6 Smart Lighting and Illumination Trends Coming From Europe
This year's international light fair was about human-centric, multi-tasking fixtures that do more than just illuminate
Antonia Solari
26 April 2019
Euroluce is a biennial light fair that takes place in Milan, Italy, concurrently with Salone del Mobile. This year’s edition (9 to 14 April 2019) hosted more than 400 exhibitors from around the world and showcased a new direction in lighting: multi-tasking fixtures for all-around comfort.
Judging from this year’s exhibits, the lights of the (near) future will have multiple functions and integrate features that not only illuminate a space but also enhance the user experience. Some incorporate soundproof panels to make noisy environments more comfortable; others are integrated into bookcases, tables and walk-in cabinets; and many stand in dialogue with other technologies, furniture and even the natural world. New applications of human-centric lighting theory give users the ability to customise their lights according to people’s specific circadian rhythms, geographic location or activities.
The ultimate aim is to increase the wellbeing of the user through a ‘sensitive’ approach to technology. As French designer Charles Kalpakian points out, “People want to use technology more efficiently in order to truly benefit from it in everyday life. User comfort must be the ultimate goal for technology”. This idea was very much taken to heart at this year’s Euroluce.
Judging from this year’s exhibits, the lights of the (near) future will have multiple functions and integrate features that not only illuminate a space but also enhance the user experience. Some incorporate soundproof panels to make noisy environments more comfortable; others are integrated into bookcases, tables and walk-in cabinets; and many stand in dialogue with other technologies, furniture and even the natural world. New applications of human-centric lighting theory give users the ability to customise their lights according to people’s specific circadian rhythms, geographic location or activities.
The ultimate aim is to increase the wellbeing of the user through a ‘sensitive’ approach to technology. As French designer Charles Kalpakian points out, “People want to use technology more efficiently in order to truly benefit from it in everyday life. User comfort must be the ultimate goal for technology”. This idea was very much taken to heart at this year’s Euroluce.
Derby by Mirco Crosatto for Linea Light Group
1. Multiple functions in one
Besides providing illumination, lamps now multitask and contribute to home comfort by integrating a variety of other features.
Several offerings at this year’s fair incorporated sound-absorbing panels for acoustic insulation and comfort. Originally designed primarily for work environments, these fixtures can now also be found in residential spaces to make, for example, get-togethers around the dinner table more comfortable.
1. Multiple functions in one
Besides providing illumination, lamps now multitask and contribute to home comfort by integrating a variety of other features.
Several offerings at this year’s fair incorporated sound-absorbing panels for acoustic insulation and comfort. Originally designed primarily for work environments, these fixtures can now also be found in residential spaces to make, for example, get-togethers around the dinner table more comfortable.
Hush by Massimo Farinatti for Martinelli: parts of the fixture are enveloped by sound-absorbing panels with Snowsound technology by Caimi Brevetti
Babele by Matteo Nunziati for Natevo
There was also another interpretation of multi-functional light: lighting integrated into furniture. Built-in lights make it easier to find a book on a shelf or the right shirt in a wardrobe; and reading in bed is also easier with an illuminated bedside table.
Expert Eye: The Biggest Trends in European Design for 2019
There was also another interpretation of multi-functional light: lighting integrated into furniture. Built-in lights make it easier to find a book on a shelf or the right shirt in a wardrobe; and reading in bed is also easier with an illuminated bedside table.
Expert Eye: The Biggest Trends in European Design for 2019
Haeru by Nendo for Flos
Haeru is a table lamp designed by Nendo for Flos. The modular fixture consists of three table tops, two different lights and three legs. Designer Oki Sato, founder of Nendo, explains: “Through the combination of these elements, it is possible to choose between different options and freely assemble your own configuration. The base support consists of a three-legged table with an integrated battery. Two legs are shorter than the third, allowing users to change and add lamps and tops according to their preferences [see the different lamp positions in the image above]. The word ‘haeru’ means ‘to grow’ in Japanese, since it looks like the lamps are ‘growing’ from the tables”.
Haeru is a table lamp designed by Nendo for Flos. The modular fixture consists of three table tops, two different lights and three legs. Designer Oki Sato, founder of Nendo, explains: “Through the combination of these elements, it is possible to choose between different options and freely assemble your own configuration. The base support consists of a three-legged table with an integrated battery. Two legs are shorter than the third, allowing users to change and add lamps and tops according to their preferences [see the different lamp positions in the image above]. The word ‘haeru’ means ‘to grow’ in Japanese, since it looks like the lamps are ‘growing’ from the tables”.
Viceversa by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance for Kundalini
The connections between light and other areas of design are constantly transforming, and a new connection highlighted this year is positioned somewhere between lighting and the natural world. We see it in Viceversa by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance for Kundalini – a light that is composed of a series of modules that can be placed side-by-side housing greenery. In this way, the light fixture is constantly evolving.
There is similar thinking behind Gople RWB, which was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) for Artemide and won ArchiDesignClub’s Muuuz International Awards (MIAW) last year. The underlying idea is that ‘light feeds nature’: it uses RWB technology to stimulate natural growth in plants. Patented in 2011, RWB (red, white, blue) light helps plants grow by calibrating output to change as necessary during the vegetative and flowering phases.
The connections between light and other areas of design are constantly transforming, and a new connection highlighted this year is positioned somewhere between lighting and the natural world. We see it in Viceversa by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance for Kundalini – a light that is composed of a series of modules that can be placed side-by-side housing greenery. In this way, the light fixture is constantly evolving.
There is similar thinking behind Gople RWB, which was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) for Artemide and won ArchiDesignClub’s Muuuz International Awards (MIAW) last year. The underlying idea is that ‘light feeds nature’: it uses RWB technology to stimulate natural growth in plants. Patented in 2011, RWB (red, white, blue) light helps plants grow by calibrating output to change as necessary during the vegetative and flowering phases.
Salt & Pepper light by Tobias Grau
2. Move it, move It
Another major trend spotted at Euroluce 2019 were portable wireless lamps. The lights we saw were rechargeable through a simple USB cable and had long battery life compared to past models – Tobias Grau’s Salt & Pepper can stay lit for up to 100 hours, for example. These can be placed in parts of the home that are far away from sockets, or easily moved from room to room or even outside.
2. Move it, move It
Another major trend spotted at Euroluce 2019 were portable wireless lamps. The lights we saw were rechargeable through a simple USB cable and had long battery life compared to past models – Tobias Grau’s Salt & Pepper can stay lit for up to 100 hours, for example. These can be placed in parts of the home that are far away from sockets, or easily moved from room to room or even outside.
Parrot by Timon and Melchior Grau for Tobias Grau
Moreover, balconies, terraces and gardens can now be illuminated without outdoor wiring. And just because these lights are portable doesn’t mean they’re not high-tech: dimmers regulate both the temperature and intensity of the light.
Sustainability Reigns at 2019’s Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair
Moreover, balconies, terraces and gardens can now be illuminated without outdoor wiring. And just because these lights are portable doesn’t mean they’re not high-tech: dimmers regulate both the temperature and intensity of the light.
Sustainability Reigns at 2019’s Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair
Symfonisk by Ikea
3. Smart lights
Several manufacturers have created apps to control light from afar. These allow you to turn the light on and off, and regulate the intensity and light temperature – from warm, which is calming; to cool, which boosts focus.
Symfonisk, made by Ikea in collaboration with Sonos, has a built-in speaker, so you can use its app to both control light and play music.
3. Smart lights
Several manufacturers have created apps to control light from afar. These allow you to turn the light on and off, and regulate the intensity and light temperature – from warm, which is calming; to cool, which boosts focus.
Symfonisk, made by Ikea in collaboration with Sonos, has a built-in speaker, so you can use its app to both control light and play music.
The circadian rhythm section of the app developed by Artemide
4. Human-centric lighting
The practical application of the theory of human-centric lighting – the idea that the priority of lighting design is the individual’s wellbeing – is catching on. The overall aim is to optimise lighting for different users’ preferences, environments, energy levels and states of mind, and not waste potential through inadequate lighting.
7 Colour Trends You’ll Love in 2019 From Maison & Objet in Paris
4. Human-centric lighting
The practical application of the theory of human-centric lighting – the idea that the priority of lighting design is the individual’s wellbeing – is catching on. The overall aim is to optimise lighting for different users’ preferences, environments, energy levels and states of mind, and not waste potential through inadequate lighting.
7 Colour Trends You’ll Love in 2019 From Maison & Objet in Paris
Lightcycle by Dyson
Lightcycle by Dyson, for example, allows users to personalise lighting based on age, daily habits and local sunlight. The app also features pre-set lighting for various activities.
Lightcycle by Dyson, for example, allows users to personalise lighting based on age, daily habits and local sunlight. The app also features pre-set lighting for various activities.
Geo-LiFi by Artemide
5. Augmented reality
Light fixtures are also increasingly being used to augment individual experience by tailoring data to space. Artemide’s Geo-LiFi fixture, for example, uses smart LiFi LEDs, which can transmit geo-located media. The light can track a person’s movements within a space to monitor their preferences and send targeted information. One potential usage might be sending customers in a store targeted information about the items they are browsing at any particuar moment. In this way, lighting becomes a tool for broader applications.
5. Augmented reality
Light fixtures are also increasingly being used to augment individual experience by tailoring data to space. Artemide’s Geo-LiFi fixture, for example, uses smart LiFi LEDs, which can transmit geo-located media. The light can track a person’s movements within a space to monitor their preferences and send targeted information. One potential usage might be sending customers in a store targeted information about the items they are browsing at any particuar moment. In this way, lighting becomes a tool for broader applications.
Ohm by Davide Groppi
6. Spatial definition
Some of the fixtures presented at this year’s fair pour light through ultra-thin and sculptural channels, LED strips and folding elements. In this way, they both draw the boundaries of space and illuminate the volume within, helping define spatial geometry, as seen here.
6. Spatial definition
Some of the fixtures presented at this year’s fair pour light through ultra-thin and sculptural channels, LED strips and folding elements. In this way, they both draw the boundaries of space and illuminate the volume within, helping define spatial geometry, as seen here.
Sticks by Arik Levy for Vibia
“The calligraphic gesture creates a play of shadow and light. Transposed into lighting pieces, the stroke becomes function,” says Charles Kalpakian, designer for Nemo.
Tell us
Which of these lighting trends would work in your home? Tell us in the Comments and don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more European design trends? Don’t miss last week’s 9 Must-Know Trends From the Milan Furniture Fair
“The calligraphic gesture creates a play of shadow and light. Transposed into lighting pieces, the stroke becomes function,” says Charles Kalpakian, designer for Nemo.
Tell us
Which of these lighting trends would work in your home? Tell us in the Comments and don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more European design trends? Don’t miss last week’s 9 Must-Know Trends From the Milan Furniture Fair
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No good if we can't purchase in Australia, which is uaually the case and they need to do something about the lack of choice in light switches here, it terrible.
Viceversa - love it