New brand Leverint Lighting launches in London
(UK) - London-based Leverint Lighting opens in May 2021.
Launching an innovative portfolio of new products aimed at prestige homes, hotels, and blue-chip businesses, Leverint Lighting is co-founded by Andrew Print, John Leveridge and Lee Rowland who all offer an exciting skill set combination with more than 50 years experience in lighting design and glass artistry.
Based in Enfield, London, its creations deliver a fusion of the timeless elegance of classic glass blowing with innovative modern styling that sets the range apart.
With its own UK-based production studios, the team creates sophisticated hand-blown glass arrangements to precise personal specifications. It then complements the specialised lighting pieces with the finest components, hand-crafting them in-house for the highest standards of quality.
Chief designer Andrew Print says: “We are proud to offer limited-edition and bespoke designs - specialising in exclusive lighting pieces, which enhance the beauty of both personal and commercial living and working environments.
“We will not only be offering a collection of high-quality lights but also a unique bespoke design service - working with customers every step of the way, sharing ideas and concepts and turning their vision into eye-catching and illuminating interior design features.”
Slamp - LaFleur Velvet
LaFleur Velvet reinforces Slamp's commitment to protecting biodiversity.
The new black matte base has an integrated magnet, and an accompanying disc that anchors the lamp under textiles for a floral mise-en-place, or that can be screwed into vertical surfaces, turning Lafleur into a whimsical appliqué.
Designer Marc Sadler describes the creative process that led him to shape Slamp’s technopolymers, bringing the battery-powered Lafleur table lamp to light. This undulating bloom is made of Lentiflex, which is hand-moulded at a controlled temperature into a unique blossom imitating those found in nature.
In 2019, Slamp called on a specialised group to transform extra lamp cuttings into portable hives for bumblebees, and for World Bee Day on May 20, 2020, in honour of its commitment to sustaining biodiversity, every client who purchases Lafleur on shop.slamp.com, from May 20 to June 22 received a jar of organic honey.
[d]arc awards winner: Michael Anastassiades for Flos
(UK) - Michael Anastassiades' design Coordinates takes first place at the [d]arc awards 2020.
Featured alongside other winning products and projects on [d]arc media's vimeo, Michael Anastassiades sits down with [d]arc media's Managing Director Paul James to accept the [d]arc award for best in the Kit: Decorative category, and give a little more insight into Coordinates' inspirations.
Adorno - Sluren
Adorno's collection 1 + 1 = 3, was created in collaboration with Southern Sweden Design Days. Organised by Form/Design Center, the annual event held in Malmö, Sweden, highlights sustainability, collaboration, development, and innovation in design. 2021's inaugural theme “encourages collaborations and cross-fertilisation with the aim of highlighting the region’s openness and locality”.
The Sluren glass lamp, exhibited at Milan Design Week, was originally commissioned by the Swedish Institute in Paris. It is mouth-blown and produced in a limited edition. Each year has a new colour, and the colour for 2021 is clear transparent glass.
Marset - Ihana
Marset's Ihana ceiling light was designed in collaboration with architect Joanna Laajisto.
The serene shapes of the Ihana trace out a silhouette of light. This lighting system consists of several opal blown glass diffusers that are pleasing to the eye, appear ductile and contrast with the firmness of the metal structure that determines its shape and fastens it to the ceiling.
In an effort to offer ambient light for any classic or contemporary interior design project, this collection can be used to create light compositions. This is made possible by its structure, which can be extended to include 14 diffusers, connected to a single point of light. It is also available in different sizes to illuminate spaces with high ceilings. In addition, the Ihana features dim to warm technology, which allows not only regulating the intensity of the light, but also its colour temperature, which can vary from a warm white (3000K) to an ultra warm white, simulating candle light (1800K).
Often, a design is born of necessity. Ihana, which means "exquisite" in Finnish, is one of them. Its creator, the architect Joanna Laajisto, moved her studio to a 19th century building in Helsinki and couldn't find any lamps that fit in with her new office. In search of the beauty of light, she created a sculptural lamp defined by its pure, almost graphic forms, and by the balance between rigidity and fragility. Ihana is a synthesis of contrasts that combines contrasting colours, the black metallic structure and white diffusers, and nuances of old and new. A contemporary and timeless design made by its creator to endure over time and become part of those stories in which no one remembers what year it was designed.
Martinelli Luce - Outdoor
Martinelli Luce's outdoor lighting collection uses cement as the common material.
A simple material but at the same time rich in important facets and characteristics, cement has become one of the most used elements for the new outdoor lamps by the Italian lighting company Martinelli Luce.
Weatherproof, solid, and robust, concrete lends itself to being the perfect material for creating outdoor lamps. To the touch, the surface remains slightly rough and highlights the materiality of cement adding a pleasant characteristic.
Amanita is the latest creation from the Tuscan lighting brand. An outdoor lamp that looks like a mushroom, like the name from which it takes its inspiration. The low and robust shape in reinforced concrete highlights its characteristics of resistance and compactness.
The diffuser positioned in the lower part of the hat is made of polycarbonate and houses the LED source.
Cyborg outdoor, the big sister of the indoor version, is made of high-resistance concrete with water-proofer and has a LED light source.
Pont is a luminous arch rising from the ground, a blade of light halfway between a technical device and a concrete sculpture. The LED light source provides direct illumination, creating paths and plays of light in the garden or at the side of a pathway.
Koala is a high-resistance concrete wall lamp with a double LED light source for direct and indirect lighting. A small wall lamp with soft, rounded shapes clings to the wall, imitating the usual pose in which the Australian animal is immortalised between the trees.
[d]arc room to exhibit at Design London
(UK) - UK-based lighting exhibition [d]arc room set to join Design London with a pop-up event this September.
Recognising London’s profound influence over Architecture and Design specification, [d]arc room pop-up @ Design London (previously 100% Design) is a new and enhanced event experience underpinned by the wealth of knowledge of both [d]arc media and Media 10, organisers of Design London.
In previous editions of 100% Design, the lighting contingent was sporadically positioned throughout the exhibition.
This year will see [d]arc room pop-up as an established lighting area within Design London giving lighting specifiers a destination within a destination.
In addition, [d]arc awards installations will be displayed at Design London for the duration of the event with a [d]arc night party on 23 September.
Featuring a highly curated selection of brands, [d]arc room pop-up @ Design London provides a unique in-person platform to meet with leading lighting designers, architects, interior designers, developers and retailers at what will be the must-attend event during London Design Festival and the first in-person lighting exhibition of the year in the UK.
New SLL President calls for increased representation
(UK) – Following her inauguration as Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) President, Dr. Ruth Kelly Waskett has called for an increased representation in the lighting industry.
In her Presidential Address, delivered during the SLL AGM and Awards on 20 May, Waskett declared that the Society must represent the diversity of the industry that it serves.
Echoing the comments of former SLL President Liz Peck during her address in 2015, in which she recognised that the strength of the Society lies in its diversity, Waskett hopes to build on this, saying: “I would like to honour my friend, by carrying forward her wish that the SLL should be truly representative of all who work with light and lighting.”
Waskett cited evidence from the 2019 Lighting Family Tree survey, carried out by Light Collective, which showed a near equal gender split between those who took part, compared to the current demographic of SLL members. She added: “Our membership is still overwhelmingly male. This does not reflect the lighting industry. So what are we going to do about it?
“I would like to use my SLL presidential platform to highlight to women throughout the industry that SLL membership could be for them too. This is not about getting more members; this is about ensuring that our make-up reflects the industry that we represent.”
Taking a lead from the Women in Lighting project, the Society will therefore work towards ensuring a 50/50 gender split between speakers at events as a means of improving representation and visibility amongst members.
Alongside this, the team behind the Women in Lighting project will be publishing a selection of interviews and videos from women within the SLL.
As well as improving inclusivity, diversity and representation for the Society, Waskett also highlighted the need for more conversations on the importance of daylight, as well as its responsibility in spreading the message about light and health.
The SLL was recently joined by contributors to the Second International Workshop on Circadian and Neurophysical Photometry for a webinar discussion focusing on recommendations and practical applications for healthy daytime, evening, and night-time light exposure. The response from attendees demonstrated a clear appetite for more information and guidance in this area. This was followed by a collaborative article from Waskett and Dr. Karolina Zielinska-Dabkowska in arc, in which they highlighted why the lighting industry needs to provide guidance so that people can make informed choices with light.
Waskett added that she would like to build off this, spreading the message beyond the lighting industry to those who need to hear it: “We have been talking amongst ourselves about this for long enough. Now we need to engage with the wider construction industry and the public.”
The SLL AGM, Awards and Presidential Address were held online on 20 May. Ruth Kelly Waskett took over the Presidency from Immediate Past-President Bob Bohannon, who held office from May 2020.
ILP CEO to stand down
(UK) – The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP), Tracey White is to stand down from her position later this year.
After three years in post, White is relocating abroad and will work on new projects from a distance.
Commenting on White’s decision, Anthony Smith, ILP President, said: “It was with reluctance but understanding I accepted Tracey’s resignation. Over the last three years she has delivered in all areas, working tirelessly to improve the standing of the Institution within the industry and government, alongside the day-to-day duties of the CEO role.
“The Executive Board and I wish Tracey well in the next, much sunnier chapter of her life and thank her for all the hard work, guidance and commitment to the Institution during her time at the helm. Tracey is working with the Executive Board in relation to finding a suitable replacement and is committed to ensuring a smooth transition.”
Tracey White replied: “It has been a privilege and honour to serve as CEO of the ILP. The last three years have been extremely successful for the ILP. We have continued to maintain and develop our services to members and represent their interests, in spite of the difficulties posed by the pandemic.
“I have been lucky enough to work with very talented colleagues on the Board and within the staff team and I have enjoyed working with skilled professionals across our sector. I have no doubt that the ILP is well-equipped to meet the future challenges of the lighting industry and I would like to wish the Board, the members and my future successor all the best.”
The ILP Board has agreed a process for recruiting Tracey White’s successor. Expressions of interest can be made to jobs@theilp.org.uk.
John Cullen Lighting celebrates 40th anniversary
(UK) – Lighting manufacturer John Cullen Lighting this year celebrates its 40th anniversary with a focus on miniaturisation and sustainability.
The brand, established by the late John Cullen in 1981 and now led by Creative Director Sally Storey, is recognised around the world for lighting design excellence with award-winning schemes and discreet architectural luminaires, and its ability to enhance the enjoyment of spaces through the power of light.
The impact and effect of light on space and design has been a core focus for the company since its foundation, as Storey explained: “John Cullen’s philosophy is to create the finest quality of light from the most discreet luminaires; in achieving this, the light source should always be concealed.”
The company also takes a great deal of inspiration from nature and natural light, with discreet fittings again being a key facet of this. “Lighting is the most versatile interior design tool that can entirely change the way a room looks and feels at the touch of a button,” Storey continued. “No other interior element can have such a strong impact. Architectural lighting should be as discreet as possible, to look effortless and make any space wonderful to be in.”
To mark its 40th anniversary, John Cullen Lighting is continuing to focus on discreet fixtures, with the development of two new miniature luminaires: the Minim joinery downlight, which is the same size as a UK five pence piece; and the Vorsa Dot, the smallest luminaire on the market.
Alongside a focus on innovation and technological advancement, the company is paying extra attention to its environmental impact and is currently working on a sustainability policy to be carbon neutral by 2030, driving towards luminaire design and manufacture for the circular economy.
[d]arc awards 2020 online ceremony
The winners of the 2020 [d]arc awards were announced via a live video stream. Catch up on the awards presentation and find out who took home the top prizes this year.
The [d]arc awards is a unique concept utilising arc and darc magazines’ reputation as being the most widely read and respected lighting design publications in the world. In collaboration with creative consultants Light Collective, we have created a unique opportunity to get every practice involved in the awards process.
Anyone can enter (lighting designers, architects, interior designers or manufacturers) and once the shortlist has been chosen by an international jury of independent architectural lighting designers; lighting design practices, architects and interior designers are invited to vote on their favourite projects making this the only truly peer-to-peer lighting design awards in the world.
Renowned architect Art Gensler dies aged 85
(USA) – Art Gensler, the American architect, interior designer and founder of global architectural firm Gensler, has passed away at the age of 85 after a long illness.
Gensler, founder of the world’s largest architecture firm, died in his sleep at his family home in Mill Valley, Marin County, reported the San Francisco Chronicle.
Gensler founded his practice in San Francisco in 1965 alongside his late wife Drue, and James Follett. Today, the firm operates across 50 countries around the world, with an annual revenue of $1.5bn.
Diagnosed with lung disease 18 months ago, Gensler continued to work for his practice, with a full calendar of meetings scheduled when he died. His son, David Gensler, said: “My dad was a regular guy, respectful and friendly and never pompous. He loved serving clients through the power of design.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1935, Gensler was the son of a phone company employee and a ceiling tiles salesman. He grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut and graduated from Cornell University’s College of Architecture in 1958.
Following university, he moved to California on the advice of his mentor, architecture critic Henry Hill, and worked for architect William Wurster, while establishing his own practice.
His eponymous firm got its start designing interiors for corporate offices in San Francisco skyscrapers. Early work included the 237-metre Bank of America Center (renamed 555 California Street) and the 121-metre Alcoa Building (now One Maritime Plaza).
The practice opened its first office at 555 Clay Street in San Francisco, before expanding around the US; its Houston office opened in 1972, followed by the New York office in 1979. The firm also expanded overseas with the opening of its London office in 1988, followed by studios in Japan and Hong Kong in 1993, while its first Chinese office opened in Shanghai in 2002.
Landmark projects for the studio include the 632-metre-high Shanghai Tower – the world’s second-tallest building, the long-term renovation of San Francisco International Airport, the renovation and expansion of New York’s Museum of Modern Art, offices for the New York Times, Washington Post, London Stock Exchange, and the interiors for the new US Embassy in London. Gensler also designed the first 100 Apple stores.
Gensler always put the success of his practice down to its business-mindedness, writing a book called Art’s Principles to mark the 50th anniversary of the firm. “When I started Gensler, there was a day when I woke up and realised that although I had 22 people working for me, I didn’t know what I was doing when it came to managing the business,” he said in an interview about the book. “So I went to business school at night, and I ended up hiring the professor of my class.
“We continually reinvest in our business, we offer competitive wages, reinvest in people, offer profit sharing – we incorporated all kinds of things that architects never thought about. I did this because I wanted to hire people and ask them to stay forever, not work on a project-to-project basis.”
Gensler stepped down as Chairman in 2010, but continued to serve as an advisor until his death. He is survived by his four sons and 10 grandchildren.
