.A.G. Stucchi acquires Eutrac
(Italy) – Italian manufacturer A.A.G. Stucchi has enhanced its presence in the European market with the acquisition of track lighting specialists Eutrac, formerly a part of the Selux Group, which has a strong presence in Germany and Europe.
Historically focused on the production and sales of lighting components, A.A.G. Stucchi is using the acquisition to move further into the development of track lighting products.
“This acquisition is fundamental for the development of our long-term business strategy and we are very proud to welcome Eutrac staff into the Stucchi family,” said Aristide Stucchi, President of A.A.G. Stucchi. “Europe, and specifically the German markets, are crucial for our growth. Having Eutrac as a partner is essential to bring brand awareness to our products. I am confident we can develop even better innovations, thanks to the expertise and market knowledge of Eutrac.
“We strongly believe having a German company working on the German market is the right choice for our business development. Two teams in one family that can complete each other and work together to strengthen common knowledge on market and product innovation.”
Klaus-Peter Siemssen, CEO of Selux Group, added: “Eutrac has always been a leading brand for tracks and components. To maintain this momentum, we were looking for a strong cooperation partner to globalise the business further. With Stucchi, we found the perfect fit.
“Eutrac as a company, team and brand will stay independent, and at the same time, these two companies can bring their strengths together. At the same time, Eutrac and Selux will maintain a close relationship, as Selux supports the Eutrac business in many areas, such as logistics, and the two companies will continue to share their headquarters in Berlin.”
Dr. Christoph Peitz, CEO of Eutrac, continued: “It goes without saying that both companies and especially the customers will benefit from this partnership. Innovative products and a complete portfolio will be offered in the covered markets the right way, thanks to A.A.G. Stucchi and Eutrac products and innovation combined with market experience.”
www.aagstuuchi.it
www.eutrac.de
New SLL President calls for increased representation
(UK) – Following her inauguration as Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) President, Dr. Ruth Kelly Waskett has called for an increased representation in the lighting industry.
In her Presidential Address, delivered during the SLL AGM and Awards on 20 May, Waskett declared that the Society must represent the diversity of the industry that it serves.
Echoing the comments of former SLL President Liz Peck during her address in 2015, in which she recognised that the strength of the Society lies in its diversity, Waskett hopes to build on this, saying: “I would like to honour my friend, by carrying forward her wish that the SLL should be truly representative of all who work with light and lighting.”
Waskett cited evidence from the 2019 Lighting Family Tree survey, carried out by Light Collective, which showed a near equal gender split between those who took part, compared to the current demographic of SLL members. She added: “Our membership is still overwhelmingly male. This does not reflect the lighting industry. So what are we going to do about it?
“I would like to use my SLL presidential platform to highlight to women throughout the industry that SLL membership could be for them too. This is not about getting more members; this is about ensuring that our make-up reflects the industry that we represent.”
Taking a lead from the Women in Lighting project, the Society will therefore work towards ensuring a 50/50 gender split between speakers at events as a means of improving representation and visibility amongst members.
Alongside this, the team behind the Women in Lighting project will be publishing a selection of interviews and videos from women within the SLL.
As well as improving inclusivity, diversity and representation for the Society, Waskett also highlighted the need for more conversations on the importance of daylight, as well as its responsibility in spreading the message about light and health.
The SLL was recently joined by contributors to the Second International Workshop on Circadian and Neurophysical Photometry for a webinar discussion focusing on recommendations and practical applications for healthy daytime, evening, and night-time light exposure. The response from attendees demonstrated a clear appetite for more information and guidance in this area. This was followed by a collaborative article from Waskett and Dr. Karolina Zielinska-Dabkowska in arc, in which they highlighted why the lighting industry needs to provide guidance so that people can make informed choices with light.
Waskett added that she would like to build off this, spreading the message beyond the lighting industry to those who need to hear it: “We have been talking amongst ourselves about this for long enough. Now we need to engage with the wider construction industry and the public.”
The SLL AGM, Awards and Presidential Address were held online on 20 May. Ruth Kelly Waskett took over the Presidency from Immediate Past-President Bob Bohannon, who held office from May 2020.
ILP CEO to stand down
(UK) - The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP), Tracey White is to stand down from her position later this year.
After three years in post, White is relocating abroad and will work on new projects from a distance.
Commenting on White’s decision, Anthony Smith, ILP President, said: “It was with reluctance but understanding I accepted Tracey’s resignation. Over the last three years she has delivered in all areas, working tirelessly to improve the standing of the Institution within the industry and government, alongside the day-to-day duties of the CEO role.
“The Executive Board and I wish Tracey well in the next, much sunnier chapter of her life and thank her for all the hard work, guidance and commitment to the Institution during her time at the helm. Tracey is working with the Executive Board in relation to finding a suitable replacement and is committed to ensuring a smooth transition.”
Tracey White replied: “It has been a privilege and honour to serve as CEO of the ILP. The last three years have been extremely successful for the ILP. We have continued to maintain and develop our services to members and represent their interests, in spite of the difficulties posed by the pandemic.
“I have been lucky enough to work with very talented colleagues on the Board and within the staff team and I have enjoyed working with skilled professionals across our sector. I have no doubt that the ILP is well-equipped to meet the future challenges of the lighting industry and I would like to wish the Board, the members and my future successor all the best.”
The ILP Board has agreed a process for recruiting Tracey White’s successor. Expressions of interest can be made to jobs@theilp.org.uk.
teamLab brings interactive, immersive artworks to Barcelona
(Spain) – Art collective teamLab has opened up a new exhibition at CaixaForum in Barcelona. The exhibition, which opened on 17 May, will remain in place until 9 January 2022 and comprises the works Born From the Darkness a Loving and Beautiful World and Graffiti Nature: Lost, Immersed and Reborn.
The two interactive, immersive installations explore the concept of changing the relationships among people to Barcelona’s CaixaForum.
“Art created using digital technology has the ability to change the relationships among people who are present within the same space,” said the art collective. “For the majority of art up until now, the presence of other viewers has constituted a hindrance. But when an artwork made using digital technology changes based on the presence or behaviour of visitors, it causes the boundaries between artwork and visitor to become blurred. In this case, the visitor becomes part of the artwork itself.
“This changes the relationship between an artwork and an individual into the relationship between an artwork and a group of individuals. Whether a viewer was present five minutes ago, or how the person next to you is behaving now, suddenly becomes important. If the interactions of other people with an artwork creates changes that we feel are beautiful, then the presence of others can in itself become a positive element.”
More details on the exhibition can be found here.
Buro Happold announces new CEO
(UK) – James Bruce has been appointed as Buro Happold’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Previously the firm’s Chief Operating and Financial Officer, Bruce has announced plans to grow the business, which is active in 26 locations worldwide, doubling employee numbers over the next six years to create a better balance and resilience across regions. He hopes that in doing so, the firm can help to create a better, more sustainable world.
“It is a really exciting time for Buro Happold. We are continuing to expand our international markets where there is the best potential for us to grow as a business. This will create significant opportunities for both our people and our clients,” he said.
“Our heritage of tackling complex engineering challenges in the built environment puts us in the perfect position to advise and design exceptional solutions for our clients, anywhere in the world. We are enhancing our consultancy capabilities in addition to our world-renowned engineering expertise for a period of rapid acceleration in our industry.
“The business has delivered consistent global growth by strongly promoting a strategic focus on design, consultancy, sustainability, equity above all else, and driving best use of technology. What will not change as we move forward is any deviation from our principles of caring deeply about the legacy of our work and a collective courage and passion to create; this is what drives our culture. Where we have plans to grow, we will only do that by acquiring businesses that share our values and vision.”
Prior to joining Buro Happold in 2018, Bruce’s background is in building businesses outside of building engineering and consultancy. He has previously been CFO for a number of Omnicom and WPP subsidiaries, including Interbrand and Landor, and believes his track record in delivering growth in design focused businesses will add a fresh dynamic to Buro Happold’s expansion plans.
Renowned architect Art Gensler dies aged 85
(USA) – Art Gensler, the American architect, interior designer and founder of global architectural firm Gensler, has passed away at the age of 85 after a long illness.
Gensler, founder of the world’s largest architecture firm, died in his sleep at his family home in Mill Valley, Marin County, reported the San Francisco Chronicle.
Gensler founded his practice in San Francisco in 1965 alongside his late wife Drue, and James Follett. Today, the firm operates across 50 countries around the world, with an annual revenue of $1.5bn.
Diagnosed with lung disease 18 months ago, Gensler continued to work for his practice, with a full calendar of meetings scheduled when he died. His son, David Gensler, said: “My dad was a regular guy, respectful and friendly and never pompous. He loved serving clients through the power of design.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1935, Gensler was the son of a phone company employee and a ceiling tiles salesman. He grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut and graduated from Cornell University’s College of Architecture in 1958.
Following university, he moved to California on the advice of his mentor, architecture critic Henry Hill, and worked for architect William Wurster, while establishing his own practice.
His eponymous firm got its start designing interiors for corporate offices in San Francisco skyscrapers. Early work included the 237-metre Bank of America Center (renamed 555 California Street) and the 121-metre Alcoa Building (now One Maritime Plaza).
The practice opened its first office at 555 Clay Street in San Francisco, before expanding around the US; its Houston office opened in 1972, followed by the New York office in 1979. The firm also expanded overseas with the opening of its London office in 1988, followed by studios in Japan and Hong Kong in 1993, while its first Chinese office opened in Shanghai in 2002.
Landmark projects for the studio include the 632-metre-high Shanghai Tower – the world’s second-tallest building, the long-term renovation of San Francisco International Airport, the renovation and expansion of New York’s Museum of Modern Art, offices for the New York Times, Washington Post, London Stock Exchange, and the interiors for the new US Embassy in London. Gensler also designed the first 100 Apple stores.
Gensler always put the success of his practice down to its business-mindedness, writing a book called Art’s Principles to mark the 50th anniversary of the firm. “When I started Gensler, there was a day when I woke up and realised that although I had 22 people working for me, I didn’t know what I was doing when it came to managing the business,” he said in an interview about the book. “So I went to business school at night, and I ended up hiring the professor of my class.
“We continually reinvest in our business, we offer competitive wages, reinvest in people, offer profit sharing – we incorporated all kinds of things that architects never thought about. I did this because I wanted to hire people and ask them to stay forever, not work on a project-to-project basis.”
Gensler stepped down as Chairman in 2010, but continued to serve as an advisor until his death. He is survived by his four sons and 10 grandchildren.
[d]arc awards 2020 online ceremony
The winners of the 2020 [d]arc awards were announced via a live video stream. Catch up on the awards presentation and find out who took home the top prizes this year.
The [d]arc awards is a unique concept utilising arc and darc magazines’ reputation as being the most widely read and respected lighting design publications in the world. In collaboration with creative consultants Light Collective, we have created a unique opportunity to get every practice involved in the awards process.
Anyone can enter (lighting designers, architects, interior designers or manufacturers) and once the shortlist has been chosen by an international jury of independent architectural lighting designers; lighting design practices, architects and interior designers are invited to vote on their favourite projects making this the only truly peer-to-peer lighting design awards in the world.
LIA appoints new CEO
(UK) –The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) has appointed Matt Sturgess to the position of CEO.
Sturgess took up the position on 12 April, replacing interim CEO Paul Crisp, who had been supporting the LIA team and its Members as they plan for the post-2020 era.
Sturgess started out professional life as an electronics graduate engineer, sponsored by a Thorn EMI business. Early on, he moved into sales and progressed into senior roles in different industries, with a passion for personal learning and development. Drawing from his experience supporting growth in blue chip global businesses and SMEs, along the way he gained an MBA.
More recently, he has worked within the lighting industry, having operated as the Commercial Director of Sylvania Lighting and also held the position of Managing Director at Simmonsigns. He has a passion for combining his technical heritage, a history of developing customer partnerships and helping individuals and businesses grow and develop.
Past President of SLL named new CIBSE President
(UK) – Kevin Kelly, Past President of the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL), has been named as the new President of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).
Kelly, who served as President of the SLL in 2013/14, succeeds Stuart McPherson as CIBSE President, and will in turn be succeeded by Kevin Mitchell, Global Practice Leader – Building Services Engineering at Mott Macdonald.
In his Presidential Address, delivered online on 6 May, Kelly called for a more diverse profession to help “build resilience against future crises and better respond to the pandemic and climate change”.
He pointed to the “warning shots” of the SARS, MERS and Ebola outbreaks that should have spurred an international effort to prepare for a pandemic. Instead, lulled into a false sense of security by the containment of these warning shots, he felt the world was woefully unprepared to deal with the arrival of Covid-19.
Kelly used the analogy of a sleeping frog – a frog immersed in water that is being heated will sleep until it is boiled – to describe this behaviour, and speculated that climate change threatens to be the next, most significant sleeping frog of all.
Outlining the central role being taken by CIBSE experts in analysing and responding to the threats posed by Climate Change, he warned that the industry needs to take a lead in building the strongest possible defence.
In his view, this demands positive action to improve inclusivity and diversity within the field of building services engineering. Kelly outlined his own experience of combatting not just overt discrimination but unconscious bias and stated his commitment to using his presidential term to support positive change.
As a University Professor who started his career as an apprentice electrician, Kelly is well suited to encouraging diverse routes to qualification and entry into a Chartered profession. He warned that challenging the status quo will require a willingness “to have the awkward and difficult conversations ahead and lean into them in order to change our industry for the better by making it more inclusive and welcoming to all.”