As many of us are heading towards Frankfurt next week to attend Light + Build, the world’s foremost lighting fair where the latest lighting technologies and innovations will be on show, it is a good moment to take stock of where we are in the world of innovations in general. Aided by artificial intelligence, new materials are breaking through at a rapid pace, specifically in the architectural build environment that is our (lighting) playground. 

Nanomaterials, graphene, self-healing concrete, self-cleaning finishes, bio plastics, pollution absorbing bricks, metal foam, transparent aluminium are just a few that are revolutionising the architectural world. Some of them finding their ways into lighting as well. 

Arch Daily cites many exciting developments being researched and innovated in lighting, such as quantum dots, which use nano crystals to produce highly specific and controlled light colours. Then there are the bio-luminescence applications using living organisms such as fireflies, bacteria, fungi, and some sea creatures like glowing jelly fish. The interesting part of bio luminescence is that it has no carbon foot print nor heat and as such is very safe and energy efficient to use. It is still in its infant stages, but several pilot projects around the world are already applying this technology. 

The related electro luminescence, which applies an electric current to organic substances (OLED technologies), have also shown some promising results with many applications in foresight.    

The incorporation of solar power generating building components in architecture is another technology with the future potential of fully energising all lighting systems in buildings or in exterior environments.

Finally have to mention the software side of lighting, the smart (control and monitoring) technologies. Certainly with AI rapidly entering the playing field, the way we operate, manage, monitor and maintain our lighting systems and the people that occupy the space is becoming life changing. 

While not all these latest technologies might be on show in Frankfurt, I will certainly look out to for it to see where the lighting industry is heading. Would love to hear from you about any findings from the show!