Blog Posts | Read Now
Welcome to my 'Read' page, your digital library for delving into the illuminating universe of lighting design through the written word.
Here lies a treasure trove of thought-provoking ideas, accounts of my professional experiences, and analyses of evolving industry trends, all encapsulated in my regular blog posts. A bit of ‘light’ reading to take you on the journey with me as I express all my thoughts in writing and along the way, guide you through the often charismatic world of lighting design.
AI-Driven Vascular Illumination
I find this innovative AI driven vascular illumination technology fascinating. It allows visualisation of veins to assist clinicians in medical interventions, posing intriguing possibilities for architectural lighting. The technology's potential to create dynamic signage, interactive illumination, and visualize environmental elements like heat and humidity is truly thought-provoking. This cross-fertilization of lighting applications ideas is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of architectural lighting.
The Changing Media Landscape
The subject for this blog was triggered by an email congratulating our company with winning another award and offering us space in their magazine to share the success with the lighting industry. The problem here however was that it was not really an offer to feature our project, but an invitation to pay to have an article featured in their magazine.
Aging
As I grow older, I've come to realize that aging brings about various challenges as a lighting designer. It's not just about the technical aspects but also the human side of things. Adapting to the ever-changing world, maintaining good sight, and managing hearing are crucial. Additionally, prioritising overall health, managing stress, and staying mentally fit are essential to continue delivering exceptional lighting designs. Despite the challenges, I feel blessed to still be fit, healthy, and full of energy, with plenty of goals to accomplish. I'd love to hear from both the young and old about their experiences.
The Magic of Colour
Visited Keukenhof, the world’s most beautiful spring garden, drew inspiration from the magic of colours, crucial for lighting designers. Properly designed lighting and color is a magical combination…
Are We Losing Our Human Skills?
In my latest blogpost, I emphasise the value of hand-drawn sketches as a means of communication in an era reliant on computer technology. I advocate for the preservation and teaching of human skills alongside technological proficiency, foreseeing a potential future disconnection from the internet and computers.
The Beauty of Nature
Nature's serene beauty never fails to captivate me. In my beloved France, the interplay of natural light during early mornings and late afternoons is truly enchanting. The gradual emergence of colours, the tranquil ambiance, and the symphony of birdsong inspire me. It reminds me of the importance of respecting nature in lighting design, knowing when not to intrude with artificial light. It's where I find my centre, draw motivation, and strive to apply lighting with utmost consideration for our planet's natural habitat.
Light and Building 2024 Wrap and the Perils of Travel
I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with industry friends and experiencing the reenergised atmosphere at Light & Building in Frankfurt. The booth parties were lively, and the focus on sustainability and innovation was evident. Despite the travel challenges post-event, I managed to make it safely to the Netherlands, eager to share the latest trends with our clients.
The Lighting Control Revolution
I'm fascinated by the recent developments in lighting control technology. Manufacturers are embracing wireless control technology, with many developing their own Bluetooth or Wi-Fi controls. It's interesting to see big data companies like Google entering the space, but the idea of parting with personal data raises some concerns. Additionally, the latest Summa control system is revolutionising colour control technology with precise adjustments for colour temperature using RGBW LEDs. These advancements are making life easier for lighting designers and have the potential to significantly impact the industry.
Are Lux/Watt and Lumens/Kilo New Environmental Norms?
At the Light and Building fair in Frankfurt, I discovered two groundbreaking approaches to labeling light fixtures for sustainability. Lux per watt and lumens per kilo offer precise insights into efficiency and environmental impact, revolutionising how we assess lighting products for eco-friendliness. These metrics are a game-changer for the lighting industry and could greatly benefit lighting designers and clients.
Lighting of the Future
I'm heading to Frankfurt next week for Light + Build, where the latest lighting technologies and innovations will be on show. It's a good moment to take stock of where we are in the world of innovations. New materials like nano-materials, graphene, and self-healing concrete are revolutionising the architectural world, finding their way into lighting as well. Exciting developments like quantum dots and bio-luminescence applications using living organisms are shaping the future of lighting systems, and with AI rapidly entering the playing field, the way we operate and manage our lighting systems is becoming life-changing. Looking forward to sharing findings from the show!
Light as a Medicine
I believe that the importance of daylight in regulating our circadian rhythms cannot be understated. It's crucial to energize in the morning light and wind down with dimmer light exposure in the evening for better sleep and overall health. While we can propose lighting to enhance circadian rhythms, claiming medical expertise in prescribing light as medicine might be a step too far for lighting designers.
Lighting Budgets: Key to Success!
Budgets are a key integral part of lighting design. There is always this continuous challenge to find the right balance between what you would like and what the client actually want and /or is able (or willing) to afford. In the metaverse you can design to your wildest dreams and imaginations without any restrictions or worry about what it will cost.
Is Lighting Design a Profitable Business?
The number of independent lighting designers has grown significantly, with Europe and the UK leading in the highest number of practices. The survey also found an increase in annual revenue and growth despite the impact of Covid.
The Art of Winning
Professional lighting design is like professional tennis - it demands constant practice and top performance. It's about delivering the best value, leaving clients impressed, and achieving personal satisfaction through top-notch professionalism and teamwork.
Light Middle East 2024 – A Review
As one of the founders of the Virtual Lighting Design Community, I had a fantastic experience at Light Middle East 2024 in Dubai. The event was filled with high-quality exhibitors, insightful talks, and engaging interactions with industry peers. Judging the lighting design awards and speaking about embracing the smart world in lighting design were definite highlights for me. The partnership with Messe Frankfurt Middle East was a great success, and I'm eagerly anticipating reconnecting with industry leaders at Light & Build in Frankfurt later this year!
Dubai, City of Opportunities
There are concerns about the impact of excessive lighting in modern cities like Dubai, questioning the economic and environmental costs. It begs the question whether every building needs elaborate lighting and advocates for considering the balance between urban development and preserving natural and architectural beauty.
Story Telling Magic
Lighting design is about storytelling. It's creating an experience, not just the illumination of a space. The progress of lighting technology and AI has made lighting a prime tool for delivering these experiences, as seen in examples like the shadow play at the GMAP centre in Korea.
Happy New Year! Are Fireworks on the Way Out?
Happy New Year to all my readers! I wasn’t planning to blog over the holidays, but I sort of got back into the groove of blogging and as I am relaxing and enjoying my holidays with family in Sydney over the new year, I could not resist writing up a small piece about the new years eve celebrations.
Neon lighting on the heritage list?
I remember Hong Kong from my early travels in the eighties and how impressive the neon signs were. You were literally walking the streets under a canopy of flashing neon signs, whilst taking in the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong street life with vendors approaching you every step of the way. That typical street life was very much dominated and driven by the neon signs… To read that a group of enthusiasts is making waves to keep neon lighting part of our heritage was unexpected but heartwarming, it made total sense.
The Eternal Dimming Struggle
Despite advancements in LED technology, the struggle with dimmable lighting persists. From inadequate installation to unfamiliarity with systems, contractors and suppliers continue to challenge the seamless implementation of lighting design.
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