Lee Broom to create sculptural lighting installation for LDF
(UK) – For the 23rd edition of London Design Festival (LDF), product designer Lee Broom will present a sculptural light installation in collaboration with Czech manufacturer Brokis and bespoke manufacturer Materials Assemble.
Titled Beacon, the work takes inspiration from its riverside location, using the surrounding architecture and legacy as a prompt. Made using a glass-fusing technology developed to upcycle discarded glass fragments, the installation reinterprets classic street lamps to form a structure collectively resembling a vast sculptural chandelier.
Running from 13-21 September, Broom’s sculpture will be one of many installations and exhibitions taking place across the capital, with a focus this year on design’s role in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Following the festival, components of the piece will be repurposed into individual light fixtures, extending its use and supporting sustainable design practices.
LiGHT 25 returns with major industry showcase
(UK) - Registration is now open for LiGHT 25, the UK’s only trade show dedicated exclusively to high-end lighting specification. The event will take place at London’s Business Design Centre on 19–20 November, bringing together more than 200 premium lighting brands and thousands of design professionals.
This year’s exhibition will highlight the latest innovations in architectural, decorative and technical lighting, alongside a packed programme of talks, installations and networking opportunities. The popular [d]arc thoughts series returns in collaboration with Lutron, offering two full days of free panel discussions, presentations and industry insights from some of the most influential figures in lighting design.
A major feature of the show will be Re:Vision, a sensory installation created by the renowned practice Speirs Major Light Architecture and powered by formalighting. Following the success of last year’s Intra-spectrum installation, it promises to be one of the most talked-about experiences of the exhibition.
Beyond the showcase itself, visitors can look forward to a host of networking opportunities, from informal drinks on the evening of 19 November to a complimentary LiGHT Lunch on 20 November. The purpose-built LiGHT WORK Lounge will also provide a calm, dedicated space for conversations and collaboration, complete with free coffee, Wi-Fi and inspiration.
Coinciding with the announcement, LiGHT 25 has unveiled a refreshed brand identity and new-look website. The site offers detailed exhibitor listings, essential visitor information and exclusive pre-show content to help attendees prepare for their visit.
Early registration is encouraged, not only to secure a free ticket but also to ensure attendees are among the first to hear updates on the speaker line-up and special features. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance.
Louis Pulsen – New FJ Elements collection
(Denmark) – Danish luxury lighting brand announces the introduction of the Finn Juhl lamp as part of the FJ Elements collection – an archival collection of lights by renowned architect Finn Juhl.
Inspired by art and the abstract, the collection consists of a pendant and a table lamp available in three neutrals and the original two-toned grey. Characterised by its rotating shade, this feature allows the light direction to adjust in multiple ways, ensuring glare-free illumination. The design is enhanced by the upper shade, which opens up to provide a gentle upward light from the housing for ambience.
Hudson Valley Lighting Group acquires Sonneman
(USA) – Hudson Valley Lighting Group (HVLG) has acquired modern lighting atelier Sonneman – A Way of Light.
Founded in 2003 by renowned lighting designer Robert Sonneman, the brand specialises in minimalist and technical lighting solutions, with a focus on both functionality and aesthetics.
The acquisition will expand HVLG’s product offering, particularly in the area of configurable, high-performance LED lighting. The move is expected to increase the range of lighting solutions available to designers and provide greater flexibility for projects that span both residential and commercial applications.
The acquisition also marks a return to the brand for HVLG’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, David Littman, who was previously a co-owner of Sonneman until 2018.
Commenting on the news, Litterman says: “Sonneman represents the best of what modern lighting can be - intelligent, artistic, and purposefully designed. Bringing this brand back into the HVLG family is both a strategic move and a personal milestone. It’s an opportunity to build on a legacy of innovation and to deliver even more value to our customers."
In Conversation With... Lewis Taylor
https://vimeo.com/1092112781?share=copy#t=0
Perhaps best known for its signature restaurant and bar projects in London, David Collins Studio delivers industry-leading interior architecture and design within the hospitality sector. Celebrating its 40th year in business this year, [d]arc media editor, Sarah Cullen sits down with Design Director Lewis Taylor to reflect on the studio’s story so far and how the design industry has grown in that time.
Zafferano - Filo
(Italy) - Due to be available this August, Filo is a lighting collection by Federico de Majo for Zafferano, comprising sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps available with either a base or clamp. Designed with a focus on simplicity and versatility, the collection features a painted metal structure in white, red, or black, supporting an exposed E27 bulb.
A distinctive element of the design is the rotatable upper section, which pivots around its vertical axis to offer adjustable light direction. The minimalist, curved silhouette introduces a graphic quality, offering both visual interest and functionality.
Suitable for a range of interiors, Filo is intended to serve as both a practical lighting solution and a decorative element.
Crea-Re Studio - Boletus desk lamp
(Spain) - The Barcelona studio that bridges art and design has unveiled a new lamp, Boletus, a modern desk lamp that merges organic inspiration with functional design.
Shaped after the “Bolets” mushroom, the lamp features a wide, rounded lamp shade and a grounded base, offering both visual impact and soft, focused illumination. Crafted by hand with a rustic, porous surface, this large table lamp reflects light and illuminates the area beneath it well, making it ideal for writing, reading or creating a calm atmosphere.
Nishi Shah to leave LDI after 29 years
(UK) - After nearly three decades at Lighting Design International (LDI), Design Director Nishi Shah is stepping down, marking the end of a remarkable career that has helped shape the landscape of architectural lighting design.
Shah joined LDI in 1996, shortly after completing her MSc in Light and Lighting at The Bartlett, UCL, following an earlier degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Leeds. Her initial career in structural engineering soon gave way to a passion for lighting, a decision that would lead to an influential and lasting impact on the industry.
Over 29 years, Shah has led the design and delivery of some of the most prestigious lighting schemes in the world. Her portfolio includes luxury hotels and resorts across the UK and internationally, landmark office spaces in London, and renowned residential projects such as Ham Yard Hotel, Heckfield Place, Rivercourt, and One Hyde Park.
Colleagues at LDI recall Shah as a dedicated mentor and creative leader who has played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and shaping the company’s ethos and growth. Joining as a graduate, she has since helped steer the studio to become one of the most respected lighting design practices globally.
Reflecting on her departure, Shah comments: “I owe everyone at LDI past and present, especially Sally [Storey, Founding Director], who I owe so much, it comes with mixed feelings and some trepidation, but I am stepping into the next chapter in my life. I have some fantastic memories which I will hold close to my heart. Thank you!”
www.lightingdesigninternational.com
Lodes – Map
(Italy) – Following its preview at Euroluce in April, Lodes modular lighting system, Map, is now avabilble to the market.
Developed in partnership with Berlin-based studio Geckler Michels, Map strikes a balance between aesthetics with advanced lighting performance. The design's visual element is a fabric tape, stretched between various modules, which powers the entire system and offers multiple compositional options. Like a map that reconfigures space and constellations, Map enables free positioning of lights, creating rhythms and reanimations for any environment.
Ideal for spaces with a single power source, Map offers a solution for ceiling and wall applications, enabling customisable configurations that go beyond traditional track lighting or integrated LED strip systems. The system's versatility makes it suitable for environments with architectural constraints, such as low ceilings or the lack of central lighting points, ensuring optimal light distribution without major structural alterations.
The ribbon, available in an eight-metre reel and five centimetres in height, is stretched between various lighting points, providing continuous power even without additional ceiling or wall power sources. Each module, measuring 130mm in diameter and 63mm in height, features a PMMA lens offered in multiple options to meet different lighting needs, from directional illumination to diffused ambient effects. Once the lens is fitted, the module is magnetically sealed for a seamless finish.
Reflecting on the new collaboration, Lodes Managing Director Massimiliano Tosetto comments: “Map was conceived to meet the need for a decorative electrified track, offering lighting designers unprecedented design flexibility. Whether for residential spaces or commercial projects, Map provides a bespoke solution that empowers designers to create the ideal configuration for their needs, defining the space through a distinctive visual language.
Prolicht unveil new brand positioning
(Austria) – Prolicht has announced a strategic shift in its global brand positioning, unveiling the tagline “Designed to Create”, signalling a broader focus on empowering architects and designers.
Prolicht’s new messaging seeks to redefine its role within the creative process. According to the company, the change reflects a long-standing ethos that prioritises design freedom and user-driven solutions.
Walter Norz, founder and CEO of Prolicht, explained that the rebrand is not a departure from the company’s roots but a refinement of its core philosophy. “It wasn’t a sudden shift. It was more like the sharpening of something that had been there all along. We’ve always worked closely with creative professionals – architects, lighting designers, planners. And over the years, we’ve realised that what they value most isn’t the product itself, it’s what the product enables them to do. That was a big insight. Our role isn’t to steal the spotlight. It’s to give others the freedom to design spaces exactly how they envision them.”
The statement “Designed to Create” shows a personal and professional commitment from the company’s leadership. After hearing creative professionals’ frustrations about having to compromise on timing, customisation, or quality, Prolicht wants to clarify that its purpose as a company is to support bold ideas and reject limitations.
Through this brand evolution, Prolicht aims to reposition itself not as the star of a space but as a partner in the creative journey. Norz adds: “We hope we can make those who are willing to challenge the brief, who look at an empty space and see its potential, feel seen. I hope they hear an invitation to explore and to question. Because in the end, new doesn’t just happen. New is created, and people who believe that, that’s who we’re here for.”
Larose Guyon marks 10 years of artisanal lighting
(Canada) - Canadian design studio, Larose Guyon, celebrates 10 years of creating its handcrafted lighting pieces. Based in Verchères, Quebec, the studio continues to refine its material-driven approach to design.
Founded by Audrée Larose and Félix Guyon, the studio has gained international recognition for lighting that bridges art and craftsmanship. Every piece is handmade in their atelier, shaped by a commitment to slow design and storytelling through form and material.
In line with this milestone, Larose Guyon has been featured in the latest issue of darc’s 3d directory with its sculptural piece Saule highlighted in the product showcase. The coverage reflects growing industry interest in the studio’s evolving design language and its emphasis on texture, warmth and authenticity.
In May, the studio also collected numerous accolades with its immersive booth experience during ICFF in New York, which aimed to reflect the studio’s design philosophy through material, light, and texture. The installation featured three of the studio’s signature lighting pieces, alongside a live demonstration from a master artisan, offering visitors a glimpse into the handcrafting process that happens in the Verchères atelier.
The installation earned four awards, including Best of Show, ICFF Editorial Award for Exhibit Design, Best Booth Design, and Best Lighting from NKBA Manhattan.
Larose Guyon’s ongoing exploration of design that prioritises both aesthetic and emotional resonance. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and artistic integrity positions the studio as a notable voice in contemporary design.
Foscarini Marks Two Years of “What’s in a Lamp?
(Italy) - Italian lighting brand Foscarini is marking the second anniversary of What’s in a Lamp?, an ongoing project that explores the intersection of lighting and visual art. Launched in 2022, the initiative invites international artists and designers to reinterpret Foscarini’s heritage designs through a variety of creative disciplines.
The project was initially unveiled during Milan Design Week and has since been exhibited in Copenhagen during 3 Days of Design. To date, it includes work by 17 artists from across the globe, each contributing a unique visual response to one of Foscarini’s lighting designs.
Participating artists include Luca Font, Noma Bar, Oscar Pettersson, Federico Babina, Maja Wrońska, Kevin Lucbert, Alessandra Bruni, Luccico, Stefano Colferai, Fausto Gilberti, Lee Wagstaff, Francesca Gastone, Antje Damm, Mattia Riami, Bennet Pimpinella, Giona Maiarelli and Jim Stoten. Their interpretations span a range of media and styles, reflecting the diverse ways light can be understood and expressed beyond its functional purpose.
According to Foscarini, the project is intended as an evolving platform to explore the multiple identities and potentials of lighting objects. Each collaboration adds a new layer to the narrative, using light as a conceptual and visual starting point.
A full archive of the project’s contributions to date is available online, and new collaborations are expected to be added in the future as the brand continues to develop the initiative.
For more information and to view the full collection of artist works, visit www.foscarini.com/whats-in-a-lamp
