Kalmar exhibits redesigns
(Austria) - Vienna-based lighting brand Kalmar Werkstatten will exhibit at both IMM Cologne and Maison et Objet Paris in January.
Kalmar presents Ilse Crawford’s redesign of the successful Billy TL table lamp and the new pendant light Fliegenbein HL, expanding the recently awarded Fliegenbein product family.
For the Billy TL table lamp by Kalmar Wekstatten, Ilse Crawford has chosen rosewood for the lamp’s stem standing on satin-brass feet and supporting the lampshade in a duotone finish in black and brass. The warm colours and materials selected by Ilse Crawford emphasize the character of Billy TL, celebrating materials, functionality and a human scale design. Carefully curated in every detail, the Billy TL Ilse Crawford Edition is also equipped with a new textile power cable who colour fully resolves to the chromatic palette, thus enhancing the ultimate sophistication to a perfectly shaped object.
Conceived in 1958 by Julius T. Kalmar, the iconic Fliegenbein BL floor lamp over the years has become the basis for a range including table and standing lights. This year marks a further step in the evolution of the Fliegenbein collection thanks to the launch of Fliegenbein HL pendant conceived by the Creative Director of Kalmar, Garth Roberts.
Producing overhead ambient light that filters through a pleated silk shade and a frosted glass diffuser, the new pendant’s voluminous shade has classic appeal, while the dialogue between shade and slender armature injects modern personality into a space. HL also features single and double tub – available in light grey, dark grey, or brown matte lacquers – in its shade and mounting plate that harmonise with the overall Fliegenbein series’ signature splayed leg. A wheat-coloured electrical cord dances around the fixture’s braided-steel suspension wire.
New mood makers from Northern Lighting
(Norway) - Northern Lighting presents new versions of its Buddy and Birdy mood maker lamps.
The new version of Birdy commemorates the centenary of its creator’s birth, Norwegian design Birger Dahl. Still the same stylish light source for tables, sideboards and desks, Birdy will now be produced in a numbered series.
Made with the same shape and proportions as the original version, the shade, base and counterweight are coated in matt-finish Marsala developed by Pantone. Marsala is a blend of earthy, terracotta tones and subtle, wine-coloured tints. The striking new colour, combined with matt brass components, makes Birdy a stylish addition to any interior.
The Buddy lamp was originally created by the winner of the Northern Lighting Student Design Award in 2015. Mads Saette-Lassen described his product as “the little helper everyone needs.” This desk lamp is a multi-functional design that gives busy individuals a base to come back to.
Equipped with a holder to contain pends, pencils, keys or loose change, Buddy is a helpful organisational tool as well as a lamp. The multi-directional shade enables the beam to be directed towards the area where light is needed. Available in matt finishes of dark grey, off-white, green and Marsala, Buddy suits a variety of interiors and applications.
Enigma Lighting appoints new Head of Design
(UK) - After eleven years at Troup Bywaters and Anders as Principal Lighting Designer and Associate, Faye Robinson joins Enigma Lighting as Head of Design.
Robinson will be based at Enigma's new Design Studio and Showroom in Manchester city centre, opening later this year.
Enigma's Sales Director Paul Shoosmith commented: “Faye is a fantastic addition to our growing team. Her knowledge and attention to detail is excellent. With the nature and scale of our current and future projects, the time was right to get someone of Faye's calibre on board to help take us to the next level.”
Enigma specialise in the supply of light fittings for roll-out projects across Europe and hold a high level of stock to provide for fast track programs. Their current clients include many multiple high street retail and leisure operators throughout the UK and Europe. They are also exclusive UK distributors for Brick in the Wall and DARK and have access to over 100 other lighting manufacturers globally.
Robinson originally trained as a scenographer, specialising in lighting and set design before moving on to the built environment. After working at iGuzzini as an in-house lighting designer, she moved to Troup Bywaters + Anders and undertook the role of principal lighting designer, covering all specialist lighting design work for the company around the UK. Robinson’s specialties cover all aspects of lighting design, including sustainable solutions, best practice and knowledge of the latest lighting technologies. She has experience in lighting design consultancy for interior and exterior spaces, as well as retail, commercial, healthcare, leisure, hospitality and public realm designs.
Commenting on the move, Robinson said: “Joining the Enigma team is such a great opportunity. It’s time that Manchester and the north of the country had a true powerhouse for lighting design and supply. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
Nulty expands
(UK) - Nulty opens new Dubai office, headed up by Director Mark Vowles.
The decision to expand into the Middle East comes after a commercially successful year for the lighting design studio. In 2015, the practice re-branded to provided recognition to the expertise and strength of the design team and support the next generation of lighting designers.
Founder Paul Nulty said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to launch into the Middle Eastern market. We are a young, dynamic practice and I believe our offer and skill set aligns with the development of these countries. We’re really excited by Mark joining the team as he has the experience, talent and commitment to head up the new office and I believe that if we can apply the same design and service philosophies we have developed in London, we will see every success within this dynamic market.”
The Nulty team are currently working on various retail, residential and hospitality projects within the GCC market including three department stores, a shopping mall, a restaurant and several high-end private residences. They expect to see the portfolio of work continue to grow with the launch of the new office and the expansion of the Dubai based design team.
Director Mark Vowles said: “The Middle East is currently in a very buoyant growth period in terms of development and construction. With the Expo 2020 in Dubai and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the design community is a hive of activity in preparation for these giant events. Not only are there opportunities in a the primary design of the buildings such as stadia and pavilions, but they have also generated a new demand for infrastructure, hotels, restaurants and retail opportunities.
“I am in no doubt that this is the perfect time to expand the business into this region and have every faith the studio will be a huge success.”
&tradition recaptures Bellevue
(Denmark) - &tradition launches iconic Bellevue lamp by Arne Jacobsen in four new contemporary colours.
The Bellevue lamp is a signature piece from Danish design master Arne Jacobsen, his first fortay into lighting concepts, mirroring the tubular steel seen in modern designs of the Bauhaus era.
As a tribute to Jacobsen, the Bellevue lamp revisits its roots with a new production in its original shapes: the floor, table and wall versions. With a focus on authenticity in material and design, the lamp is known for its sleek silhouette, swan neck and 45-degree cut shade.
“Jacobsen’s Bellevue lamp reflects the true tenants of form follow function,” explain &tradition Brand Manager Martin Kornbek Hansen. “It captures the essence of elegance with nothing to add and nothing to take away. My passion for this lamp led to this re-launch of these three versions in their original shapes. Even the swan neck is back in brass, as it was when initially introduced. As design purists at &tradition, it is our way of honouring this pioneer of Danish Modernism.”
While the look harken back to 1929 when Jacobsen designed the lamp, it now comes in five more modern hues with a material mix, such as satin polished brass, or a choice of mixing brass with ivory, black or grey beige. Boasting the ability to direct the lighting without excessive glare, Bellevue is ideal as a reading lamp or office lamp. It bears the name Bellevue, marking one of Jacobsen’s earliest architectural accomplishments, encompassing the Bellevue Theatre and Bellevue Petrol Station in Copenhagen.
Tyson Lighting unites with Tala
(UK) - Tyson Lighting partners with LED lighting manufacturer Tala to assist its growth with contract market.
Tyson will act as exclusive distributor for Tala’s range of sustainable, design-led LED lights and components. Founded in 2013 by four partners are the University of Edinburgh, Tala delivers the design and manufacture of lamps that mimic the aesthetic of traditional Edison lamps, but with every saving capabilities and longevity of LED technology.
Tala launched its first decorative lighting range in March 2015 and has already made a positive impact with retailers including Heals, The Conran Shop and SCP, as well as several in the restaurant sector. Tala aims to grow its presence within the retail and hospitality channels following the partnership with Tyson Lighting.
Flos targets US
(Italy) - Flos acquires Lukas Lighting to boost North America custom and manufacturing capabilities.
The successful introduction of Flos Architectural in the US will now benefit from Lukas Lighting’s owner Craig Corona’s 30 year experience, guaranteeing Flos clients the best product range and design service.
NYC-based Lukas Lighting specialises in the design, development, and manufacturing of custom lighting products. Its custom division develops a variety of projects, tailoring and engineering each project based on specific clients’ needs. In recent years, Lukas Lighting has produced installations at projects such as JP Morgan Chase, Michael Kors, Four Seasons Hotels, amongst others.
With the recent growth of its contract division, Flos USA sees Lukas Lighting’s market position in line with its expansion goals in the areas of distribution, service and production. This integration will facilitate quicker time to market and the ability to offer an extended range of customised solutions.
Flos also acquired leading manufacturer of architectural outdoor lighting Ares in March this year to compete in the outdoor sector on global markets. The addition of Lukas Lighting’s custom manufacturing represents the opportunity for Flos to better serve the US market and to offer a complete range of lighting solutions for every environment.
Flos CEO Piero Gandini said: ‘‘For a long time we have been looking at the North American market to find the right entity and the right talent to give us the chance to repeat the very successful business model that we have in Europe where the mix between decorative design, professional products and custom product capability brought tremendous results. Craig Corona and his company Lukas Lighting are the perfect solution: a business unit able to support the Flos business with the best design and engineering capabilities for custom solutions. It is for me a reason of great satisfaction and pride to work with a professional talent like Craig Corona and all the Lukas Lighting team."
Andrea C. Bonomi, Managing Principal at Investindustrial also commented: ‘‘The acquisition of Lukas Lighting, less than eight months after the purchase of Ares, underlines the rapid growth trajectory along which Investindustrial is guiding Flos. We are delighted that Flos is swiftly realising the growth plan developed at entry in partnership with Piero Gandini which centres on strengthening the global leadership position of the company. These add-on transactions underline the attractive nature of Flos’ platform in further developing niche leaders and allow the company to deliver a full range of lighting solutions to high-end business and consumer clients’’.
CEO of Flos USA Jan Vingerhoets added: ‘‘This acquisition will strengthen FLOS USA’s position in the contract market and facilitate North American expansion for both companies, with a made in the USA aspect that will allow us to deliver quicker and more complete solutions for specifiers.’’
Lukas Lighting CEO Craig Corona commented: ‘‘When the subject of joining forces first arose, I immediately knew it would be very beneficial for both companies. Strategic fit was not an issue; we each have what the other needs to grow: the customer base will now have access to the best of architectural and decorative lighting products, both standard and customised, in one place.’’
Northern Lights The Cube
The Cube features acrylic cubes in various sizes, each hand finished in sand infused textured paint. Illuminated by a fibre optic unit, the glass sphere in each cube contains fine strands of glass. The glass bounces off the cube surface, adding a gentle and delicate touch to the contemporary design.
LEDS-C4 GROK Invisible
The GROK Invisible ceiling light designed by Francesc Vilaró expresses pure geometry and symbolism. Equipped with LED technology, when the light is switched on, the three arms disappear into the background. The three lamps take over and combine lightness and harmony in an exact circle, creating a poetic interplay of light and balance.
Ingo Maurer Flying Flames
Flying Flames is a flexible chandelier system. The LED candles are combined with simple and functional downlight elements. Both elements are placed freely with a magnet on the canopy board. Designed to permit individual versions of a chandelier, the number of flames and their colour can be individually chosen.
Contardi Ongo
In a collaboration between New York design brand Tzelan and Contardi, Ongo features convenient portability, high performance LED and an engineered battery operated power source in two adjustable light intensities. Providing a soft and elegant glow to any decorative setting, Ongo is available in metal finishes and handblown Murano glass.
Astro Atelier
Astro’s Atelier evokes task lamps of craftsmen’s old workshops. Conceived by James Bassant and engineered by Rob Speck, the lamp’s joints are fully articulated in a raw polished aluminium finish. Options include table, clamp, wall and floor versions in white, black or natural aluminium.
