Author: russellcoombes

A brand-new railcar assembly facility in Perth, Australia, has become a canvas for illuminated artwork with the installation of more than one kilometre of LED tube lighting and a dynamic lighting control system from Pharos Architectural Controls.

The assembly and commissioning plant in Bellevue, Perth, is part of the Western Australian Railcar Programme. The project will deliver 246 new railcars for the country’s METRONET as the existing trains are phased out of use. The main facility includes a 180m-long building with an assembly area, offices, workshops and storage space.

To add personality to the site and make it a more aesthetic part of the landscape, large-scale artwork has been commissioned to adorn the building. This has then been illuminated through architectural lighting and control experts Light Application, who specified several solutions from Pharos Architectural Controls to create the dynamic lighting effects.

The artwork by Sohan Ariel Hayes is entitled ‘Midnight Express’ and pays tribute to the return of rail manufacturing to the area. The lighting design element has been brought to life with a 100-universe Pharos Designer VLC (Video Lighting Controller) controlling more than 1000m of PureLED Addressable Silicone Flextube.

The Designer VLC is a highly capable architectural lighting control solution designed for large LED pixel arrays such as bridges and building facades, making it the ideal choice for the Bellevue Railcar Facility artwork project.

The system has been completed with five Pharos Designer EDN (Ethernet Data Node) remote devices, providing economical Ethernet-distributed DMX ports for large control projects, and ninety three Pharos Designer SDI (Serial Data Interface) accessories, providing a powerful solution for converting DMX data to a variety of serial protocols. At the Bellevue site, the SDIs have enabled the lighting control to be a complete end-to-end Pharos system directly controlling the SPI based RGBW LED pixel tubing.

Supporting the system is Pharos Cloud, which provides simple and secure remote lighting installation control and management, from any Internet-connected device, at any time, anywhere in the world.

The Pharos system has made it possible for the LED artwork to sweep and curve around the north-facing façade of the facility. Celebrating the rail industry, the dynamic effects encompass movement, transitions and colour changes.

Tony Symms, Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific at Pharos Architectural Controls said: “The artwork on the new railcar facility in Bellevue is spectacular. It has transformed what could be a nondescript building into an integral part of the local community, showcasing the opportunities the rail industry is bringing back into the area.

“The system from Pharos Architectural Controls offers everything that is needed to bring this project to fruition with direct control of the SPI based lighting. The complete control system benefits from the renowned Pharos reliability and support. The scale of the lighting effects shows the power of Pharos solutions and what can be achieved through our technology and creative programming.”

Project Credits:

Design, supply, installation and programming: Light Applications

Artist: Sohan Ariel Hayes

Lighting controls: Pharos Architectural Controls

Photography: Jess Wyld

Springwell Gardens is a unique residential project that combines bold contemporary architecture with fine interiors for progressive, premium living spaces in the city of Leeds. With 223 apartments available, residents can make the most of private roof terraces with skyline views, a residents-only garden, and private courtyards for a living environment that makes the most of interior and exterior spaces.

Interior Designers Studio Two Interiors have created beautiful modern spaces with sleek interiors, contemporary appliances, and fine furnishings and finishes. Elegant lighting solutions from Lucent Lighting were specified to enhance the interior and architectural features of the building.

Using Lucent’s range of sleek modern Edge90 downlights and TubeLED Micro spotlights, the fixtures blend seamlessly into the overall design of the communal spaces to provide optimal lighting effects without impacting on the minimalistic finish.

The lighting design contributes to the overall thoughtful architecture and comfortable interiors to create joyful places to live. By bringing these dynamic, contemporary spaces to life, this development marks a bold new sense of community for those in the south-west of Leeds. The unique, sail-like façade also creates a unique feature on the Leeds skyline, drawing the eye and inspiring a sense of place.

Project credits:
Client – Citylife holdings 4 ltd
Interior Designer – Studio Two Interiors

Products used:
EDGE90 custom RAL
ProSpex Pinhole Edge 90 Accent downlight
ProSpex TubeLED Micro Tubular Spotlight
Vista Mini Spotlight

Bradford has had a glimpse of how the new Darley Street Market will look when it’s lit up at night, as the new internal and external low energy LED lighting system was tested by installers.

Intelligent lighting control systems which are linked to the building management control system have been installed throughout the market, as well as feature lighting, which has been used both internally and externally on the project.

A key detail of the lighting scheme is the ability to control it using an intelligent scene setting feature, which means the lighting can be used for key occasions throughout the year or to highlight key dates.

All the lighting in the market uses the latest LED technology which is energy efficient and has a projected long life to reduce maintenance costs and disruption to traders.

The internal lights have two stages with 100% lighting levels for when the building is open to the public and a dimmed lower level of lighting when the building is being cleaned and prepared for trading. Lighting in areas not receiving natural light are also powered by surplus energy from the solar panels on the roof.

The building has also been designed to take advantage of as much natural light as possible. The roof has glazing sections which allows lots of natural light into the upper floors and atrium. Special glass is also used which allows natural light to flood in but also reduced glare from the sun and reflects heat to keep the building cool in the summer and warm in winter.

The new under-construction market will offer three floors of non-food, fresh food, and hot food and drink market stalls, kiosks and bars, as well as a stage, indoor screens, large outdoor screen, and umbrellas for hosting events on the market square.

Colin Wolstenholme, Markets Manager at Bradford Council, said: “The testing of the lighting system at the new market is the latest in the progress of this exciting development. Alongside our traders we’re looking forward to opening the market later this year.”

David Wilson, senior project manager at Kier Construction North & Scotland says: “I’m incredibly proud of the work our site teams have delivered on this project and I’m looking forward to seeing the market and the local area flourish once it is in operation.”

CU Phosco Lighting, the largest family-owned UK designer and manufacturer of exterior lighting, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with the Shekhar Group. This marks the second new partnership to be announced in as many months, and part of a wider plan to strengthen its international presence.

Founded in 1985, the Shekhar Group has a diverse portfolio across various sectors, including Aviation and Fire and Rescue. Like CU Phosco Lighting, Shekhar Group’s extensive experience includes full turnkey services including supply and installation.

With their widespread reach within Nepal, they make an ideal partner for CU Phosco Lighting’s expansion into the Nepalese market. With a commitment to excellence and a proven track record of success, Shekhar Group aligns perfectly with CU Phosco Lighting’s vision for growth and customer satisfaction.

Commenting on the collaboration, Chris Marques, Business Development Manager at CU Phosco Lighting, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to join forces with Shekhar Group as our agent partner in Nepal. Their deep-rooted presence and strong reputation in the Nepalese market are sure to complement our goal of providing innovative lighting solutions to customers across the region.”

Managing Director Skand Amatya, also commented on the partnership, saying, “For over 35 years, we have been devoted to providing our clients with high professional standard products from reputed manufacturers. We are thrilled to add CU Phosco Lighting to our portfolio”.

Six By Nico, Cardiff

Six By Nico is a unique restaurant experience, and its first Wales destination in Cardiff is located on the high street in the heart of the city. Six By Nico offers a six-course tasting menu which changes every six weeks, each themed on a different place and idea. Their latest offering is inspired by the street food of Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. To celebrate the vibrant flavours of the city and bustling culture, Six by Nico collaborated with talented and creative Vietnamese contributors to create the new menu.

Matching the dynamic menu, the interior of the restaurant is inspired by the original features of the space in keeping with Cardiff’s medieval and Victorian Gothic architecture, with vibrant modern additions. Interior Designers Studio Two Interiors created the striking interior design, specifying lighting solutions from Lucent Lighting’s extensive range.

The interiors are warm and inviting yet have a vibrant energy to lend to the excitement and buzz of Six By Nico’s ever-changing menu. Gothic features such as stained-glass screening, artwork and murals lend homage to the traditional aspects of the space and nearby Cardiff Castle. The new design concept that Studio Two have created for the brand offers a core DNA palette that adapts to every new location, pulling inspiration from locational cues to offer a different experience in every venue.

Lucent’s range of contemporary and adaptable features are used to draw the eye to the architectural features of the design. The Inground40 fittings are used to dramatically uplight the arches from below, while the Tube LED Nano spotlight illuminates the bold Roman columns. Ambient lighting for diners is introduced through recessed downlights above the tables, creating an intimate atmosphere. Excitement is brought to the bar area by mini tubular spotlights, highlighting the glasses and bottles on display.

The lighting is a key part of evolving the spaces to allow them to transition from day- time offerings to intimate evening settings. The design introduces individuality inspired by each location while ensuring a strong overall brand image that diners can come to expect from the Six By Nico experience.

Project credits:
Client – Six by Nico
Interior Designer – Studio Two Interiors

Project Manager: Giovanni Premi – Lucent Lighting

Photography – Studio Two Interiors

Products used:

EDGE 60 adjustable downlight

EDGE 90 accent downlight
ProSpex Tube LED mini high output tubular spotlight

InGround 40 uplight

Vista mini spotlight

ProSpex Tube LED Nano tubular spotlight

The Lighting Industry Association (The LIA) recently hosted a member-only Spring Technical Forum, bringing together industry leaders, and experts, to explore the latest trends and advancements impacting the future of lighting. The event, held on 18^th April 2024, was a huge success.

Attendees were introduced to engaging topics such as Building Regulations, Lighting Controls, and Government Updates. Presentations by Juan Ferrari and Bob Bohannon were exceptionally thought-provoking, focusing on the areas of “Would you trust your Lighting Designer if they used AI?” which challenged the conventional notion about artificial intelligence (AI) in lighting design, emphasising the importance of embracing technological advancements as a tool for innovation rather than fearing its implications. Bob Bohannon provided insights into upcoming legislation changes, offering attendees a clear path to track and monitor industry developments and an impactful presentation on “Sustainability Driven Operations” setting the foundation for the upcoming Net Zero Lighting Conference next week.

Additionally, the forum highlighted the key role of The LIA’s Technical Committees in shaping the direction of the lighting sector, and LIA members were encouraged to actively participate and contribute to these groups, underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives progress within our community.

One of the highlights of the event was the three university student award winners, who had the opportunity to present their innovative ideas on lighting design. Testament to the high-quality of their work, member representatives provided advice, guidance, and offers of additional support, as they embark on their professional career paths.

Ayca Donaghy, The LIA CEO, expressed her gratitude to all speakers, The LIA team, members, and university students for their contributions to the success of the forum. “Our industry thrives on collaboration and innovation, and this event exemplified the remarkable potential that arises when we come together to share knowledge and expertise,” said Ayca. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to our speakers for their presentations, our dedicated team for organising a seamless event, our members for their active participation, and our talented university students for inspiring us with their passion and creativity.”

When updating its auditorium lighting, the historic opera house on Hamburg’s Dammtorstraße opted for LED double-focus downlights from ERCO, achieving not only energy savings in excess of 80 per cent but also superior lighting quality and high visual comfort. This choice ensured seamless operations from planning through to commissioning.

The citizens of Hamburg take great pride in their opera house, a cultural institution with a lineage tracing back to the original opera house at Gänsemarkt, established in 1678. In 1827, it found its new home on Dammtorstraße. Today, under the leadership of General Music Director Kent Nagano, the State Opera stands as one of Europe’s premier opera houses. The existing structure, designed by architect Gerhard Weber (1909-1986), was inaugurated in 1955. Recognised as a protected monument, it features a spacious glass façade and an elegant auditorium that accommodates 1,690 spectators.

The recent modernisation efforts encompassed upgrading the lighting in the auditorium, previously equipped with high-voltage halogen lamps. The switch to LED technology was clearly identified as a means to significantly decrease energy consumption. However, energy efficiency was not the sole reason for the planners’ and opera house management’s decision to choose ERCO lighting solutions. The exemplary service, ranging from assistance with sampling to managing technical modifications and ensuring dependable delivery timelines, was as commendable as the superior lighting quality of the products. The selection of Atrium LED double-focus downlights, with their narrow-beam lens optics, was ideal for tall spaces like auditoriums, demonstrating their suitability for such environments.

“We adjust the downlights’ brightness from 100% to as low as 0.1% using DMX control. I am unaware of any other manufacturer that offers such precise and smooth dimming capabilities.”
Alexander Olias du Bosque, Building Services Engineering team from Kiel

Optimal dimmability – essential in theatrical settings
In buildings like the State Opera, hall lighting is technically linked to stage lighting, allowing seamless integration into the performance’s dramaturgy. The demand for smooth and consistent dimming performance is substantial, with the turning on and off of lights needing to be virtually unnoticeable. “ERCO individual” crafted a tailor-made solution for Hamburg, modifying around 150 double-focus downlights with DMX drivers that facilitate dimming from 0.1 % to 100 % and allow for the programming of custom dimming curves. These adjustments also meet the flicker-free standard, which is crucial for clear, distortion-free digital photography and videography.

“Our auditorium now radiates its inherent elegance and
beauty, while significantly reducing energy costs.”
Bernd Gallasch, Head of Hamburg State Opera Lighting/Video
Department

Lighting quality ideal for heritage-listed buildings
The Atrium double-focus downlights demonstrated exceptional quality in various aspects during the sampling process in the auditorium. In compliance with the preservation requirements, their warm white LED colour temperature of 2700K matches that of the previously used halogen lamps. These downlights blend seamlessly with the light from the auditorium’s restored historical wall fixtures and, thanks to their outstanding colour rendering, enhance the deep red velvet of the seating with an intense glow. Due to Atrium’s highly efficient lens optics, even the 18W LED module variant surpasses the required room illuminance of 200lx. Opera goers enjoy the excellent glare control and the consequent superior visual comfort provided by the double-focus downlights.

“The ERCO team in Hamburg aided us in identifying a
sustainable lighting solution for the State Opera House,
suitable for a heritage-listed building.”
Alexander Olias du Bosque, Building Services Engineering
team from Kiel

Significant decrease in energy and maintenance costs
Since the luminaires were scheduled for installation in the auditorium’s lighting ceiling during the opera’s six-week seasonal hiatus, the planners required a reliable delivery schedule. ERCO, with its proximate and adaptable manufacturing capabilities in Germany, easily met this demand: The individual DMX addresses were pre-programmed into the drivers at the factory, adhering to the opera technicians’ specifications, which greatly expedited the on-site installation process. In use, the new lighting meets all high expectations. Energy consumption has dropped by over 80 per cent due to the reduced power per lighting point. This decrease also results in a lower heat output, creating a more comfortable work environment in the lighting ceiling. The once frequent need for lamp replacements is now obsolete. This change is attributed to the longevity and dependability of the new luminaires: ERCO exclusively incorporates high-performance LEDs with the “L90/B10” rating in its downlights, indicating that after 50,000 hours of operation, at least 90% of the LEDs maintain 90% of their initial luminous flux.

Project data

Project: LED conversion of auditorium lighting at Hamburg State
Opera, Hamburg / Germany

Client: Hamburgische Staatsoper GmbH

Lighting
design: ITGT Ingenieurteam Elektrotechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Kiel Interior, Kiel / Germany

Photography: Frieder Blickle, Hamburg / Germany

Products: Atrium double-focus, ERCO individual

• Philips Hue and Samsung SmartThings expand their collaboration to optimize the interaction between the Philips Hue Sync TV app, Samsung TVs, and the SmartThings ecosystem.
• The Philips Hue Sync TV app will be made available as a monthly subscription plan in addition to the one-time purchase option.
• The Philips Hue Sync TV app will be released in Brazil, Hong Kong, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
• Music mode will be available in the Philips Hue Sync TV app for compatible 2024 Samsung TVs, syncing any audio content played on the TV with your lights.

Eindhoven, the Netherlands – Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, and SmartThings, Samsung’s global connected living platform, will expand their partnership to make it even easier for users to enjoy thrilling TV entertainment with surround lighting.

For over a year, viewers have been able to connect their compatible Samsung TV with their Philips Hue lights to create an immersive lighting experience for their home cinema.¹ In spring 2024, the Philips Hue Sync TV app will be released in new countries, get a monthly subscription option, and be integrated with the SmartThings mobile app for even easier control. Together, Philips Hue and SmartThings will bring the potential of the Philips Hue Sync TV app for Samsung TVs to even more people around the world.

Monthly subscriptions and additional countries

Philips Hue is introducing a subscription model based on a monthly fee of 2.99 EUR/USD or equivalent currency. Users will be able to choose between a one-time payment to unlock the app on a single Samsung TV or choose a monthly subscription that supports up to three Samsung TVs in the same household. Additionally, the Sync TV app will be available in Brazil, Hong Kong, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

Easier control and advanced automations via SmartThings

Thanks to the integration with the SmartThings ecosystem, Samsung users will be able to control the Sync TV app via their smartphone alongside their other SmartThings-compatible devices. The app allows users to adjust the settings with their smartphone without having to interrupt the TV content. With the SmartThings app, users can choose between different modes and start or stop syncing. Moreover, it allows users to create multi-device automations to create the perfect movie setting with the push of a button.

Music mode lights up the sounds of any playlist

Users of the Philips Hue Sync TV app on compatible 2024 Samsung TV models will soon find a new feature in the app: Music mode. Instead of following the content on the screen, your Philips Hue lights will react to the audio of what’s playing on the TV. Music mode is compatible with any music played on the TV, transforming your living room into a private concert hall. It will be available on compatible Samsung TVs manufactured in 2022 and 2023 later this year.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with SmartThings to empower users with greater control over their entertainment experiences,” said Jasper Vervoort, Business Leader, Philips Hue at Signify.

“The integration of Philips Hue Sync TV app into the SmartThings ecosystem allows users to create immersive multi-device entertainment routines, enhancing their smart home experiences like never before,” said Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings US. “This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering seamless and innovative solutions that enrich the lives of our users, making their smart home experiences more immersive and enjoyable.“

Availability and compatibility

The Philips Hue Sync TV app is available for Samsung Q60 series or higher QLED TVs manufactured from 2022 onward. The integration of the Philips Hue Sync TV app into the SmartThings app and the monthly subscriptions will be available starting in spring 2024. Users will be able to access these features after downloading or updating to the latest version of the Sync TV app. Music mode will be available for compatible 2024 Samsung TVs from launch. It will be available for compatible 2022 and 2023 Samsung TVs later this year.

¹ The Philips Hue Sync TV app is available for Samsung Q60 series or higher QLED TVs manufactured from 2022 onward.

The DALI Alliance, recognized as the international authority in lighting technology standardization, has unveiled much-anticipated certification details for its wireless specification: DALI+ over Thread.

As lighting specifications increasingly seek smarter, sustainable, and interoperable solutions, DALI+ emerges as a crucial enabler of standardized wireless or IP-based lighting systems. The alliance’s collaboration with partners such as Thread Group has resulted in the integration of enhanced security and encryption solutions, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data transmission within DALI+ networks.

Key features of DALI+ with Thread include:

• Wireless Mesh Network:  Thread creates an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) based wireless mesh network.  Off-the-shelf Thread border routers can also be used to connect multiple Thread networks through IP technologies such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi, allowing a highly scalable lighting control system.
• Extended Addressing: In addition to the standard 64 control gear and 64 control device addresses, DALI+ with Thread IPv6 routing allows almost unlimited addressing capability. The usual DALI broadcast, group and short-addressing methods are included together with IP unicast and multicast capability.
• Interoperability: DALI+ certification includes all the benefits of the existing DALI-2 and D4i certification programs with extensive testing, independent verification, and listing of every certified product in a publicly searchable product database to ensure a high level of product interoperability. Furthermore, DALI+ bridge devices will allow DALI-2 wired devices or systems to connect with and operate with the products in a DALI+ wireless system.
• Device Support: DALI+ supports a wide array of control devices, including occupancy sensors, light sensors, switches, sliders, rotaries, and pushbuttons. Control gear support currently includes LED drivers with the three optional data parts: luminaire data, power and energy, and diagnostics data.

Paul Drosihn, General Manager of the DALI Alliance, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “This represents a significant advancement in DALI-enabled technology. Our members and users will experience the benefits of enhanced wireless interoperability and strengthened sustainability credentials.” Drosihn continues, “Moreover, this milestone underscores our steadfast commitment to driving innovation and nurturing eco-conscious solutions within the industry. By leveraging the potential of DALI technology, we are not only revolutionizing lighting controls but also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Klaus Waechter, VP Commercial Buildings at Thread, said, “We are proud to collaborate with the DALI Alliance in utilizing Thread technology in the DALI+ specification. This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing wireless connectivity and interoperability for commercial grade markets and the lighting industry in general.”