Category: industry updates

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.”

Leading lighting design consultancy MS Lighting Design is thrilled to announce that one of its Lighting Designers, Tiziana Regalado, has been selected as a winner in this year’s Silhouette Awards. Tiziana was chosen by the renowned judging panel as one of the 20 winning mentees for the awards, showcasing the very best of the industry’s rising stars and future talent.

Now in its third year, the international Silhouette Awards gives winners the opportunity to enhance their skillset, pursue their career ambitions, and add real value to the creativity of the industry, raising the bar for talent around the world. The winners of the 2024 programme were announced in a virtual celebration which took place on Wednesday 28th February, with sponsors and supporters taking part in celebrating the winning mentees and their mentors.

Tiziana has been partnered with mentor Panos Ferentinos for a six-month mentorship journey to help her progress in her career. Panos is a professional lighting designer with 20 years of experience. He has worked on architectural projects across the globe, in sectors including hospitality, retail, museums, heritage and public spaces.

Tiziana has been part of the MS Lighting Design team, working as a Lighting Designer, for around five years. She studied architecture at the University of Greenwich, where she developed her skills in designing spaces that positively impact the end user. After graduating, she began her journey into lighting design and has managed projects from concept to completion, finding particular joy in witnessing her sketches come to life. She is eager to continuously improve her skills and grow professionally to design spaces that radiate happiness.

Founder of MS Lighting Design, Marcus Steffen, says: “We are so proud of Tiziana for being awarded for her unique skills, talent and passion for lighting design. This is such an amazing opportunity for Tiziana to embark on a journey of professional growth, enhancing her current skills and learning new perspectives from Panos. We can’t wait to see where her journey takes her and what the future holds. Congratulations Tiziana, you’re a credit to the MS Lighting Design team.”

The Silhouette Awards is a collaboration between Parrot PR and Marketing and Archifos.

The fourth Tamatanga venue has opened its doors in Leeds as a bold, bright and beautiful bar and restaurant experience. Tamatanga offers authentic, fresh Indian cuisine, with hand ground spices and local ingredients crafted by expert chefs. The food and décor are true to its roots – fresh and flavoursome.

Bursting with colour and joy, Tamatanga is designed with a dazzling blend of colours, textures, patterns, shapes and lights. Interior designers FiFi Interiors have decked out the space with fun booths and bar side seating for exciting and casual dining.

Lighting designers Mistry Lighting created the luminous lighting scheme, specifying dynamic lighting solutions from Lucent Lighting to create this vibrant, appealing space. Colourful lights are suspended over the bar, forming a linear rainbow, while InGround40 floor lights uplight the booth seating and tables are spotlighted from above.

Architectural lighting was used to illuminate the colourful interiors, bringing the rich textures and tones to life. Track lighting TubeLED spotlights the tables and unique artwork, framing the bespoke painted murals in bright illumination. Lucent’s spike mounted VISTA floodlights highlight the lush greenery planted throughout to create the sense of a tropical wonderland.

The result is an eye-catching venue with bold and memorable design features, perfect for social media moments and photography backdrops. The unique and exciting space features original elements whilst still maintaining the core look and feel of the Tamatanga brand, elevating the strong brand voice through a venue like no other.

Project credits:
Lighting Design – Mistry Lighting
Interior Design – FiFi Interiors
Photography – Tom Humphries

Tridonic UK has announced the appointment of a new OEM Sales Manager, who will bolster the company’s commitment to creating seamless collaborations with customers.

Daniela Graef rejoins Tridonic after she spent 17 years with the company from 1995-2012, before moving out into the lighting industry to fulfil key roles with a number of high-profile companies, including Thorlux, Harvard Engineering and Signify.

On returning to Tridonic in her new role, Daniela said: “It’s good to be back at Tridonic, which has always held a special place in my heart. My time away allowed me to experience the lighting industry from various angles so I feel that I am able to add real value to the sales function in the UK.

“The lighting industry is experiencing a huge change and Tridonic is feeling that shift too. We are no longer a component-only supplier, but an enabler of smart lighting solutions, which means our sales techniques and approach to customers must pivot to enable the successful adoption of this approach.”

Tridonic UK Managing Director, Richard Strode, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Daniela back to the fold after 12 years of working out in the field, gaining precious experience with clients, projects and applications. Our strategic vision for customers is to make Tridonic the irresistible choice for them – not just as a supplier of expert kit that can create successful projects, but as a collaborative partner who can add value through excellent support and advice.

“Daniela will spearhead that vision and we are excited to see where her dynamism and expertise can take us.”

Extending its popular collection of low-glare downlights, Ansell Lighting has unveiled the latest addition to its aptly named Comfort range.

The first surface mountable luminaire in the collection, the Comfort EVO Surface is an economic high-performance light that delivers extensive glare control for the visual ease of building occupants.

Available in both black and white finishes, the innovative downlight is designed for use in both commercial and healthcare environments. IP44 rated, it is robust and durable, featuring polycarbonate housing and unique thermal management technology for an optimum lifespan.

The Comfort EVO Surface also offers users a range of functional options including a choice of two power outputs and is CCT selectable between 3000K and 4000K. OCTO, dimmable, standard emergency and self-test emergency options are also available. A five-year warranty is offered on all Comfort EVO Surface models.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting said: “The Comfort EVO Surface, is a great addition to our renowned Comfort range. It offers users all of the performance and functionality they’d expect from our Comfort recessed downlights but in a surface mounted form, catering to a more diverse range of applications.”

A revolutionary social dining hub in the Middle East has been brought to life with a plethora of LED solutions from leading manufacturer of performance architectural lighting, Lucent Lighting.

The Al Mamlaka is a luxury food hall found in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh. Located in the popular Kingdom Tower, it sits within the shopping mall that is found inside this uber-impressive skyscraper. With around 500 seats, the new venture brings together high-quality food from different global cuisines offered by a staggering 21 vendors. It has replaced the outdated food hall that was no longer fitting for the exquisite nature of the Kingdom Tower.

With food available for almost 24-hours each day, the lighting needed to reflect the time of day for diners. From early morning coffee and breakfast to late night refuelling, diners would be enjoying the culinary options at all times of the day. The lighting also needed to enhance the luxury and refined experience offered by the new dining hub.

Renowned lighting designers Lighting Design International (LDI) were appointed to the project. Their team chose a wide range of solutions from Lucent Lighting’s expert portfolio to deliver their stunning lighting scheme. These were the uplights, spike lights and downlights required across the expanse of the dining hall.

Lucent Lighting’s InGround40 uplights, in a sophisticated Bronze finish, have been used for floor-recessed lighting in the exterior decorative panels and pots. These provide a superior CRI of 90, and a high-level of protection as an IP67 rated luminaire. This is ideal in a busy and bustling space, as well as being exposed to the elements.

The InGround40 has also been used to provide light at the window reveals, and the decorative panels of the dining hall’s numerous columns.

Spike lighting has been provided by Lucent Lighting’s Vista Mini Spot spike lights, and Vista Mini Flood spike lights. These have been used to provide illumination from the dining hall’s planters. The Mini spike delivers a narrow beam angle, while the Flood balances this with a wide 120° beam angle.

Also selected from Lucent’s expert portfolio, are a number of downlights that have been integrated into the lighting design. Pinhole90 recessed downlights c/w LED51/2 modules have been used as exterior downlights at the entry canopy.

Across the dining hall, Lucent Lighting’s Edge90 and Edge60 fixed recessed downlights provide lighting at various points. This includes ceiling recessed downlights at the false ceiling, and the restroom downlights. The Edge60 is also being used as a bulkhead recessed downlight for task area illumination, and in the canopy for plate illumination.

The adjustable variant, the Edge60 Accent, is being used in the canopy as a recessed downlight for counter illumination with the ability to position the light as required.

Completing the specification from Lucent Lighting is the Micro40 Ocolus, a recessed downlight that has been integrated into the joinery to illuminate the shelves. This is also an adjustable solution so the light source can be directed where it is needed the most.

All of the luminaires provided by Lucent Lighting offer a colour temperature of 2700K, delivering a consistently warm glow. To ensure clarity of colour, 90 CRI is the standard across all of the solutions provided by Lucent.

Project credits:
Lighting Design – Lighting Design International (LDI)
Photography – Gavriil Papadiotis