Trend gallery “Light & Luminaire Design 2006“

Less – minimalist reduction

The requirement to harmonically integrate lamps with existing architecture can be achieved in two ways: On the one hand with a highly

original design, on the other hand with a minimalist design which is as unobtrusive as possible.

Many architects prefer lamps with a clear, simple design, since they easily adapt to the most diverse styles, no matter whether they are integrated in a modern glass building or used to form an interesting contrast to a historical building.

Very simple, geometrical forms emphasise the exclusiveness of the chosen materials and underline the high-quality craftsmanship. These extremely purist lamps are unobtrusive and offer visual calm while at the same time reducing design to its essence.

The colours correspond to the reduced forms and are also rather unobtrusive: Black, white and silver are the colours used most often, which are reminiscent of the use of colours in the 1980s.

More – sculptural staging

On the other hand light is - especially in living areas – staged in eye-catching light objects. Thanks to the latest technologies there are no limits to creativity. Extraordinary, partly futuristic forms, bright colours and extravagant materials are used. Interpreted as a piece of art and a sculpture, the lamp becomes the centre of the room.

In general there is a trend towards more emotionality. This includes borrowings of designs of past eras, such as re-interpretations of the baroque chandelier and form quotes from the 1980s as well as lamps which combine such contrasting elements as light and water in new ways.

Interactive – intelligent control systems for more well-being

Due to their constantly increasing light yield and the numerous available colours, LEDs are steadily gaining in significance. Advantages such as low energy consumption, long life-span, minimal measurements and sinking prices increase it further. The specific qualities of LEDs allow lighting solutions which cannot be realised with conventional lamps. They create light settings, colour changes and colour temperature changes characterising a completely new light quality.

The influence of light on human well-being and quality of living plays an ever-increasing role. Therefore, light manufacturers increasingly invest in the research and use of artificial light and its effect on human mood and health. Light as a medium has always played an important role for therapeutic purposes in the wellness sector. The insight that light influences feelings, has a direct impact on our mood, and positively supports biological functions such as healing processes, is now also used in innovative lighting concepts for a great range of applications. The right light, adjusted to the individual needs of the user, can increase the user’s performance and well-being considerably.

Systems with changing colours are based on the three primary colours red, green and blue (RGB) and allow a dynamic change of colours. RGB light sources can not only produce all mixed colours, but also several shades of different intensities and colour temperatures of white light. The current product ranges offered by manufacturers include lamps with sun-like temperatures which are thus similar to morning sunlight, and lamps which provide fresh, high-performance midday light, or imitate warm, red evening light – completely adjusted to the needs of the user.

Lighting solutions balancing human needs and energy efficiency

Light management has become an integral part of innovative lighting solutions. Particularly in the office sector, it has become a major focus. Dynamic light concepts adjust the lighting level as well as the light colour to the time of day and the physiological needs (such as eyesight, concentration level, level of fatigue). The lighting can thus be adjusted to the natural human biorhythm as well as to different tasks (for example conferences, video projection, computer work). Daylight dependent control systems can reduce the artificial light with increasing daylight. Energy can also be saved with a time and movement control system, which switches off the light in rooms that are not used. Such professional light management systems have high energy saving potential, thus meeting human and commercial as well as ecological requirements.

We have compiled current examples from the above mentioned areas for you in our picture gallery:

>>Picture gallery “Light & Luminaire Design 2006”