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SGM wash lights used for crazy Christmas commercial We know that Christmas is long over. However, this electrifying Swedish commercial still deserves some attention. It is about a solar panel system that can store energy - and to underline this message an over-the-top Christmas light installation was used to underline that you can use electricity with a clean conscience. SGM LED fixtures which are known for their low power consumption and eco-friendliness therefore matched that message perfectly. Lighting Designer, Peter “Tintin” Jörgensen, applied SGM P-5 wash lights outside the building to cover up the facade and several units of their little brother, the P-2, were placed inside to highlight the windows. He explained: “Besides the low power consumption, it was important that the fixtures had a high IP rating as some of them were installed outside. I also needed a great green and red color output to underline the Christmas theme - and I knew that the P-2 and the P-5 were able to deliver just that. I was very satisfied with their performance and their contribution to the final result.” Lighting Designer: Peter “Tintin” Jörgensen Programmer/Operator: Ishai Mika Production: Teaterteknik Supplier: Light Trade Applied products: P-2 P-5 Original: sgmlight

Cloud lamp/speaker combo brings thunder into your living room Richard Clarkson, a multi-disciplinary interior designer, owns a design studio in New York and New Zealand where he experiments with different products, lights, and furniture. One of his most elegant creations is Cloud, an interactive light shaped like a cumulus cloud lamp that simulates a thunderstorm both in light and sound. As described on their website, the Cloud is an interactive lamp and speaker system, designed to mimic a thundercloud. Using motion sensors the cloud detects a users presence and creates a unique lightning and thunder show dictated by their movement. The system features a powerful speaker system from which the user can stream music via any Bluetooth compatible device. Using color-changing lights the cloud is able to adapt to the desired lighting color and brightness. The cloud also has alternative modes such as a nightlight and music reactive mode. This smart creative lamp/cloud is filled with lights, motion sensors, microphones, and a powerful speaker system. A remote control allows users to set it to different modes, getting it to act like a simple thunder cloud, to respond to movements in its surroundings, or to respond to sounds or music that it hears around it. The cloud-like outer layer definitely completes the illusion giving it the the perfect look. It would make for a fun accessory, just don’t expect to read comfortably under its light. Check out this awesome GIF of The Cloud showing off its capabilities. You can check out Clarkson’s page to learn more about the Cloud, or even purchase your own for a few thousand dollars. You’ll also find cheaper versions with less functionality on the site, too.

NORWEGIAN NIGHTS Dockside dining, dim sum and DJs are all on the menu at Hakkasan’s new Nordic venture. Housed in a quirky building with plenty of daylight, it took careful collaboration with the interior designer to make their concept a reality. The result? A lighting scheme that enhances the Ling Ling experience of “evolving” nights. In the dining area, simple long drop pendants hang over tables for intimacy, and a preserved tree is brought to life by a backlit coffer that creates dappled shadows through the leaves. For the flora outside, integrated illumination in the planting and pergolas offers a natural extension to the interior dining space. Back inside, the galvanised metal conduit installation is an eye-catcher. Punctuated with light it forms a framework effect throughout: from balustrade, to trellis and a radiating feature above the bar and dining area. The conduit’s illuminated sections pick up on the timber cladding, which houses concealed LEDs that wrap around the building’s perimeter to give the space a diffuse, ambient feel. And, the bar’s backdrop incorporates random lines of light to draw people in for a carefully-crafted cocktail. In the music and DJ area light levels were kept purposely low for a moodier effect, and cluster pendants added for accent. Transition spaces were also considered – they’re easily identified by the brand’s vibrant colour scheme that’s been integrated into cove lighting. A lighting control system follows the astronomical clock but because of the location, and the long summer nights, it can be easily overridden, giving the team the flexibility needed. Source: nultylighting

An advantage for success at the Hong Kong Science Museum Since its opening, the Hong Kong Science Museum has captivated the public’s curiosity through interactive and enlightening exhibitions. Housing over 500 exhibits in an area that spans over 65,000 square meters, the Museum recently opened a series of new exhibits designed to encourage a greater understanding of the world all around us. Wanting to implement an energy-efficient LED lighting system to accentuate the exhibits, the Museum called upon longtime partner Pacific Lighting Ltd who provided them with complete system of Altman Lighting Pegasus, Spectra Cyc 50 and ME4 luminaires. “We have a long and successful history of working with the Hong Kong Science Museum designing and installing a number of their exhibition lighting systems,” began Hugh Chinnick, Pacific Lighting Director and Project Lighting Designer. “With the latest exhibition, they wanted to use LED technology when possible so the choice of fixtures had to be carefully managed. Although there was no detailed design brief, we knew they wanted the lighting design to create the appropriate theatrical atmosphere, so we chose to implement a system of Altman Lighting LED luminaires.” Source: altmanlighting

Shining jewel in the port of Hamburg: Zumtobel develops artistic lighting solution for the Elbphilharmonie 2800 special luminaires - including 1200 hand-blown glass ball luminaires Zumtobel, a brand of the Zumtobel Group, has realised a series of lighting solutions within the building that has already become Hamburg’s new landmark. For this project, the manufacturer of high-quality luminaires developed numerous special luminaires, partly consisting of hand-made elements. The customised lighting solution for general illumination in the concert hall is particularly impressive. Zumtobel has referenced the architectural philosophy of combining old and new by working closely with Herzog & de Meuron, lighting design firm Ulrike Brandi Licht and the glass designer Detlef Tanz from Wegberg to carefully craft 1200 hand-blown glass ball luminaires. Paying homage to the nearby River Elbe, the fittings appear like light-filled water bubbles emerging from the undulating acoustic ceiling, in which the luminaire housings are discretely concealed from view. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern LED technology made the development of this lighting solution a special challenge for Zumtobel. Source: zumtobelgroup

Light Sketch, Aronson Lighting Design and RTLD Lighting Design Lighting design: Aronson Lighting Design and RTLD Lighting Design Product: VarioLED™ Flex VENUS White TV IP67 LED Linear Partner: Lirad-Steinitz Customer: Broadcom Offices Location: Yakum, Israel Photos: Aronson Lighting Design For the offices of Broadcom in Yakum, Israel Lighting Designer Eran Aronson of Aronson Lighting Design and RTLD Lighting Design created a special installation with 31 VENUS luminaires. Each luminaire was individually bent on site by him. Therefore, no luminaire is like the other, and all differ in their bends and hanging technique. Overall, the project produced 31 extraordinary luminaires made of 775 meters of flexible VarioLED™ Flex VENUS, 775 meters of aluminum profile, 775 meters transparent shrink tubing, 775 specially designed connectors, 775 silicone-coated steel cables, 775 ceiling terminals and all that, in more than 775 hours of planning, designing and installing. Eran Aronson captured this exciting process in a video, which was produced in collaboration with Yoni Gofer. Enjoy watching "Light Sketch"! For additional information, please visit www.led-linear.com

Arsuf Panoramic Apartments, Israel Building owner: ACRO Group and Hagag Brothers Architect: Ilan Pivko, Pivko Architects Lighting design: Rama Mendelsohn Product: VarioLED™ Flex VENUS Top View IP67 Customer: Arsuf Panoramic Real Estate Project Location: Gaash, Israel Photos: Omri Amsalem The Arsuf Panoramic complex at the western edge of the Arsuf cliff has been uniquely designed in an attractive arc shape, guaranteeing privacy while also enabling residents to take in the entire panoramic view. Designed by renowned architect and interior designer Ilan Pivko, the terraced structure of the buildings is specifically designed to allow each of its 52 ultra-luxurious apartments an intimate view of the Mediterranean Sea through their expansive wall-to-wall windows. The project includes apartments with high standards, an exceptional smart design, optimally using all available space and with large windows filling the apartments with light and views of the beautiful blue sky. The integrated lighting is modern and emphasizes the luxurious character of the building complex. On the facade of the VarioLED™ Flex VENUS was used. Its diffused light gently highlights the interesting structure of the façade at night. For additional information, please visit www.led-linear.com

Rally Sweden is the biggest recurring sports event in Sweden and a part of the FIA World Rally Championship No less than approximately 100 million TV viewers worldwide and 250,000 attending spectators followed the race that took place in the province of Värmland in the middle of Sweden from February 9th-12th. For the 7th year in a row, Jakob Larsson was the responsible Lighting Designer and Production Manager who ensured that the light settings were enhancing the settings the best way possible. For that purpose, he stocked up on SGM P-5 LED wash lights: “I have a lot of experience with the P-5 and I knew it was the right lamp for the mission. I rented all that Woodlite had in stock which was about 110 pcs. If they have had more, I had rented more, as they were my first choice.” He installed the P-5s at two different so-called Super Special Stages and also at the prize ceremony. Most of fixtures were used to illuminate a new Super Special Stage located in a big quarry. Rally Sweden is taken place in rather harsh winter surroundings in Sweden, which was an ice-cold fact that Jakob needed to take into account: “First of all, I needed fixtures with a high IP-rating since the gig is outdoor in the middle of the Swedish winter. I feel that the P-5 is a very reliable product and I will definitely continue using it in future installations as well.” Jakob also found that the mix of a very high output and low power consumption was a perfect match for this big event. Furthermore, he a saw the interchangeable lenses as a big plus, which meant that he could take advantage of both 21° and 43° lense kit on the location. Products used for this project: P-5 Original: sgmlight

First Night First Day Boston is a recurring event that counts down to the New Year. To wrap up 2016 and make way for 2017, SGM’s G-Spots and G-1 Beams were chosen to illuminate the spectacle. They lit up the night while adding to the excitement of downtown Boston. The event took place in Copley Square featuring live performances, ice sculptures and fireworks. We spoke with Kyle Stetson of Port Lighting Systems who was the lighting designer for this event. He explained what role, the G-Spot has played for the company: “Port Lighting Systems was one of the first production companies in the Northeast to purchase an inventory of the G-Spot fixtures. It is a workhorse fixture for many of the outdoor events we are involved in.” It was important to him to find a fixture that would give him the look he wanted, but could also stand up to the wintery conditions found in New England. We asked him what was important to him to make this event a success: “When designing the show, we needed fixtures that could not only stand up to the New England winter weather (they saw rain, wind and snow for this event), but also compete in lumen output to other larger fixtures that were protected in scaffolding towers around the square.” The G-Spots were the sole light source for lighting the Trinity Church, backdrop and main performance center. He explained that space was a concern when setting up for this event. In order for the audience to have the best view possible, Kyle needed to find a way to integrate lighting without obstructing viewing areas: “The client wanted Trinity Church lit in pattern and color, with the ability to change throughout the night. An additional scaffolding structure was not possible as our only available fixture locations (next to Front of House) would block the view of the main stage from the rest of the Square. The G-Spots were a great choice for this location because we were able to keep them out in the elements on two small risers, allowing the building to be lit and the audience to see the main stage.” The G-1 Beams lined the rooftop of a hotel in the vicinity overlooking the green. Also exposed to the elements, Kyle needed fixtures that he could rely on. With SGM’s IP65- and IP66-ratings, these hassle-free fixtures require no weatherproof domes and almost no maintenance. Kyle elaborated: “The client also wanted beam effects in the air on the roof of the Fairmont Copley Plaza, a prominent feature of Copley Square. Waterproof domes were used for a number of beam fixtures in this location, but the budget did not allow domes for all fixtures, and a scaffolding structure was not an option due to the location and load in logistics. The G-1 Beams, supplied by Main Light Industries, were a perfect solution for this problem. They allowed us to line the edge of the roof with beam fixtures and kept the budget intact by eliminating the need for waterproof domes.” Kyle summarized on his experience working with the G-Spots for this installation: “We chose the SGM fixtures for both of these locations for their LED source, amazingly bright output and outdoor rating. My technicians appreciated having these fixtures on site because they did not have the standard issues of fixtures in a damp environment or lamp striking in the cold.” Applied products: G-1 Beam G-Spot Original: sgmlight

On January 6, the Danish popular radio P6 BEAT held its annual music event P6 BEAT Rocker Koncerthuset. For the fifth year in a row, the show hosted a variety of different established and upcoming artists from home and abroad. The overall lighting concept was based on the creation of a festival feeling inside DR Koncerthuset, which is a concert hall designed for classical music. For this concert, four stages were set up inside the 360° venue. Every stage performance had its own unique expression. The show was an ongoing concert, where each band played three to four songs, until the hosts led the audience's attention to a new stage with the artist next in line. Lighting designer/operator, Sune Verdier, elaborated: "Because of the fact that the mounting opportunities were very limited, we had a general festival-like lighting rig with an even distribution of wash og spot moving heads. On the floor we had 20 pcs. of SGM P-5 wash lights as a border around the stages. To create this border and a backdrop for the audience and the tv camera, we used the P-5s to light the artists up close. The rectangular shape of the fixture gave a geometrical finish to the edge of the stage, which provided a sharp look for the otherwise small stages." For the installation, Sune Verdier needed both a good wash and strobe light that could also function as a backdrop for the artist. He found all these features combined in the P-5. He highlighted the high power level and strong saturated colors as the main advantages of the compact LED wash light. Furthermore, he added: "Whenever I can, I tend to use the P-5 as it’s a very good static wash light, which is also very versatile due to its outdoor capability being IP65-rated." Supplier: Litecom A/S Lighting Designers: Sune Verdier/Jacob Møller Operator: Sune Verdier Project Manager: Jacob Møller Applied products: P-5 Original: sgmlight

For the long-awaited inauguration of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall located on the harbour-side in Hamburg, a massive light and video setup was installed. It all culminated with a spectacular show in the evening of January 11. As a crucial part of this show, no less than 500 pcs. of P-5 and P-2 wash lights from SGM were applied. Hamburg’s new concert hall is one of the largest and most acoustically advanced in the world. It is popularly nicknamed Elphi. The 108 metres/354 ft. tall building consist of two sections. The new glassy construction resembles a hoisted sail, water wave or quartz crystal, which is constructed on top of an old warehouse building. A terrace placed in middle, ties the new and the old sections together. This is where most of the P-5s were installed. Furthermore, all balconies on the upper part were also equipped with P-5s. The overall concept was thought-out by the global agency, Jung von Matt. Their task was to visualise the concert taking place inside the opera house on the outside of the building in real-time. Jerry Appelt was the responsible Lighting Designer that ensured that the light was synchronized with the music and video content displayed on the bottom part of the building. All lighting was supplied by PRG and their Account Manager for the event, Michael Casper, here explains why they chose to apply P-5s and P-2s over other wash lights for this event: "They are water resistant, bright and reliable – that's why we have a lot of them. They absolutely live up to all our expectations. The role of the P-5s and P-2s was to bathe the new part of the building in deeply saturated colors, changing dynamically in time with the music. They certainly delivered that - and even more.” The result of all the different elements coming together as whole, truly was a breathtaking experience. You can read more about the installation here - and we also encourage you to check out this impressive 'behind the scenes' video: Source: sgmlight

For the long-awaited inauguration of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall located on the harbour-side in Hamburg, a massive light and video setup was installed. It all culminated with a spectacular show in the evening of January 11. As a crucial part of this show, no less than 500 pcs. of P-5 and P-2 wash lights from SGM were applied. Hamburg’s new concert hall is one of the largest and most acoustically advanced in the world. It is popularly nicknamed Elphi. The 108 metres/354 ft. tall building consist of two sections. The new glassy construction resembles a hoisted sail, water wave or quartz crystal, which is constructed on top of an old warehouse building. A terrace placed in middle, ties the new and the old sections together. This is where most of the P-5s were installed. Furthermore, all balconies on the upper part were also equipped with P-5s. The overall concept was thought-out by the global agency, Jung von Matt. Their task was to visualise the concert taking place inside the opera house on the outside of the building in real-time. Jerry Appelt was the responsible Lighting Designer that ensured that the light was synchronized with the music and video content displayed on the bottom part of the building. All lighting was supplied by PRG and their Account Manager for the event, Michael Casper, here explains why they chose to apply P-5s and P-2s over other wash lights for this event: "They are water resistant, bright and reliable – that's why we have a lot of them. They absolutely live up to all our expectations. The role of the P-5s and P-2s was to bathe the new part of the building in deeply saturated colors, changing dynamically in time with the music. They certainly delivered that - and even more.” The result of all the different elements coming together as whole, truly was a breathtaking experience. You can read more about the installation here - and we also encourage you to check out this impressive 'behind the scenes' video: Source: sgmlight

SORAA BRINGS HISTORY TO LIFE AT DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS Soraa, the world leader in GaN on GaN™ LED technology, announced that its full visible spectrum LED lamps were installed at the Arts of the Ancient Middle East Gallery at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) in Detroit, Michigan. Soraa’s LED lamps now illuminate historic artifacts dated from approximately 3000 BCE and 600 CE that map the rise of writing, trade, religions, cities, and empires in the early civilizations of the Middle East. Lighting designer Marc Langlois, working with the museum’s curatorial and collections staff, conducted a detailed series of tests, calculations and small case studies on a variety of lamps and fixtures. The team opted for Soraa’s VIVID MR16 LED lamps to illuminate the ancient art and artifacts. The new LED lighting gives the space a more inviting, airy and contemporary feel that the DIA desired. The gallery’s beautiful architectural elements had been previously lost with the halogen lighting, but the new Soraa lighting improved the color rendering of the art and made the space itself an attraction for guests. For additional information, please visit www.soraa.com

SORAA MODERNIZES LIGHTING AT ICONIC NICOLAS SURSOCK MUSEUM IN LEBANON Perfectly lighting a renowned modern and contemporary art museum, Soraa’s LED lamps now illuminate the Nicolas Sursock Museum in Beirut, Lebanon. Built in 1912 by aristocrat Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock, the villa was given to the city of Beirut as an art museum upon his death. The Sursock Museum first opened its doors to the public in 1961 with a mission to collect, preserve and exhibit local and international art. “Museums are living facilities that must constantly adapt to meet evolving needs. Soraa LED lamps definitely contribute to the Museum’s mission—and are better suited to meet the Museum’s needs of today and tomorrow,” said Majdi Hajjar, Lighting Designer and Illuminating Engineer with Aartill, in Baabda, Lebanon. For additional information, please visit www.soraa.com

SORAA PERFECTLY ILLUMINATES GLASS ART AT THE CROCKER ART MUSEUM Soraa, the world leader in GaN on GaN™ LED technology, announced that its full visible spectrum LED lamps were installed to illuminate the Sacramento-based Crocker Art Museum’s exhibition “Glass for the New Millennium: Masterworks from the Kaplan-Ostergaard Collection”. “When illuminating glass, color rendering is the most important element. You must have true, accurate colors to bring out the best in glass,” said Matthew Isble, Exhibit Designer and Chief Preparator for the Crocker Art Museum. “We wanted something in the 3000K range that would mimic sunlight. Soraa LED lamps perfectly light the art glass pieces, making them sing.” For additional information, please visit www.soraa.com

SORAA LED LIGHTING ADDS TO PERFECT AUTHENTICITY OF SYDNEY'S SPICE ROOM Soraa, the world leader in GaN on GaNTM LED technology, announced that its LED lamps have been installed at the iconic Spice Room restaurant in Sydney, Australia. Located in the Circular Quay area of Sydney, the Spice Room restaurant’s design is inspired by a rail trackside Indian street scene. “The restaurant and cuisine are authentic Indian. The interior design is unique – with elements that remind our guests of a beautiful, historic Indian town and mansions,” said interior designer Jill Hoffenberg. “The Spice Room can be seen from a distance, and the high contrast and colour rendering achieved by Soraa LED lighting creates an air of interest and draws people to the restaurant” For more information on Soraa’s LED lighting products, please visit: www.soraa.com

SORAA’S LED LIGHTING BRINGS ART TO LIFE IN HONG KONG HOTEL Soraa, the world leader in GaN on GaN™ LED technology, announced that its LED lamps have been installed at the Hotel Stage in the heart of Kowloon, Hong Kong. More than just a hotel, the Hotel Stage serves as a quiet retreat amidst the energetic Yau Ma Tei neighborhood and a stage for local artists to showcase their work. Driven by this passion to showcase local art, the Hotel Stage required energy efficient lighting that could create a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in the hotel’s exceptional communal spaces, as well as accurately render colors of the creative artwork. The Hotel Stage worked with Koichi Tanaka, a lighting designer at LIGHTLINKS, who chose approximately two thousand of Soraa VIVID lamps to illuminate the distinct conversation areas and set off the art pieces. To complement the hotel’s minimalist design, artwork becomes the focus of guests’ attention with Soraa’s tightly controlled beam distribution. Soraa’s Point Source Optic technology, enabled by the company’s GaN on GaN™ LED, crisply illuminates any area with a single sharp shadow, providing unparalleled contrast and depth. “The undeniable benefit for using Soraa LED lamps is that we can render all materials with true color. This was of the upmost importance to us for both the hotel application and to accurately illuminate the artwork,” said Koichi Tanaka, CEO, LIGHTLINKS International Limited. Utilizing every color in the rainbow, especially deep red emission, Soraa’s lamps render warm tones beautifully and accurately, and achieve a color-rendering index (CRI) of 95 and deep red (R9) rendering of 95. Plus, unlike blue-based white LEDs without any violet/ultra-violet emission, the company’s lamps have violet emission to properly excite fluorescing brightening agents in paper, textiles and paints. For more information on Soraa’s LED lamps, please visit: www.soraa.com

OLED technology that resembles natural light and makes it all possible S.F_Senses of the Future. LG is collaborating with world-renowned designer Tokujin Yoshioka, known for his use of groundbreaking experimental techniques to reflect the beauty of nature and the complexity of the human senses. LG and Tokujin Yoshioka showcases their respective optimism for humanity’s future and to impart a lasting impression with an immersive experience utilizing light and everyday objects. Take a closer look at the beauty of S.F Chair and Wall of the Sun, artworks of Tokujin Yoshioka, and the OLED technology that resembles natural light and makes it all possible.

AviLighting reduces energy costs by 50 percent when compared to competitive systems and provides a reliable LED light source for helping to foster the normal growth and development of poultry AHPharma, Inc., a leading manufacturer and designer of services and products for the food animal industry, and i-lighting™, the leading manufacturer of the proprietary LED Lighting Simplified connection technology, have teamed up to introduce a new series of AviLighting™ high-intensity LED systems to improve the cost, energy and operational efficiencies of poultry feeding applications. The new AviLighting product line now includes a series of control pan, feeder, layer and backyard flock water feeding systems operating at 24 volts to increase the intensity of the systems and the ability to consistently deliver biologically-humane LED lighting to poultry, according to animal welfare humane requirements. These products are also available with dimmable solutions and complete lighting solutions (avilighting.com/kits), providing all the components needed to easily install 300 to 600 ft. AviLighting systems operating with two to three feeder lines. “We are dedicated to working with our customers in the poultry industry to continually meet their needs with new, exciting products that improve operational efficiencies as well as bottom lines,” adds Dr. James L. McNaughton, president & CEO of AHPharma. “The new, enhanced intensity of our AviLighting offers the ability to penetrate the skull of poultry with applications installed nine feet above feeder lines and with fewer LED bulbs. As a result, the system not only reduces energy costs by 50 percent when compared to competitive LED lighting systems, but also provides an ultra-reliable LED light source, helping to foster normal growth and hormonal development.” The new AviLighting LED lighting system was co-engineered by i-lighting and AHPharma to meet the commercial live production lighting needs of areas related to bird migration/attraction and the brooding of chickens, turkeys and other poultry. Powered by a 24 Volt DC controller with solar & back-up power compatibility, the AviLighting System can lower energy costs by 86% to 96% when compared to the use of incandescent or cold-cathode lighting and by 50 percent over other ceiling socket-driven LEDs that meet poultry industry lighting requirements. In addition, AviLighting was designed as a dual colored LED Feeder Light that can typically be used as the sole light source or as a supplement to existing ceiling LEDs to attract chicks evenly to feed and watering areas. Due to recent light intensity upgrades, AviLighting can now be installed throughout the entire house in order to attract birds to feed & water areas and simulate increased water and feed consumption. For those houses containing dimmable LEDs, supplemental AviLighting can also be installed to further promote very early brooding light attraction. Other benefits include: Efficiency: up to 96% reduction in energy costs per year Longevity: guaranteed for 5 years (diodes rated at 100,000+ hours) Simplicity: installation is intuitive, simple, and can be completed in a day (MINIMAL WIRING required. The system operates off of low-voltage currents that are sent down the shock cable and auger line to provide wireless energy transfer) Scalability: new units can be placed on the line to immediately emit as much light as necessary Dimmable: wireless remote controls give the operator wireless dimming power for each line of lights Industry standards: Only light source that meets the mandated min consistent 4 fc requirement at feed/water and minimizes “starve-outs of lost birds” Source: prweb

In Stockholm, AF Lighting has designed a media facade that reflects the weather, and helps build the brand of a major insurance company. The head office of Swedish insurance company If sits directly above a busy motorway just north of Stockholm. It has always been an imposing building – but rather an anonymous one, with an unlit facade. ÅF Lighting was asked to do something about that. The resulting solution is characterized by a soft, welcoming light, which matches the recently updated visual guidelines of the insurance company, and its concept of being “close to the people”. For many years, the one distinguishing feature of the building was an old digital clock sitting on top of it, which also displays outside temperature, as a service to passers-by. ÅF Lighting kept this in mind when creating the lighting concept, which involves LED strips being fitted to the entire facade, with a dynamic light flowing through them like changes in the weather. The lighting scheme also reflects actual local weather conditions, enabling the public to experience the façade lit according to natural conditions such as wind, snow, rain, sun and clouds as well as the seasonal changes. The work also included to update the old clock with a new design and new media logo. Apart from conveying a message about the weather, the lighting also gives the building a lighter, more dynamic feel, and provides an aesthetic experience for car-borne commuters on an otherwise eventless motorway. ”The project has presented challenges to which we have found innovative solutions”, says lighting designer Francesco Guastella. ”As part of the creative process, we worked closely with the customer to develop mood boards, inspired by their brand message about closeness to people. Eventually we decided that nature and its changes is something that everybody can relate to. Who has not gazed into the flames of an open fire, for instance, or at the waves lapping at a shore? This is what inspired us when creating the lighting programme that now flows along the facade.” Installing the light rods proved to be the most challenging part of the project. As the façade faces a motorway, building cranes could not reach to all the necessary installation areas. Instead, climbers were hired to perform the work. ”It looked absolutely terrifying, but the results are extraordinary”, says an evidently pleased Francesco Guastella. Now commuters are met by a beautiful façade each day, reflecting the weather in that particular moment. In other words, the lighting helps communicate the If brand, and adds value to people in their everyday lives. Source: af-lighting

intu Victoria Centre, Nottingham » Retail Lighting Design The £40 million re-model and refresh of intu Victoria Centre, Nottingham has transformed the Centre’s tired appearance, creating a vibrant and bold retail interior. Optelma worked with lighting designers Hoare Lea Lighting to design and develop large, bespoke feature pendants that would work with the scale of the central mall. Suspended in the skylight bays, these elegant two-metre-high moulded ‘Conico’ pendants are key elements, which visually separate the retail spaces from the food and beverage courts, while softening the overall impression. The custom-built pendants feature RGBW LEDs which enable a dynamic, yet subtle, uniform colour-change to take place throughout the day. This mirrors the colour-change within the walkways, thereby ensuring a co-ordinated visual appearance. Each Conico pendant has a 3000lm Xicato downlight built into the base, providing general illumination beneath as well as a platform for the emergency lighting. Martin Breeden Development Director of intu commented: ‘The refurbishment of intu Victoria Centre has enhanced the centre’s look and feel throughout, and the lighting design has really complemented this, helping us to achieve a modern and welcoming environment.' Refresh of intu Victoria Centre in Nottingham included a full upgrade, with the aim of transforming the Centre’s tired appearance and creating a fresh, exciting interior, while introducing a lit personality to the façade. In addition, the project delivered a prominent new southern entrance and a two-level catering cluster centred on the Grade II listed clock tower. Hoare Lea Lighting was appointed by intu to design a new lighting scheme for intu Victoria Centre. To give the interior a fresh dynamism, many of the finishes were taken back to the primary structure before new layers were applied. The remodelling has allowed the daylight function to be enhanced and for the integration of energy-efficient artificial lighting. This has enabled the creation of a softly lit environment, in which strong visual architecture is supported by lighting. Linear forms characterise the architectural enhancements and this language is echoed in the lighting design. Indirect linear lighting to the soffit provides ambient light (from ACDC’s Orelle) in a fresh 4000K white light. This contrasts with the warmer, more relaxing treatment of 3000K within the food and beverage courts. Here, linear ‘tramlines’ of light, from KKDC’s Lini Glow XL, run across the ceiling, their architectural forms spilling into the main malls, adding an exuberant feel and giving a playful visual lead from one space to the next. Hidden sources and integrated lighting combine with white light and RGB colour-change for a clean, dynamic feel. On the walkways, soft washes from hidden lines-of-light are punctuated by pools of light created by spotlights and downlights from Lumenpulse/ AlphaLED and iGuzzini. Peripheral coves running parallel with the walkways are washed with a hidden RGBW linear product (Traxon’s 1PXL Cove Light), which allows for a subtle, slow, uniform colour-change throughout the day. This colour change is mirrored by RGBW feature pendants in the central mall, thereby ensuring a co-ordinated visual appearance. Suspended in the skylight bays, the ‘Conico’ pendants, custom-built by Optelma, are key visual features which work to visually separate the main retail mall spaces from the food and beverage courts, while softening the overall impression of the malls. Commenting on the design, Chris Fox, Senior Lighting Designer, Hoare Lea said: ‘The approach we took was that of ‘lighting through layers’ – combining direct and indirect sources to build a visual scene with various options. Control allows dimming of groups of luminaires to create scenes and for the switching between pre-programed scenes throughout the day. ‘ The exterior of the Centre has been transformed, with the dated 1970s brutalist concrete facade now clad in a clean, contemporary finish. As night falls, the back-lit cladding comes alive with light and colour. White light follows the building’s form, washing each panel in a neutral 4000K, supplied by Osram’s LINEARLight Power Flex. The cladding surrounding the main entrance has a linear wash. DMX feeds give control over each panel and, using a bespoke RGB lensed product from NJO Technology, turn the entrance into an eye-catching media façade. The Clock Tower, an icon on the Nottingham cityscape, has been given a traditional uplight treatment, which complements the architecture, while contrasting with the new backlit entrance cladding and glazed entrance. Ground-recessed uplights, from Bega, illuminate the red brickwork in 3000K, while spotlights (ACDC’s Plaza) pick out the higher levels and the clock face. Martin Breeden Development Director of intu commented: ‘The £40m refurbishment of intu Victoria Centre has enhanced the centre’s look and feel throughout, and the lighting design has really complemented this, helping us to achieve a modern and welcoming environment.’ Source: optelma, retaildesignblog, hoarelealighting