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.
Lighting of the Future
Lighting has always fascinated me. It’s incredible how integral it is to an overall sensory experience, as I recently noticed in a Louis Vuitton resort concept. They skillfully use glass to interact with light, creating stunning visuals. This balance of daylight and artificial lighting sets a mood that enhances fashion. It's exciting to think how lighting has evolved, from mere functionality to a key player in crafting immersive experiences. The future of lighting design truly is about creating moments that resonate.
Lux Futurum
I was truly impressed by the recent Lux Futurum promotional events held across China. Each gathering in cities like Xian and Shanghai showcased professionalism, with large audiences and expertly guided presentations, translated seamlessly. The atmosphere was electric, and the engagement with sponsors was invaluable. As we gear up for the main event on November 28th, I invite everyone in the global lighting community to share their visionary ideas. Remember, every concept has its merit. Let's reshape the future of lighting together!
China: A Land of a Lot of People…and Opportunities
I’m toured China for the Lux Futurum promo tour, a collaboration with the Virtual Lighting Design Community and the Zhurong Awards. Every visit, I’m amazed by the sheer scale of everything; even in a second-tier city like Nanjing, I encountered a train station with 24 platform gates! The country has transformed from a hub of copiers to a cradle of innovation, especially in lighting design. I can’t wait to see what’s new on this trip!
Perth City of Light
As a lighting designer, I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Lightscape event in Perth's Botanical Garden. The carefully orchestrated lighting effects, synchronised with music, created a magical journey through the gardens. The use of smart LED technology and minimal pathway lighting showcased a thoughtful approach to creating a captivating experience while ensuring comfort and safety. It was a rare moment of peace and magic, set amidst nature, that allowed us to momentarily escape the troubles of the world.
Surviving in the Business (of Lighting Design)
After 45 years in the lighting design business, I've weathered challenges and celebrated successes. Running a business isn't just about design—it's about managing people, making tough decisions, and learning from mistakes. Finding work-life balance has been a struggle, but leading my team feels rewarding. Yet, the hardest step may be letting go, not just for myself, but for the legacy and the team I've built.
Wine-ding Down
Our Cape Mentelle wine tasting hall project in Margaret River was a proud recipient of the 2024 IES Excellence Award in lighting design. More recently we completed the specialized lighting for a wine storage facility in Perth, called the State Cellars, offering property owners with a lack of storage space to store their prized wine collection in specially conditioned facilities, accessible 24/7. Not only are temperature and humidity controlled, lighting is also kept to a minimum through light sensors switching the warm non-UV containing lighting only when presence is detected.
The Power of Infinity
I'm back from attending three major lighting events in the first half of 2024: Light Middle East in Dubai, Light and Building in Frankfurt, and the Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition. It's fascinating to see the growing influence of the lighting industry, especially in China, and the integration of new technologies like AIoT. The emphasis on knowledge sharing and the theme of "the Power of Infinity" at GILE reflects the exciting direction the industry is heading towards.
Lux Futurum, Your Window into the Future
As a founder of our Virtual Lighting Design Community, I'm thrilled to introduce Lux Futurum. The lighting industry has come a long way, and the possibilities now seem boundless. Join us on June 10th at www.luxfuturum.com as we showcase visionary ideas shaping the future of lighting.
Mind Games
Here I discuss the intricacies of managing client expectations when it comes to lighting design. I emphasise the challenge of conveying virtual designs to clients who may struggle to fully grasp the envisioned outcome until the final installation. This process involves skillful communication and diplomacy, especially when it comes to addressing any discrepancies between the initial design and the client's expectations. Mastering these "mind games" is crucial for fostering long-term relationships with clients.
The Melanopic Ratio and Lighting Design
As a lighting designer, delving into the realm of melanopic lux opened my eyes to the hidden impact of light on our circadian rhythms. The Melanopic Ratio (MR) became my guide, revealing how light truly affects our body clock. Understanding this ratio has revolutionised my approach, allowing me to craft designs that not only illuminate but also harmonise with our biological rhythms.
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.
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 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.
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!
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