A Perspective of Design Trends - LIGHTING


LIGHTING
EVOLVING THE SHAPE OF LIGHT

>>> FURNITURE



Shaping spaces with light is among the most challenging tasks for designers. But new perspectives are unfolding, thanks to the considerable progress made in the research and development efforts of the manufacturing industry. These research activities are mainly focused on enhancing performance, exploring the use of materials, and understanding human perception.

On the market front, there is increasing demand for light sources which have, on the one hand advanced, adaptable, technical features, yet on the other hand express living, sensuous, emotional qualities. High tech, high touch is what it's all about.


  Setting the World Alight with LED's
LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) are highly efficient, battery-powered sources of light, which do away with the clutter of cables and plugs. LED lighting sources respond to the wide spread need for user-friendly technologies. Until a short time ago, LED's were mainly used for signage and vehicle instrumentation. LED's emitting white rather than coloured light are a recent development. It is understandable that numerous manufacturers have jumped on the LED bandwagon and are now making the most of the new capabilities of this technology.
Luceplan STAR-LED, designed by Alfredo Meda and Paolo Rizzato.

A lamp that is inspired by the traditional candle. A futuristic, mobile object, which sheds white light emanating from silicon crystals and is totally free from the constraints of power cabling. An ecological source of light, based on eight micro-LED's which are powered by three alkaline, rechargeable NiMH batteries. It is only 27cm tall, has an aluminium structure and a transparent polycarbonate top.

Ingo Maurer Dangle Dee, designed by Ingo Maurer.

Charged with the poetical charm that Ingo Maurer infuses so naturally into his creations, this limited edition lamp merges points of light emitted by LED's into a suspended, almost cartoon-like shape. The red, white and yellow LED's are fixed to both sides of the metal supporting structure.

Artemide Sui, designed by Carlotta de Bevilacqua.

Eighteen white LED's create the unique luminous quality of this portable lamp. Ergonomic and handy, this lamp can accompany you wherever you go. Its structure is made from metalled polycarbonate. The rounded base has a built-in coloured LED, which acts as load indicator. A light touch is sufficient to switch the lamp on or off.


  White Light
  Recent advances in the technology of white light are now being exploited for their aesthetic potential as well as for the personal comfort they can provide. White light is losing its clinical coldness, taking on mellow and warmer tones.
Artemide Ierace, designed by Matalie Crasset.

The shape of this striking ceiling lamp recalls a fluorescent flying saucer. Yet the light it emits is warm and comfortable. A masterpiece by a renowned French designer, who has given her creation a quality of ethereal lightness. An external diffuser, made from transparent glass, refracts the light coming from the internal, polycarbonate diffuser. Power is supplied through the four suspension cables.

Meltemi Stilla, designed by Federico de Majo.

This archetypal egg shape, has a strong power of evocation. Blown from opaline triplex glass, Stilla emits a soft, even light. The diffuser can be positioned vertically or horizontally and is held in place by a sophisticated mechanism made with technopolymers.

Flos Cicatrices de Lux F, designed by Philippe Starck.

The renowned French designer Philippe Starck has implemented a design he first presented last year. The shape of this lamp is voluptuous and sophisticated, the materials used are intensely refined. The diffuser, made from hand-finished crystal glass, is held by a 132cm high chrome steel arm.

Prandina Light Volumes, designed by the Bakery Group.

The result of a very successful collaboration between the manufacturer in Vicenza, Italy, and three gifted young Canadian designers: Michel Duvenet, Marcin Padlewsky and Anissa Zeto. This appealing light source is made from a membrane of elastic microfibre fabric, stretched over a geometrically inspired structure. Its shape recalls a boat sail. Its lighting quality is warm and mellow.

Oluce Teda 302, designed by Ferdi Giardini.

Outdoor light source with hi-tech features and a strong sculptural personality. It readily creates a positive relation with open spaces, thanks to its indirectly emitted light and the slender transparency of its metacrylate structure. Reminiscent of a cane cut obliquely at the top.

Kreon Dolma Mini Diapason

Kreon is a design oriented Belgian manufacturer, with a strong capacity for innovation. Kreon products embody unique technical and functional features, which are cleverly used as feeders for emotional poise and poetic eloquence.


  Many Colours of Light
 The search for fresh ways of using coloured light, to instil a new verve into public and private spaces, is a strongly felt theme of current design developments.

But shrill Pop Art chromatics are out. The finesse of subtler, more poetic shades of colour is favoured, coupled with an intriguing choice of materials and futuristic forms.
Foscarini Thor & Rhea, designed by Luca Nicchetto and Gianpietro Gai.

These two 185cm tall lamps have a strong sculptural silhouette. They are made with coloured, coated aluminium louvers, arranged in a radial pattern. These original lamps modulate the light emitted by their halogen light sources, shedding a lively, colourful light. Perfectly suited to medium and large spaces.

Fontana Arte Neo, designed by Calvi, Merlini & Moya.

An element of the Candle collection. The stem is crowned by a flat diffuser, shaped like a sail, that strongly and decisively colours the emitted light.