Lighting in Design Q1 2024

www.crown.co.za

Q1 - 2024

Showcasing the Wits University Sibanye-Stillwater Innovation Bridge

Architecture & Illumination’s story of beautiful union

1 Canada’s Square Viger transforms with perfect lighting

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Ed Space

light or artificial light – can be em ployed to enhance the aesthetics of a building or room’s design. T here are myriad applications for lighting, each with their own purpose, such as highlighting or downplaying a specific subject. T hen there is a reminder that E arth is the only home we have, so we need to look after M other N ature a bit better than we have been doing. O ne of the easiest ways to start a go-green trans formation in our day-to-day lives is by swapping out traditional light fittings that are not nearly as planet-friendly as they could be – this can range from the way they consume energy, to the way in which they are recycled. U sing L E D lightbulbs everywhere, for ex ample, is an easy way to be more conscious of our surround ings and help move towards a more environmentally friendly way of living. T here are various other ways to enhance your home and office designs, and become more aware of the impact we are having on our world – remember, it’s the only space we have!

I have driven under the W its bridge for over 3 0 years and only recently did I truly tak e notice of it – because there was a change in the way that the bridge look ed. O nly now have I learned that a lot of work went into this revamp for the W its 1 0 0 -year celebration – the lighting team at R egent L ight ing Solutions, as well as leading architectural firm Kate Otten Ar chitects, helped transform it from dull landmark into a gorgeous and colourful attraction that gets even more strik ing the closer you get to it. T hat is not the only feature in this edition of L ighting In D esign that caught my eye, though… Sq uare V iger’s sensational new look shows j ust how easily a neglected space can be over hauled in a ‘ simple’ restoration proj ect. T he park area went from being an eyesore to becoming an incredibly beautiful ‘ new’ space that locals can once again be proud of, while reminding visitors of M ontreal’s famous architectur al history. T here is something special about the way lighting can be used to mak e architecture even more breathtak ing than it was originally designed to be. In the Architecture & Lighting Relation ship feature, we tak e a closer look at how modern lighting styles and techniq ues – whether natural

Editor: Craig Falck (sparks@crown.co.za) Advertising manager: Carin Hannay (carinh@crown.co.za) Layout: Katlego Montsho • Circulation: Karen Smith Cover: Regent Lighting Solutions Published by Crown Publications (Pty) Ltd PO Box 140, Bedfordview, 2008 - Tel: +27 (0)11 622 4770 Fax: +27 (0)11 615 6108 - Website: www.crown.co.za ABC 2023 Q2: 7 564 • Printed by: Tandym Print All issues of Lighting in Design can be viewed on our website. Visit www.lightingindesignmagazine.co.za

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E D sp ac e E ditor’s comment. H igh l igh t o n educ at io n c el eb rat io n

Illumination leader R egent L ighting Solutions exp lores the revamp of the iconic W its bridge for its centenary celebration, revealing how it combined with a leading archi tectural firm to shine new light to the often-overlooked landmark.

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P ub l ic sp ac es are p erf ec t f o r l igh t ing m ast erp iec es D esign consultancy L ightemotion ex plores the challenges it faced when it was ask ed to reimagine Sq uare V iger, a neglected public space bridging M ontreal’s contemporary downtown core with the preserved history of O ld M ontreal. F o rec o urt in t h e sp o t l igh t Lighting specialist BEKA Schréder has helped transform the forecourt and shopping space at the Z outpansberg M otors Shell service station, turning the little business in L ouis T richardt into the brightest spot on the strip. A rc h it ec t ure & L igh t ing’s l o v est o ry D elve into the romance shared by architecture and lighting, and discover how the two creative elements can be used together to create atmosphere and ambiance, to highlight or downplay features, and to tell a story without words. G o green T here is no better time to start transforming your living and work spaces into greener, earth-friendly environments – and the easiest way to ki ckst art this j ourney is with a lighting overhaul to replace traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs. I nsp ire y o ur il l um inat io n p ro j ec t s L ighting and design go hand-in-hand and they provide an incredible tool to archi tects and conceptual designers, whether you are using natural light from the sun or artificial illumination solutions. N ew s T he famed Soweto T heatre introduces a brand-new high-tech lighting setup to enhance its stage plays and performances, and C hinese scientists use satellites to help monitor and manage L E D light pollution.

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Bridging the divide Architecture and lighting are blended in a seamless marriage with the redesign and unveiling of the Wits University Sibanye-Stillwater Innovation Bridge.

to reimagine the visual and architectural identity of the now recently renamed W its Sibanye-Stillwater Innovation Bridge; the first phase of a longer term initiative to reconceptualise this pedestrian connector. “ In contrast to the heaviness of the ex isting structure, our architectural team, in close collaboration with the client, conceptualised a light, ephemeral design for the edges of the bridge that initiates a contemporary visual dialogue between old and new, ” says O tten. T hroughout the evolution of this refurbishment lighting manufacturer R egent L ighting Solutions developed a brand-new lighting element to k eep up with the demands of this iconic movement. Starting with a basic, cardboard mock-up profile, fabricated to scale, ex periments were conducted with various light sources to determine the output on the light post, as well as the surrounding structures. “ R educing the bridge edges to their essential structural components, all new interventions were carefully check ed against weight-bearing capacity and located inside the ex isting structure so as not to encroach on the road reserve and minimise complex ities around safety – particularly in terms of work ing over a busy arterial motorway, ” says R egent. T he designers from R egent, along with the structural engineer from C alibre, were heavily involved to ensure that mounting method, fixture intervals, and weight distribution of the additional 3 6 6 light elements would not compromise the structural integrity. T he design is deceptively simple and attaches to the bridge structure discreetly, adds O tten. After various developments in shape output, manufacturing methods and finishing, a single vertical element was fabricated as a prototype for final testing before large-scale production could kick off. Within five weeks, the urban light elements were fabricated, assembled and installed, repeating down the length of both edges of the bridge, forming a semi-transparent, comb-lik e surface. E ach post is a triangular aluminium ex trusion that is 4 . 2 m in length, precisely laser cut and machined to achieve all the necessary

E very day, thousands of people walk back and forth across a 5 0 m-wide bridge that spans J ohannesburg’s N 1 highway and connects the Braamfontein E ast and W est C ampuses of the U niversity of the W itwatersrand ( W its) . Beneath this pedestrian deck , spread across six traffic lanes, an endless stream of vehicles rushes north and south on a relentlessly billboarded daily commute, an all too familiar visual assault on the G reater J ohannesburg motorist. Built in 1 9 8 9 , what was then k nown as the AMIC Deck was constructed from a reinforced concrete slab cast over a profiled metal deck. T he bridge is supported by steel trusses that span the bridge abutments, while the sides of the bridge are formed by large steel trusses that rise above the traversable surface of the bridge to form over-scaled balustrades. “ T he heavy masculine structure is an iconic presence on the highway, and it has long been heralded as a gateway into or out of J oburg, ” says C raig M cC lenaghan, who served as proj ect architect on the revamp proj ect. In preparation for the university’s upcoming centenary in 2 0 2 2 , a generous sponsorship by mining giant, Sibanye-Stillwater, enabled the university to appoint Kate Otten Architects (KOA)

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In both instances, the luminaires are concealed in carefully – almost surgically – sculpted niches within the extruded profiles. Facing the traffic, a sharp blue light near the top of the post casts a dramatic wash down the length of the triangulated post, reflecting on the bi-coloured surfaces of its blue and yellow neighbours, illuminates the horiz ontal line of the ex isting corten truss, then finally creates a blue curtain on the road below.” T he second luminaire is concealed near the base of the post on the pedestrian side, casting a warm golden glow from inside its carved concave casement, illuminating the ground surface for safe night-time passage across the bridge. R esidual hints of blue and yellow flicker as pedestrians pass by. “ C ollectively, both lighting types form a series of parallel lines – one touches the highveld sk y as pin-prick s of blue, and the other a k nee-high trail of golden sq uares. . . and into the pragmatic function of each, a variation of unex pected moments emerge from the meeting of shadows, reflections, solid and void, ” ex plains O tten. T he bridge itself is ex perienced in several contrasting ways – pedestrian & vehicular, day & night, north & south – each determined by a unique combination of characteristics such as colour, light,

detail, with each face being rendered in a different, carefully selected finish. Acknowledging the colour palette developed for the W its-1 0 0 campaign, hues of blue and yellow were selected for the two outer traffic-facing faces, with the inner pedestrian facing surface being rendered in a warm charcoal matt. “ W ith careful placement and alignment, the triangular plan of the post enables a tight spacing between posts on the pedestrian edge that open more generously towards the vehicular side, heightening spatial depth and visual drama, ” adds the lead architect. Electrical engineering firm DELTA Built E nvironment C onsultants, structural engineers C alibre C onsulting E ngineers, and lighting specialists R egent L ighting Solutions united to bring the bridge revamp to life. M cC lenaghan adds, “ E ach triangulated post houses two L E D luminaires.

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our vehicular gauntlets. ” O tten adds, “ T he bridge design challenges the very notion of a ‘ billboard’. . . but instead of witty slogans, seductive imagery or competitive branding, it offers a range of experiences through an unex pected sense of delight, optimism and hope, momentarily along a j ourney. ” R L S is honoured to collaborate with award winning architectural practice Kate Otten Architects, representing a large number – and broad range – of architectural proj ects over a 3 5 - year period, two common threads are evident in the professional ethos of all work undertak en: An uncompromising commitment to the craft of mak ing, and a courageous commitment to societal transformation. Enquiries: www.kateottenarchitects.com, www.regentlight.co.za Images by: eimage/G2a1reth Gilmour

shadow, movement and perspective. T he design process was an intense step-by- step collaboration between the architectural firm, the client, engineers and lighting designers, says O tten. “ T his was to ensure the dynamic range of ex periences were carefully considered and ( where possible) curated through a series of intense work shops, sampling and testing, beginning with the appearance and function of form, the possibilities and feasibilities of fabrication, the realities and challenges of repetitive assembly, the relationship between natural and artificial and then finally, the atmospheric choreography of surface, colour and light, in the ever-changing H ighveld sk y. ” T he new balustrade is and does many things – it is a safety barrier, a light installation, and a contemporary architectural gesture that hints at the celebration of the university’s history and the optimism for its future. “ W ithout tampering with the design clarity of the original bridge layout, it ack nowledges its part in the historic narrative of the structure, without j udgement, ” says M cC lenaghan. “ Its presence also celebrates the renewal of ex isting and new partnerships. But it is perhaps the way the design seek s to achieve these things that sets it apart from similar structures that scream for attention along

C lient: U niversity of the W itwatersrand Architects: Kate Otten Architects Project Architect: Craig McClenaghan

Lighting Design & Manufacture: Regent Lighting Solutions Structural E ngineering: C alibre C onsulting E ngineers

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Forecourt in the spotlight BEKA Schréder kickstarts a lighting project by supplying the exterior lighting solution for Zoutpansberg Motors, a Shell service station located in the Louis Trichardt area.

Z outpansberg M otors recently transformed itself with an overhaul highlighted by the lighting solution from BEKA Schréder. “Our luminaire products are all proudly South African designed, manufactured and installed. T he solution chosen for this uniq ue proj ect mak es visitors to the well-lit service station feel safe and comfortable to stop at night,” says Gerhard Rademeyer, BEKA Schréder’s Regional Manager – Northern Branch. I l l um inat ing t h e w o rk sp ac e BEKA Schréder’s LEDTEC luminaire was used to illuminate the filling station’s forecourt area. “ It is an L E D lowbay range that designed for energy-efficient lighting in industrial, commercial and petrochemical retail environments, ” ex plains R ademeyer, who adds, “ T he L E D T E C is also available as a battery back -up version that can be used in emergency situations. T hese L E D s are suited to multiple indoor and outdoor lighting applications with its typical lumen pack ages per product range and mounting options. ” Sh o p p ing h igh l igh t For the Spar Express Shop’s lighting, BEKA Schréder opted for its VAPOURLINE linear LED luminaires. “ T his is a high-performance luminaire that provides an energy-efficient lighting solution. With a lifetime five times longer than a fluorescent tube, this modern linear L E D luminaire lowers the total cost of ownership of a lighting installation and eliminates the need for maintenance, ” says Rademeyer. BEKA Schréder chose its QVAL to provide general area lighting around the building, with the illumination expert saying, “The QVAL is a

high-performance and reliable L E D wall pack that outperforms conventional wall-mounted bulk head luminaires by providing a bright and long-lasting light. T he design ensures a discreet integration without compromising on performance. ” Seeing w h at y o u are do ing The filling station’s fuel loading area makes use of BEKA Schréder’s LEDLUME 3 luminaires that offer optimised photometrical performance with a minimum total cost of ownership. “ It provides customers with the ideal tool to generate energy savings, improve lighting levels and also reduce maintenance costs, ” says R ademeyer, who concludes by reminding us that “BEKA Schréder develops and manufactures every product here in South Africa. Our products are designed and suitable for local conditions, and we are proud to be associated with Shell in providing a successful lighting solution for this proj ect” .

www.beka-schreder.co.za

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Eagle Lighting

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L ightemotion, a global lighting design consultancy that creates pathways to enhanced human ex periences, proudly presents its enlightenment of Sq uare V iger, a neglected public space bridging M ontreal’s contemporary downtown core with the preserved history of Old Montreal. Forming part of an eight year contemporary overhaul to restore the space as a green and accessible public sq uare, the proj ect anchors around the preservation of a historic monument, and the revival of pergolas originally designed by Q uebec artist C harles D audelin. “ In the 1 9 5 0 s and ’6 0 s, Sq uare V iger was an iconic space in the style of a N ew Y ork C ity park , ” explains François Roupinian, President and Design Director of Lightemotion. “A highway through the downtown core was constructed underneath it, and it was restored in more of a Brutalist style in the 1 9 7 0 s. ” H eeding t h e c al l In addition to restoring elements of Sq uare V iger’s past, the proj ect envisioned the infusion of fresh new life to carry the public space beyond the present and into the future. “ O n a macro level, that vision unfolded through the addition of abundant perennial plants able to withstand the challenging elements of M ontreal’s four-seasons, as well as through the addition of more than 5 0 new trees, ” ex plains R oupinian. “ In approaching the Canada’s illumination masters Lightemotion’s personification of inanimate objects infuses life into an urban public square. All the world is a stage

task at hand, the proj ect’s landscape architect, NIPPAYSAGE, brought Lightemotion in from the very beginning to bring it all to life. ” In the shadow of a recently built hospital complex , L ightemotion wanted to approach the

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proj ect from an angle that is 1 8 0 ° removed from what a traditional park ex perience calls for. In assessing the contents of the newly designed Square, the firm devised a masterplan to create a sensory ex perience for its future users. “ T he user ex perience is at the heart of everything we do, and we tak e great pride in think ing outside of the box and its perceived perimeters, ” says Roupinian. “We are a multifaceted design firm, and our core focus is on the delivery of sensory ex periences. ” In addition to the preserved historic monument paying tribute to Jean-Olivier Chénier and the concrete arches of D audelin’s work , L ightemotion had two beautiful new fountains to work . In assessing all its various elements, L ightemotion formed a view of Sq uare V iger as a metaphorical stage of stages, with tiers of actors including the art, the monument, the fountains, and the

surrounding landscape of trees and vegetation. D etermined to steer clear of a solution comprising a flat field of light, the firm embarked on the design of a moody environment to bring Sq uare V iger’s actors to life. A v ib rant sc eno grap h y T he illumination of L ightemotion’s stage began with a focus on D audelin’s art, creating individual lighting for each concrete slab. In the contex t of art gallery lighting, the firm infused it with movement to create a sense of strolling through a meandering canyon. At night, the resulting lighting scheme brings it all to life, inj ecting breath into otherwise inanimate obj ects. “ D audelin’s installations are the breathing lungs of the Square, defined by the fading in and slowly fading out of light, ” describes R oupinian. “ If you tak e the time to sit and enj oy the space for half

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across their stage, the firm created a series of highlights and proj ected shadows that vary through a four-season lifecycle. As a result, the actors evolve with animation and beauty throughout the year, from the full blooms of summer, to the bare branches of winter. L ightemotion’s design of dynamic uplighting at the base of the trees subtly changes in intensity throughout the evening, creating shadows that move in and out of the living, breathing space. N ex t, they brought the legacy of J ean-O livier Chénier to life with bright and powerful sidelight illumination, providing the actor with a prominent presence worthy of his stature. “ W e believe that a beautiful lighting scheme should comprise an abundance of small light sources that create different layers of light that change as you move through a space, ” ex plains R oupinian. “ W ith Sq uare V iger, we infused what is sometimes referred to in architecture as the ‘ millefeuilles effect’, where we endeavoured to create something sensual through lighting layers that provide a gentle caress to the leaves and shadows. ” B ac k st age t ec h no l o gy E very lighting element of Sq uare V iger is lik e a paint brush with a variety of hues, brought to life with time loops synchronised to evolve throughout the night under the control of dimmers on a D M X system. Subtle changes occur throughout the evening, as if breathing, intensifying, and then softening. “A key aspect of designing dynamic lighting schemes is to clearly understand the subj ects and their materiality, ” says R oupinian. “ T echnically,

an hour, the lighting evolves significantly over that period of time. ” Reflections of life W hile Sq uare V iger’s two new fountains were illuminated by the builders, L ightemotion added a euphoric blue light presentation that metaphorically represents the water they contain. “ W hen the fountains are inactive, the waters calm to a mirror-lik e surface, ” says R oupinian. “ T he blue light adds a very delicate back ground to that mirrored surface and actually captures and frames reflections of Daudelin’s work.” In continuing the focus on bringing all its actors to life, L ightemotion set the stage for the illumination of Sq uare V iger’s vegetation. W ith greenery spread

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fixtures concealed in their concrete grooves. D elicate uplighting illuminates the trees from embedded positions in the ground that are not overly present, but which provide each of the actors with presence and dynamism. T he same concept applies to the Sq uare’s vegetation pods, with their smooth rock borders designed to provide users with inviting seating opportunities. In addition to modulating light designed to set a comforting mood, L ightemotion’s scheme also creates enhanced wayfinding within the public realm. A b eac o n o f rej uv enat io n W ith the collective lighting of Sq uare V iger also

when you light up elements lik e this, a tree, a circulation path, and a work of art each req uire different colour temperatures and intensities.” Among the innovative technical elements powering L ightemotion’s lighting schemes, tall standing needle poles proj ect very precise beams of light through small apertures of varying degrees. T he tighter beams create accents on each of the targeted elements, emitting light sources that create minimum glare and disturbance to ensure that what is proj ected and absorbed is the emotion of the light, and not the apparatus. T hat theme of concealed apparatus ex tends to the D audelin pieces, with a wallwash of light generated by small

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“ P eople tend to think of lighting as a very technical thing, but what drives the bus for L ightemotion is how our lighting schemes mak e people feel within the spaces we illuminate for them, ” concludes R oupinian. “We are honoured that NIPPAYSAGE entrusted us to deliver something outstanding for the client, and for the future users of Sq uare V iger, and we hope that our dynamic presentation will leave its mark on the C ity of M ontreal. ”

providing surrounding buildings with a soothing aerial presentation, L ightemotion has succeeded in creating a beautiful visual signature in an area that has long been devoid of such elements. From the ground level, the firm’s innovative schemes entice and welcome visitors with their plays of light and shadows, viewed by users through a variety of perspectives from the Square’s different entry angles. Sq uare V iger is now a prominent new presence in M ontreal’s night sk y, infusing life and love into a peaceful public space where people can gather and reflect within a timeless design that will be relevant for many years to come.

Interview courtesy of v2com Images courtesy of v2com/Lightemotion

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Go greener with LED lighting There are many tools to transform your home into a greener, more efficient space – but lighting leader Eurolux says that lighting could be the most important.

Illuminating the interplay of Lighting & Architecture In the world of architecture, light is not merely an afterthought or an accessory; it is a fundamental building block that shapes the very essence of spaces. F rom ancient temples to modern sk yscrapers, the interplay between light and architecture has been a source of inspiration and

careful manipulation of light and shadow, architects craft dynamic compositions that evok e emotion and are able to create sensory ex periences, ” says architectural associate Arianna Ghezzi from UK-based illumination specialists Lighting Design international. “ C onsider, for instance, the play of light in G othic cathedrals, where intricate stained glass windows filter sunlight to cast a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns onto the interior surfaces. T his interplay between light and shadow imbues these sacred spaces with an ethereal q uality,

innovation for hundreds of years. L ight, whether natural or artificial, has had a profound influence as a constructive element in architectural design. A sy m p h o ny o f sh ado w s and il l um inat io n “ L ight has the power to sculpt space, transforming the ordinary into the ex traordinary. T hrough the

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W hether it is the warm glow of candlelight in a cosy restaurant or the dramatic interplay of light and dark ness in a theatrical performance hall, lighting design has the power to evok e emotions and evok e memories. “Architects leverage this potential to create immersive environments that resonate with occupants on a visceral level, ” ex plains the lighting specialist. “ T hrough the careful selection of lighting fixtures, colour temperatures, and intensity levels, they curate sensory ex periences that leave a lasting impression. ” E m p h asising f o rm w it h m at erial it y L ighting gives architects the ability to accentuate the inherent beauty of their design form and materiality, highlighting tex tures, colours, and details that may otherwise go unnoticed. “ In a contemporary office building, innovative lighting solutions showcase the sleek lines of glass façades and the richness of natural stone cladding, transforming the structure into a dynamic work of art, ” says G hez z i, adding, “ In a historic renovation proj ect, for instance, sympathetic lighting design celebrates the patina of aged brick work and the

elevating them beyond mere structures into realms of spiritual transcendence. ” Defining spatial hierarchy and f unc t io nal it y Lighting design plays a crucial role in defining spatial hierarchy and functionality within the architectural environments. By strategically illuminating certain areas while leaving others in shadow, architects guide occupants’ movement and focus their attention on k ey elements, says G hez z i. “ If you look at a museum, for ex ample, the carefully orchestrated lighting accentuates the artwork s and displays, directing visitors’ gaz e and enhancing their appreciation of the ex hibits. ” Similarly, in a residential setting, layered lighting schemes allow architects to create clearly defined z ones for relax ation, work , and socialising, seamlessly integrating function with aesthetics. Creat ing am b ianc e, at m o sp h ere and b al anc e L ighting sets the tone and ambiance of a space, shaping its mood and atmosphere for guests.

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solutions that prioritise both aesthetics and performance, ” says G hez z i. “ L ight is far more than a functional necessity when it comes to architecture and building design; it is a transformative force that shapes our perception of space and enriches our lived ex periences whether we live in these spaces, such as a house or work space, or if we simply visit them, for exa mple a restaurant or museum, ” ex plains G hez z i. She concludes, “ By embracing light as a constructive element in architectural design, architects have the opportunity to create spaces that inspire, engage and uplift the occupants. As we look to the future, let us continue to harness the power of light, both natural and artificial, to illuminate our built environment and pave the way for a brighter, more enlightened world. Architecture and light have the most beautiful marriage, and when combined, they provide something breath-tak ing. ”

craftsmanship of ornamental mouldings, honouring the building’s heritage while breathing new life into its spaces. ” F o st ering sust ainab il it y and w el l ness In a time where environmental consciousness is on the increase, lighting design plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and wellness within architectural contex ts, says the lighting ex pert. Architects are embracing daylighting strategies to harness natural light, reducing energy consumption and enhancing occupants’ well-being. T hrough the integration of daylight harvesting systems, sk ylights, and light shelves, they can max imise daylight penetration while minimising glare and heat gain. “The advent of energy-efficient LED lighting technologies has enabled architects to create environmentally responsible lighting

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Go greener with LED lighting There are many tools to transform your home into a greener, more efficient space – but lighting leader Eurolux says that illumination could be the most important. E nergy-efficient lightbulbs are designed to consume less energy than traditional incan descent bulbs while being able to provide other areas in your home that will help with going green and max imise savings, such as: •

Smart design: If you are building from the ground up, your orientation and design is k ey. P ositioning the home to tak e advantage of natural light and prevailing winds reduces the need for artificial light and mechanical cooling and heating. • Effective insulation: “To maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, proper insulation is important, ” says E urolux . “ T his will minimise the need for ex cessive heating or cooling. H igh-q uality materials such as fibreglass, cellulose or spray foam can reduce heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer. T o significantly improve energy efficiency, insulate the walls and ceiling. ” • Efficient windows & doors: Heat transfer mainly occurs through windows and doors and there are energy-efficient options available. “ D ouble or even triple-pane windows with low emissivity coatings reduce transfer, ” ex plains Eurolux, adding that “energy-efficient framing materials such as vinyl or fibreglass have superior insulation properties compared to traditional aluminium frames” . • W ater-efficient fix tures: W ater usage can form an important part of any environmentally conscious home. “ L ow-flow showerheads, faucets and dual-flush toilets all reduce waste without compromising comfort. T here is also the option of harvesting rainwater for outdoor irrigation, ” adds the brand. • Renewable energy integration: After nearly two decades of loadshedding, solar panels and battery back -up systems are commonplace. “ By generating electricity on-site, homeowners can offset energy costs and even contribute surplus energy back to the grid, ” says E urolux .

equivalent or better illumination. The fittings offer several advantages, including lower energy costs, longer lifespan and reduced environmental impact, says the team at E urolux , adding, “ W ith rising electricity costs and increasing concerns about climate change, building an energy-efficient home has become a priority. A house designed with en ergy efficiency in mind helps reduce environmental impact and leads to significant long-term savings R eplacing traditional incandescent lightbulbs with energy-efficient alternatives such as LEDs (light emitting diodes) should be the first step you take, and it will automatically result in energy savings. “ L E D s consume less electricity, emit less heat, and have longer lifespans. For outdoor spaces, solar fixtures that are powered up by the energy of the sun are ideal for reducing energy consumption, ” says the illumination brand. LEDs are the most energy-efficient lightbulbs and are the preferred choice for lighting in most applications nowadays. “ T he semiconductor technology that is used to produce light consumes significantly less energy than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs,” explains Eurolux. “LED bulbs are available in a range of colour temperatures, shapes and siz es, mak ing them suitable for various applications. T hey last much longer than traditional bulbs, lasting upwards of 3 0 0 0 0 hours longer than traditional bulbs, reducing replacement freq uency on electricity bills. ” L igh t t h e w ay

and maintenance costs. ” D o n’t f o rget ab o ut …

O nce you have replaced all your lightbulbs with new LED fittings, it is time to turn your attention to

www.eurolux.co.za

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Inspiring your lighting projects

Bring life to existing and new spaces with a hint of illumination.

L ighting and design go together and provide an incredible tool to architects and conceptual designers, ex plains X avier M artí n, C hief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spanish illumination specialist Faro Barcelona. “Natural light is an indispensable element in architecture. It is a functional tool that provides literal light to spaces, while also transcending to the aesthetic and sensory level. L ight will be a k ey factor to achieve the perfect architectural proj ect. ” W hile light does not ex ist in a physical form, its integration into architecture is as seamless as another constructive element. “ L ight has the power to manipulate our senses and the way our brain perceives spaces or shapes, ” says M artí n, adding, “ P recisely for this reason, architectural lighting is a factor that offers the possibility of reinventing, transforming, enlarging or reducing spaces by resorting solely to visual effects.” Spaces can easily be adapted with lighting techniques to the specific human needs or moment that the spaces are being used. L ighting can be used as a simple yet effective architectural tool – the secret is k nowing what you are doing. T h ere are sev eral t y p es o f arc h it ec t ural l igh t ing • G eneral lighting is a uniform and homogeneous architectural lighting that does not create shadows or contrasts. “ It is usually combined with other types of lighting such as accent, direct or indirect lights at specific points where it is necessary, and depending on the use that is to be given to the space, ” says M artí n. • Accent lighting is a type of focused light that is used to highlight objects and specific points by means of a contrast with the rest of the lighting and the space, allowing the lighting technician to play with light and dark to define the space’s volume. • D irect light does not create reflections or shadows, but rather offers the perfect balance between uniformity and brightness. “ It is the perfect complement to other types of architectural lighting, as it serves to provide greater visibility at specific points depending on the activities being carried out, ” says the C E O . • Indirect light, meanwhile, is illumination that has been proj ected onto another surface so

that the light beam is not perceived directly. T his allows for a visual comfort level that leaves viewers feeling a sense of calm. T rends in arc h it ec t ural l igh t ing T he evolution of technology has not left lighting behind. In fact, updates and upgrades in the world of illumination have made it a powerful visual and emotional tool. Some trends to look out for include: • Smart and contact-less lighting: “ T his is one of the most efficient ways of using artificial light, ” says M artí n. “ T hrough home automation systems that allow lighting control, it is possible to reduce energy consumption while creating lighting scenes for each activity in a comfortable, simple way. ” • H uman-centric lighting: It is possible for artificial light to adapt to people’s circadian rhythms as if it were natural light. New fittings can replicate the sun’s movement throughout the day, allowing users to install them in rooms without windows and still have the effect of passing time. “These are what we call ‘ healthy lighting systems’ that respect

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spaces that enrich the human ex perience and contribute to the overall q uality of life. ”

our habits and adapt to what the human body needs, promoting good health and proper sleep rhythms, ” says the C E O . • Solar lighting: Martín says, “Architectural projects must be more efficient and sustainable. As a result of this, the use of renewable energies in lighting proj ects is increasing. Solar lighting has numerous advantages, such as energy savings, easy upk eep and lower environmental impact. ” • Li-Fi (light fidelity): This wireless technology is the eq uivalent of using a computer connected to a Wi-Fi antenna, except that in this case the light from a light bulb is interpreted instead of the Wi-Fi signal. “This demonstrates that light can be much more than j ust light. It is a form of data transmission by visible light using L E D bulbs that flicker at a speed imperceptible to the human eye, ” says M artí n • Lighting plays a significant role in cultural and social contex ts, illuminating landmark s, monuments, and public spaces for celebrations, festivals and community gatherings. L ighting installations serve as symbols of identity, heritage and civic pride, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among communities. Martín concludes, “Architectural lighting is essential for enhancing the aesthetics, functionality and emotional impact of built environments. By integrating lighting design principles with architectural vision, designers create immersive, dynamic and sustainable

Source: www.faro.es/en

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N ew s

Soweto Theatre invests in ESPRITE moving lights

of R obe lights, which included the L E D W ash 3 0 0 and 6 0 0 E spotlights that had moving functionality. The system had LEDBeam 150s lights fitted later. T he Soweto T heatre’s G eneral M anager, V incent M otau, says, “ O ur venue is constantly im proving its technology to broaden the horiz ons of an artist’s creativity while also limiting the problems that they might encounter. As a result, our theatre practitioners now have more time to contemplate and ex pand their creativity. R obe is the recognised leader in moving light technology, and we believe that our new setup is going to be a game-changer in more ways than one. ”

T he famous Soweto T heatre has given its lighting department an overhaul, introducing 1 2 new R obe E SP R IT E moving lights to its technical line-up, says DWR, the official importer and distributor of R obe lights. “ T hese lights are incredible, and they allow us to work both in- and outside the theatre, ” ex plains the venue’s technical manager, L ebu gang M nisi. “ T his is a huge leap forward from the previous setup. N ow we can literally light up the stage and give our productions incredible lighting abilities, which in the past was not available. ” T he R obe E SP R IT E luminaires are fast-chang ing, low-cost transferable light engines that allow for a higher brightness level of white source L E D s. “ In a play, the lighting is as important as

Source: www.dwrdistribution.co.za

the performers, ” says M nisi, “ so this new technology, at least new for us, is going to mak e a massive change. O ur plays are going to be that much brighter and lighter. ” T he theatre can hold up to 1 0 0 0 0 audience members, with M nisi saying, “ T hese E SP R IT E lights are going to allow us to broaden our imaginations with all their features so we can really push the boundaries of what is possible to evok e with lights and lighting. W hen you see what the lights are capable of when it comes to the settings and performance, not to mention the movement and being able to program them to seq uences, you will only then appreciate how good they really are. ” T he theatre had an ex isting setup

Satellite images help monitor LED pollution

diodes ( L E D s) has inadvertently given rise to a new challenge – blue light pollution and its associated adverse effects.”Chinese scientists are now using the Sustainable D evelopment Science Satellite-1 to monitor and to some ex tent control the impact of this light pollution. “An approach that leverages the satellite’s multispectral and high-resolution capa bilities to rapidly, accurately and comprehensively discriminate between various illumination sources was recently unveiled, ” says J ia. “ Scientists took Beij ing as an ex ample, and found that this approach is highly effective in distinguishing various types of light sources, boasting an overall accuracy of 9 2 % for ALAN and an impressive 95% for streetlights.” Analysis of the ultra-high resolution images pro vided scientists with data to discern clear patterns in the city, giving them valuable information about how LED lights are affecting people and the city. Image via: International J ournal of D igital E arth ( 2 0 2 3 ) D O I: 1 0 . 1 0 8 0 / 1 7 5 3 8 9 4 7 . 2 0 2 3 . 2 2 9 7 0 1 3

Journalist Liu Jia from the Chinese Academy of Sciences reveals that L E D light pollution is not only a serious problem that needs to be managed, but that satellites are now able to help with that light management. W riting for science website www. phys. org, J ia says, “ T he widespread transition from artificial light at night (ALAN) to light-emitting

Source: www.phys.org

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