Lighting in Design Q4 2023

www.crown.co.za

Q4 - 2023

Momentum: The fine balance of artificial & natural light

Blu2Light gives light fittings added tech power

1 Illuminate your indoor & outdoor spaces for a new feel

LiD Q4 - 2023

Ed Space

garden area.

Summer is my favourite season of the year. There is more daylight compared to winter, and that lends itself to using artificial light ing more in our living and working spaces, adding creative touches and innovative lighting styles. Lighting manufacturers like Radiant have so many products on offer that it may become over whelming when you plan a room revamp and need help selecting your new fittings. Luckily their teams are on hand to help guide you towards the perfect lighting solution for your needs. Whether it is diffused lights to add a cool and calm atmosphere, or know ing why and how to use fittings of contrasting shapes and sizes, getting your lighting right is the first crucial step towards a brand new space at home. Lighting does not have to stay indoors, though. Summer means fun outdoors, so what better way to light up your garden than with festoon lights around your stoep or a spotlight to highlight your favourite garden feature? These are things you need to know about and resources such as LightStore.co.za have all the tools for your requirements – you just need to have an idea of what will and won’t work in your outdoor

Lighting at the workspace is just as important. I was speech less – having been to the old build- ing and seeing how dramatic this transformation has been – when I saw what Regent Lighting Solutions has done with the over haul of Momentum Metropolitan Holdings’ office space. It was a massive task, but the hard work has paid off. The atrium space is stunning when you first walk into the building and the balance that has been struck between artificial and natural lighting is incredible – it gives you a sense freedom and containment at the same time. Attention has been paid to the finest of details in the 30 000m 2 space, with Regent making sure that there is a welcoming and warm inclusive feeling whether you are in a meeting room or walking through the open-plan office spaces. Lighting, whether functional or purely for aesthetics, plays an important role in our daily lives. The secret is getting it correct and being able to enjoy the bright new way of seeing your world.

Editor: Craig Falck (sparks@crown.co.za) Advertising manager: Carin Hannay (carinh@crown.co.za) Layout: Katlego Montsho • Circulation: Karen Smith

Cover: Momentum Metropolitan Holdings 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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EDspace Editor’s comment. Moment in time

The lighting engineers and architects behind Momentum Metropolitan Holding’s re vamped office building in Centurion, Gauteng explore their work, revealing how they overcame unused space, balanced artificial and natural light, and how illumination solutions were utilised to evoke a sense of inclusivity and togetherness. Philips technology transforms business The electrical giant has given a Johannesburg industrial factory a floor-to-ceiling lighting makeover that is energy efficient, able to reduce carbon emissions, provide better working conditions for employees, and help cut down on wasteful expenditure after a decade of inefficient lighting. Blu2Light is more than an ecosystem The Bluetooth Mesh technology developed by German-based specialist Vossloh Schwabe has the ability to turn a home or office space into a technology-integrated environment where a smartphone app can control everything from room lighting, to personal air-conditioning preferences, building elevators and more. Indoor & outdoor trends to look forward to LightStore.co.za provides an easy-to-follow guide on using simple lighting techniques in your interior and exterior areas for that classy finishing touch. From stringlight festoons, to feature-highlighting spotlights in your garden, using light fittings to add beauty and atmosphere has never been easier. Radiant’s budget-friendly DIY lighting tips When it comes to giving your home a new feel or look, lighting should be one of the first aspects you take into consideration. Whether it is as simple as changing your existing bulbs for a new colour temperature or utilising diffused fittings and various size light fixtures, this will be light work. BEKA Schréder scoops top lighting award The illumination expert took home the award for Best Supporting Affiliate Member at the 2023 Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities ceremony for its highmast solar solution project that was recently successfully piloted in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the Eastern Cape. News Ledvance provides an update on its new brand positioning; European Light & Design Centre adds aesthetically pleasing and functional fixtures to its product range; Micro Lens Arrays are big news for lighting’s future; and the Vegas Sphere opens its doors with a dazzling light and music display.

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The main atrium space in the Momentum Metropolitan Holdings building strikes a balance between natural and artificial light.

Moment in time

Momentum Metropolitan Holdings is lit up in all its glory thanks to Regent Lighting Solutions’ hands-on approach to illumination.

J ulia du Plessis, an associate at master architects Boogertman + Partners, says that re-imagining the Momentum Metropolitan Holdings building in Centurion, Gauteng was “an incredible project that was filled with some amazing architecture and lighting work”. “There are three large atriums – there are the east and west spaces, but the main atrium is breath-taking. We discovered that these areas were not used correctly primarily

because they were too hot. There was so much natural light to work with, which is not the world’s worst problem to have,” says Du Plessis. Catherine Feher from illumination specialists Regent Lighting Solutions was brought in and “together with the architects, Regent assessed the lighting available, as well as the lighting required. This helped to find a balance that best utilised the natural light while also providing sufficient artificial lighting”.

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Subtle lighting choices give the building an open feeling even in confined corridor spaces.

Light versus “dark” One of the easiest ways to re-activate the atrium spaces, which are central to the day-to-day operation within the building, was with shading to balance the light. “We wanted to create a space that encourages inclusion, connection and collaboration for everyone in the building. With human-centred design principles, this dynamic space brings about a sense of inclusiveness, purpose, identity, communication, expression and a history emphasising efficient connected spaces that receive both natural light and carefully considered luminaires,” says the architect. “We supplemented the shade by tinting the windows and adding baffles internally to cancel some of the natural light.” Feher adds, “We used various size Canolux surface-mounted fittings, at various lumen outputs throughout the building as functional lights. They

There is a seamless switch between open atrium and closed office spaces.

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have been strategically positioned throughout further blending form and function.” Illumination solution Du Plessis says that the main atrium was central to the re-imagination as it is such a huge – and operationally important – space. “We originally looked at the geometries and had various options. We chose the straight curve principle. We started with a straight line that moves into points of curvature. Our lighting solution from Regent connects with the curves and emphasises the building architecture with an almost glow effect. There is also an acoustic ceiling that we worked with; the circular pattern on the ceiling has been scaled up, almost a design explosion.” Feher explains, “We utilised Regent Sky pendant luminaires in this space as they are not only beautiful and complement the architecture, they provide incredible light. We used four sizes, ranging from 350mm to 1200mm. They are all LED lights, which means that they are not only efficient in terms of energy consumption, they have a longer lifespan and are more durable than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are also more usable in terms of controllability, which means the client can get the perfect lighting they need from a relatively simple lighting product.” The ground floor of the Momentum building operates somewhat like a train station – it is busy and a hive of activity, yet it must remain business like as a space where employees, guests and visitors can go about their functions with the least amount of interruption. “We made sure that this ground floor was well lit with both natural and artificial lighting,” explains Du Plessis. “There is a synergy between form and function, and we worked together with Regent to create a space where everyone feels comfortable. While there is

Simple downlights and desk lamps create atmosphere.

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Different size luminaires of the same shape add a sense of style and energy to the building.

a huge space, you feel confined in the area you are in thanks to the almost comforting lighting.” The team at Regent focused on the current global environment when designing the lighting solution, says Feher. “We opted for a green strategy that is sustainable while adding to the human experience and comfort. This was implemented to create balance and well-being for everyone in the building, while also giving them the ideal lighting to conduct their work in. It is a delicate balancing act to get right – the use of LEDs, combined with various fittings such as pendants, track lights, recessed and surface-mounted downlighters and custom luminaires, gave us the perfect tools to ensure the perfect lighting solution was achieved.” Bringing balance to the space Thanks to elements such as the ceiling pattern and building’s construction, the teams at Boogertman and Regent were able to develop a harmony with the upgrade. “We started with an initial re imagining plan, then pulled through the larger geometries and added lighting solutions that fitted,” says Du Plessis. “This renovation was a massive undertaking – the Momentum building is 30 000m 2 . We had to strike a balance between what fitted the renovation, the building and the budget. Our partnership with Regent was flawless for this project because they came in with some innovative lighting solutions that worked well. We were able to play with scaling throughout the building, which gives people a sense of calm when moving from one space to another as there is consistency. The lighting is both aesthetically pleasing while giving consummate illumination for working in.” The two design companies opted only for LED light fittings for obvious reasons, explains Feher. “LEDs are incredibly light on energy usage, which means the monthly electricity usage has been

The lighting styles are carried throughout the building, from the more simpler meeting rooms, through to the lux boardrooms.

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Pendants add a touch of glamour to spaces and are used throughout the Momentum building in subtle ways.

dramatically reduced. There are factors such as longevity, serviceability and maintenance demands – those are key to using LEDs. They are more durable, which means that they are replaced less frequently. That reduces the costs of service and maintenance crews, as well as replacement fittings, which saves money at the end of the day.” This falls in line with base practice for most companies, where reducing costs by increasing operational While the atriums are central to the building, the adjacent meeting rooms are equally important, explains Du Plessis. “The meeting rooms fall into different categories. They are close to the atrium so that guests are not forced to walk through the office spaces to get to the rooms, which gives functionality is in harmony.” Consistency is key

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Regent Lighting Solutions has made sure that there is continuity and a sense of flow throughout all of the building spaces.

The architects and illumination engineers have re-imagined the Momentum building with the greatest of care, striking a balance with the volumes of natural lighting, artificial illumination and open spaces. “We have created a state-of the-art redesign that lends itself to function as well as design aesthetic and appeal. The teams have developed illumination solutions that accentuate the physical building, transforming it into a space where people are able to perform their activities with the highest level of confidence and comfort. From the pendants and downlights, to the bespoke wall-mounted luminaires that have been used to accentuate the space, the illumination of this building is part of its magic. Every minute detail was considered on this project, and we think that the results speak volumes for the teams involved,” conclude Du Plessis and Feher.

them a sense of calm. Lighting is consistent throughout the building; just on different scales and levels.” Feher says that “it was important to carry the same philosophy throughout the building, regardless of the space in question. “We have retained the round shape in all luminaire choices throughout the walkways, meeting rooms and office areas. The use of complementary round luminaires throughout the building gives a feeling of continuity, that you are in the same space and that the status quo remains no matter where you are in the building. The lux meeting rooms, for example, are on the highest level with the highest functionality. We have tried to carry that thought to the lower-category meeting rooms, which are slightly less lux but equally functional. We did this with consistent fittings and lighting, how people perceive the spaces and where they are working.”

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Philips leads factory relighting A top-to-bottom illumination overhaul by lighting giant Philips has led to dramatic savings in energy usage and costs.

I llumination in an industrial setting comes with its own set of complications, not least of which is the scale of the project. Recently global lighting giant Philips and its LED efficiency partner, Energy LED, were contracted to over-haul fragrance manufacturer Givaudan’s factory in the south of Johannesburg. “Inefficient lighting had cost Givaudan R31 million over the past decade,” says Christen Johnson, project manager at Givaudan. “This was great cause for concern from a business perspective.” The project was completed over a two-month period, with almost no disruption to business operations. “We have replaced the existing lighting infrastructure with our latest LED technology,” says Philips. “This has led to a reduction of almost 4 500 tons of carbon emissions, which equates to the planting of over 73 000 trees to help neutralise the

company’s carbon footprint.” According to the lighting brands’ calculations, the new illumination system at the factory will result in a 70% reduction in energy consumption for Givaudan. “The project has helped the client exceed its occupational health and safety lux requirements for manufacturing,” adds Philips. Over the next decade, Givaudan will see a 74% savings on usage, which equates to a staggering 651 407kwh over the period. “We have seen a great improvement in the quality of lighting in the area, the lux levels and a reduction in the energy levels,” says Johnson, adding that the return on investment is going to be 163% per year. “Before we undertook this project, we were using 113kW, whereas now we are using 31kW over the same period.”

www.lighting.philips.co.za

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Reflection & light The Santiago Bahá’í House of Worship in Chile uses architecture to highlight the importance of light in our lives. S et against the backdrop of the famous Andes Mountain range in the South American city of Santiago, Chile, the nine-sided marble

Hariri Pontarini Architects in Toronto, Canada. Speaking to archdaily.com, he says, “The Bahá’í community follows the concept of unity, that all the world’s religions are truly one and have a common aspect. Because of this, the plan was deceptively simple: A sacred circular structure. The vision began with the concept of light – to design a building that would become alive with light as if it were radiating from within.” The lighting technology used within the temple is simple, explains the architect. “We opted for subtle lighting styles. This is a space of worship, so we have used toned-down lighting systems that add to the openness of the main atrium space.” The temple seats just 600 people, with delicate

house of worship commissioned by the Bahá’í community welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. These visitors can be split into two groups: Religious followers who are looking for a space to practice whatever faith they follow, and those who appreciate architecture and clever use of natural and artificial light. The temple measures 30m high and 30m in diameter, with opaque and clear glass covering the domed building. “We took the Bahá’í’s concept and transformed it into this magnificent house of worship,” explains architect Siamak Hariri from

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chandeliers lighting the central point of the temple floor. “Light is the embodiment of this community, so we have used diffused-light chandeliers that provide more of a glow than direct light,” explains Hariri. “We opted for recessed downlights with a warm colour temperature for a more cosy, united sense of being. The mezzanine level is low to the main floor, so we installed LED light fittings that provide enough light for worshippers and guests while also not being too hot. The temple was designed and built to feel open and give the feeling of ethereal peace, so we had to be intelligent with our use of illumination.” One of the mandates when the temple was commissioned was that it be built to last at least 400 years, which Hariri says “provided its own set of problems. Santiago sits on an earthquake hotspot, so we spent a lot of time investigating new technology and building principles when designing the temple. In doing that, we found new ways to use light during the day and at night”. When the sun sets, warm white tones light up the temple from the inside, giving visitors a gorgeous façade to look at from the temple-side peace pool.

going to use alabaster as the cladding material on the temple, but there were significant issues when we tested the material against the environmental demands of the region. We went on a four-year journey with glass artisan Jeff Goodman from Toronto to develop a new type of glass cladding. We now have a glass that is imbued with subtle variations in translucency, which creates a truly amazing display when artificial light is shone through it,” says Hariri, concluding, “This is a project that comes along once in a lifetime, and I think that we have created a space of reflection where guests can find both a renewed sense of spiritualism and a new source of ‘light’ and inspiration in their world.”

“The arches that make up the dome appear like sails thanks to the curved steel and aluminium superstructure. We then used a combination of glass textures, depths and finishing styles to complete what some people refer to as the ‘petals’. These are the primary source of sunlight during the day.” Then at night, when the interior’s lights are switched on, these petals are illuminated with the most delicate of warm hues. This is set against the dark backdrop of the mountainside behind the temple, and it can be seen from across the city,” adds the architect. Each of the nine wings consists of more than 1 120 individual pieces of glass. “We were originally

The architectural notes show where light fittings were placed around the temple so that it can be illuminated delicately during the day and night-time, giving visitors a beautiful sight regardless of the time of day.

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Blu2Light leads lighting tech German illumination master Vossloh-Schwabe has perfected its Blu2Light ecosystem that extends into exciting new applications – at home and the office.

W ith lighting evolving on a seemingly monthly basis, it is important to stay at the forefront, says Christian Lade from Vossloh-Schwabe’s Business Development unit. “When developing Blu2Light, I had three major things in mind. The highest wireless security for the integration in Internet of Things (IoT) building applications. An open system based on Bluetooth Mesh. At a tiny price point, we also need very easy operation so that installers can use the commissioning app quite easily.” Vossloh-Schwabe, who invests significant funding into its Research & Development annually, came up with a novel approach, explains Lade. “We developed the Blu2Light Bluetooth Mesh net control system, a truly open system for IoT builders with future guarantees as all system parameters are provided via an open neutral interface on the gateway. This extends beyond lighting to includes various IoT BMS parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO 2 and the sending/receiving of Bluetooth beacon messages”. Lade stresses that it is “a lighting control system that has been developed with more than 20 years’ worth of knowledge in building lighting controls. For that reason, Blu2Light covers all basic standards such as DALI and DMX, as well as new wireless driver generations”. One of the first spaces to utilise Blu2Light technology is The Cube in Berlin, Germany. “It is an office building that is innovative in every way,”

says Lade. “The Cube is a smart building of the future. Intelligent technology will be capable of learning from its users and will adapt to suit their individual requirements.” Vossloh-Schwabe’s technicians helped design an app that allows The Cube’s tenants to perform tasks such as booking meeting rooms, adjusting individual light levels and room temperatures, and even unlocking doors – all made possible via Blu2Light, says Lade. “The components are interconnected via a mesh network in which the individual sensors serve as both transmitters and receivers. Every luminaire with a Blu2Light component also comes with an integrated beacon function that makes it possible to send and receive messages from over 7 000 luminaires installed in The Cube.” An aspect of Blu2Light that the team at Vossloh Schwabe is most proud of is keeping the Blu2Light ecosystem open. “You can build any customised solution that you like. Download the gateway documentation and start building – with the open protocol, you can create applications that are beyond lighting,” explains Lade, who concludes, “Our Blu2Light system can be used for simple solutions, or something more complex, like The Cube. You can easily connect more than 10 000 devices and run it from an app that has been built entirely for your system.”

The Cube in Berlin has more than 7 000 Blu2-Light- enabled light fittings installed in it.

www.vossloh-schwabe.com/en

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Lighting up your home base

LightStore.co.za’s marketing officer Savannah De Lima shares illuminating trends that will help transform your indoor and outdoor spaces. “L ighting does more than just illuminate our living spaces,” explains Savannah De Lima, the marketing and social media when you are looking for that finishing touch? LightStore.co.za has all the solutions and advice for you.

officer at online retailer LightStore.co.za. “It’s a cru cial element that can define the ambience, mood and personality of a room. From embracing nature’s beauty, to integrating energy-efficient solutions, the world of lighting is constantly evolving.” That evolution holds significance when it comes to styling your home spaces, with lighting being of great importance both inside and outside your house walls. But how do you know what fitting or fixture to use? And how do you tweak the mood

Lighting up your interior Celebrate your personal style

Your home is where you need to be able to relax and de-stress, where you can be safe and enjoy your surroundings. Your personality needs to come through in your decor and one of the easiest ways to do that is with new lighting. “A desire to craft a unique statement in illumination choices is on the

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rise. People are moving away from mere trends, and towards bespoke designs that mirror their personalities,” says De Lima. “The embrace of eclectic and vibrant colours showcases this shift, as homes become canvases of self-expression.” Custom-made light fittings are no longer the luxury they were years ago, and they are now more accessible than ever thanks to designers moving into new spheres. Each piece becomes a story in your design, reflecting not just lighting but the essence of your personality. Embrace the beauty of nature “Outside is increasingly being brought inside thanks to today’s eco-conscious society who want that seamless blend,” explains De Lima. Rattan pendants are becoming more popular for their earthy textures and organic allure, “With natural, warm tones and colours having the ability to infuse spaces with a sense of cosiness and serenity,” says the lighting exec. Timeless elegance with a hint of mid-century appeal Amid the ever-evolving landscape of interior design trends, the want for timeless elegance remains steadfast. “You want to use fittings and fixtures that epitomise elegance,” says De Lima. “The point of revamping a room or house is to enjoy it for years. So you need to be intelligent with your decor and aesthetic, ensuring that there is a feeling of purpose to its installation.” A trend heading towards South African shores is Mid-Century, which the LightStore.co.za executive explains “seamlessly blends nostalgia from a bygone era with modern sophistication to exude refined taste and enduring beauty”. Renewing your outside area Stringing your way Garden and landscape lights, with festoon strings, are more than just aesthetic additions – they are functional, too, says De Lima. “Landscape lights subtly accentuate an outdoor space’s contours and areas that you would like to highlight. This is done by creating a spectacle of shadows and light.” You can also integrate motion-sensor technology to these light fittings to enhance your safety and functionality at home. Focus on the features Every garden has a focal point that deserves to be highlighted. Using a light that accentuates this feature can transform your outdoor space almost immediately. “It is more than just about brightening space,” says De Lima. “A feature light is about artistry and emphasis as it breathes life into your outdoor architecture, sculptures, water features and trees.”

Plan your lighting easily 1. Accentuate your features

Embrace the unique features of your space by strategically highlighting architectural and decorative elements to draw the eye. 2. Less is more Avoid the pitfall of cluttering your space with too many lights. A restrained, purposeful approach sees each light serving a distinct purpose. 3. Create atmosphere with changing lights Light colour is crucial in homes. Warm white tones evoke a feeling of comfort and intimacy, with dimmable lights allowing you to regulate ambience Factor in natural lighting sources such as large windows and skylights, as well as lighting solutions that complement them. This allows you to har- ness the natural light during the day, with seamless and balanced transition into artificial lighting as the sunsets. and adapt to various lighting needs. 4. Natural lighting is still important

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The trick is in the lightbulb

Radiant Lighting shares handy tips and tricks that will help you give your home a quick ’n easy new look while not breaking the bank.

I llumination specialist Radiant Lighting knows that lighting solutions in your home do not need to cost a fortune. You can save on your renovation and revamp budget by utilising simple DIY guidelines, swapping out lightbulbs for new hues and different fittings, and having innovative solutions to drive the updates in your home. “Sometimes the simplest change can have a massive visual impact,” says Radiant. “Most people only change lightbulbs if they are burnt out, but it may be worth going around your home to take note of the type and colour temperature of the bulbs that you have. Fluorescents or harsh white bulbs can make a space feel uninviting no matter what other decor is in the room. To go from cold and unappealing, to warm, friendly and welcoming, replace your existing bulbs with warm-tone LEDs

throughout your home. There is no better time than the present to also swap out any fluorescent or incandescent bulbs and switch to energy efficient LED bulbs that will save you money and time in the future thanks to their longevity, performance and intelligent energy consumption abilities. • Table lamps do transform. This is an instant room changer – table lamps are affordable, come in every style imaginable, and can be positioned anywhere that they fit. “Table lamps add decorative changes as well as lighting at the same time,” says Radiant, adding that you can play around with styling: “A small table lamp can be paired with a larger design to create a cluster effect that becomes a focal point in the room.” • Stick-on strips add elegance and class. Adding fittings such as strip lights underneath your wall-mounted kitchen cabinets give a finished look – and all it takes is double-sided tape. The strip lights not only make the space look professionally designed, they provide decorative and task illumination. “These

that create a cosier, more unified feel.” Let the lights do the talking

• Look at your lightbulbs first. Having lightbulbs in various colour temperatures can make a space feel chaotic. To get balance and a sense of cohesion, have the same temperature bulb

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lights can also be positioned closer to the wall to accentuate and highlight an elaborate backsplash or countertop item,” says Radiant. “If illumination for tasks such as preparing food or reading recipe books is a priority, then the fixtures need to be closer to the front of the cabinet so that their lighting capacity is not restricted.” • Do not be afraid to experiment. Move your fixtures and furniture around the room. This is a simple way to elevate the look of your home and it does not cost anything. “By removing a fixture from one room and placing it in another, you give the piece new life and create a fresh look in both spaces at the same time,” says Radiant. You can also place light fixtures in unexpected spaces for an interesting look. For example, a chandelier in the bathroom, a small table lamp perched on a bookshelf, or sconces flanking the bed. • Brighter is not always better. Diffused lights provide incredible atmosphere when you are looking for a relaxed feeling. When installing or moving your lights, be sure to have at least one diffused lighting fixture in the room. This type of light is softer, warmer and more flattering, which contrasts with concentrated, direct undiffused light sources in the same space. Opaque glass, paper veils and fabric shades all produce diffused lighting. • Scale your fixtures correctly. Be certain of your measurements when installing new lights. Incorrect positioning or lightbulbs can give the space an unbalanced feel, explains

Radiant. “A fixture that is too large for a room can look out of place and overwhelming, while one that is too small will not provide sufficient illumination.” Lighting is as important to a room’s atmosphere as the actual room construction and decor – and it is easy to get wrong or right.

Enquiries: www.radiant.co.za

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Safely lighting the community

BEKA Schréder continues to win praise & awards for its community-friendly solar highmast solutions, starting with an exciting Eastern Cape pilot project.

I llumination expert BEKA Schréder was recently awarded the Best Supporting Affiliate Member at the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU) 2023 President’s Awards. “BEKA Schréder is proud to have been recognised for our achievement,” says the company’s General Manager, Daniel Kasper. The award was based on the criteria for most sustainable project – BEKA Schréder’s installation in Stanford Road in Gqeberha (Eastern Cape), which saw a solar lighting highmast solution supplied as part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s initiative to keep cables out of the reach of criminals through its highmast solar lighting pilot programme. BEKA Schréder’s Solarflood luminaire was chosen for this project – the 20m-high solar highmasts were used to combat rampant cable theft and destruction of infrastructure in the area, and furthermore to provide lighting for the community when there is loadshedding, thus increasing safety and well-being for the community. This is the first solar highmast installation to be put in place in the Eastern Cape, and a successful pilot project for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. “The Solarflood solar lighting highmast solution is locally designed and manufactured and it can withstand the onslaught of inland and coastal environments,” says Peter Badenhorst, BEKA Schréder’s Branch Manager for the Eastern Cape region. The Solarflood provides a high

high Ingress Protection level (IP 66), and the photovoltaic energy conversion has been optimised by highly efficient monocrystalline solar module technology. “This design, in conjunction with our Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charging system and our Lithium energy storage technology, provides a state-of-the-art quality system that offers the required system autonomy, as well as a long-lasting solution to operate in any of our very challenging African environmental conditions,” concludes Badenhorst.

www.beka-schreder.co.za

BEKA Schréder’s Daniel Kasper accepts the award from AMEU President Nndwamato Mutshidza.

performing robust option for off grid solar lighting needs, says Badenhorst. “The units come with a warranty of up to five years. We have designed the Solarflood in such a way that the corrosion-proof glass-reinforced polymer box, which houses the Lithium energy source and other critical system components, is permanently positioned in the shade as the panel array faces north. This effectively blocks high temperatures that often cause premature battery ageing.” The Solarflood features a

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News

Ledvance shifts strategy with new brand positioning

with real savings.” Ledvance is also making sure that consumer carbon footprint and a greener way of living is at the core of its brand evolution. “We are moving more towards a world of renewables, recyclables and more efficient lighting solutions,” explains Maree. “Our newer products coming through the development division will be more advanced in terms of recyclability, using more environmentally friendly and efficient materials in the manufacturing process.” Enquiries: www.ledvance.com

Lighting manufacturer Ledvance was founded in 2016 as a spin-off business by global lighting manufacturer Osram. In less than a decade, the company has quickly risen to being one of the world’s biggest innovators, but to keep up with the industry evolution, Ledvance is shifting its brand positioning, explains Margaret Maree, Ledvance’s Design & Marketing Manager. “We are giving our customers the opportunity to change their lives through lighting. We have exciting products that will be introduced into the market throughout 2024 that are going to help South Africans better their lives.” The brand shift is to help Ledvance stay ahead within the ever-changing lighting industry, says Ma ree. “We want to stay true to our roots as industry innovators and to push forward in the search of imaginative solutions as we develop into a com pany that goes beyond just lighting.” Ledvance has evolved its mantra, too: Power Through Light. “This is our driving force, and Ledvance wants to empower its customers to harness the power of light that is in their hands. Lightbulbs are no longer just an illumination tool; they are much more. Our intelligent energy solutions, solar technology and advanced lighting mean that customers benefit

ELDC introduces fittings that blend form and function

The Malamata is from Jewish design company Shulab Studio, founded in 2005 by Kfir Schwalb and Orit Magia. “The word ‘malamata’ means ‘up and down’ in Hebrew,” explains the pair. “When designing this lamp, we wanted the diffuser to be mobile so that users can adjust the light position to their needs.” Using industrial design philosophies, a hidden spring is activated to allow a sphere counterweight to slide along a beam, which in turn allows the diffuser position to be changed – up or down,” says the studio. The second light is the Across from Italian de sign icon Luceplan. “This suspension lamp features a distinctive ‘cross’ design constructed with three interconnected axes. The horizontal body allows for direct lighting thanks to the optical group, and the lamp can easily be attached to a wall or ceiling,” says Marc. Lastly is the Levante from renowned Milanese designer Marco Spatti. “It embodies the concept of ‘lightness and wind’,” says Marc, adding that “three large fans intersect and highlight the theme of ‘lightness’ – they resemble rice paper, which is incredibly light. The thickness of the lamp’s veils is minimal, so they can be attached to the central core with magnets. Keeping with the minimalist aesthetic, the light source has been hidden and symbolises a beating heart.”

European Light & Design Centre is continuing to bring some of the most beautiful light fittings to South Africa, with three new installations ar riving recently. “We believe that lighting should be as functional as it is beautiful,” explains Marc Machtelinckx, ELDC’s founder.

Enquiries: www.eldc.co.za

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Micro Lens Arrays will improve architectural lighting solutions

Kevin Green, Global Commercial Director from optical film tech company BrightView Technologies, says that “there is a fundamental demand uniting lighting objectives across outdoor and indoor architectural environments. Whether it is spotlighting specific features or illuminating a room with unique light patterns, precision helps to bring innovative concepts to life”. Speaking to US website lightnowblog.com, Green adds, “As lighting demands have grown more varied and sophisticated, solutions to help serve the optical needs have also evolved. Micro lens array (MLA) technologies will be able to bend and shape light in driving custom, high-performing optics.” MLAs consist of microscale lenses engineered to shape light for unique applications. The lenses are manufactured to suit the required light output based on a given light input. “MLAs are embossed, etched or moulded onto or in optically clear substrates such as polycarbonate films,” he says. The manufacturing method for MLAs has been designed in such a way that they can be produced in high-volume, roll-to-roll formats. “This enables designers to generate tailor-created MLAs uniformly and efficiently,” says Green, explaining that “there are several architectural trends where MLAs can provide benefits in lighting design and implementation”. In outdoor spaces, designers will now be able to support numerous configurations, including colour mixing, wall grazing and beam control to highlight certain design features. MLA use indoors will also see a dramatic increase in ap plications that will allow designers to develop performance requirements for angle control, source hiding or aesthetics. “By deploying an MLA-based solution, lighting designers can leverage beam-shaping capabilities in all directions – creating illumination at a greater fixture spacing than many of their tradi tional counterparts,” says Green.

15km 2 wraparound LED screen that pro jects 16K resolution, manufactured by Canadian company SACO Technologies. The structure, which took four years to build and covers more than 18 acres, is 112m high and 157m wide. Bono, who agreed to the residency before construction began in 2019, told the audience, “What a fancy pad. Look at all this stuff. Elvis has definitely not left this building. It’s an Elvis chapel. It’s an Elvis cathedral.” The Sphere charges $450 000 (R8.5 million) for a single day’s worth of advertising or a heavily discounted $650 000 (R12.4 million) for a week. Adver tising images are projected on MLAs are seen as part of lighting’s ‘next genera tion’ of developments, explains the lighting expert. “There has been a gradual shift to smaller devices. For example, museums commonly deployed six inch LED downlights to highlight exhibitions but they are now using devices as small as one inch.” He adds that MLAs are going to make precision lighting solutions far more accessible in the future. “MLAs will help serve as a catalyst for advancing customisable light bending and beam-shaping capabilities, bringing new optical visions to life. Designers can generate the right-sized MLA effi ciently through the iterative tooling process which can then be quickly transitioned into production.” Source: lightnowblog.com

Las Vegas Sphere is open for business, starting with a rock show

The famous Sphere venue at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, United States is officially open – and the event venue has struck a chord with guests thanks to a musical concert by Irish rock band U2. The musicians, fronted by human rights activist Bono, has a sold-out 25-show residency that began recently at the $2.3 billion (R44 billion) venue. The Sphere has 18 600 seats, which is quite small as far as concert venues go, but the real stars of the show are the Sphere’s LED light screens. There is 54km 2 of LED displays on the outside, while the interior of the Sphere features a

1.2 million LEDs installed on the exterior of the Sphere that can dis play 256 million colours, with the structure being visible from more than 2km away.

Source: The-Sun.com, theverge.com

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