Kaipo Too from Moooi
(Netherlands) - Moooi launches Kaipo Too lighting range.
After years of research, furniture and lighting brand Moooi presents new light fixture Kaipo Too, which radiates unity thanks to the sole use of glass in its design.
The Kaipo dates back to 2001 and was created out of glass and steel. The new Kaipo TOO still sports the archetype of a lamp base, which can be considered as the classic shape of a table lamp. The Kaipo TOO, as a successor to the first Kaipo, is available in two colours: Sepia and Pewter.
Designed by Edward van Vliet, with the Kaipo TOO the choice in design and preferred materials proved to be a challenge. Therefore, Moooi searched for the best and high-skilled craftsmen to make sure the Kaipo TOO came out exactly the way it is intended: strong, beautiful and delicate. The brand’s research took them to Venice, home of traditional glass blowing.
(1965) translates his vision, creativity and years of experience into unique (interior) concepts. Edward’s designs are easily recognizable by a mix of influences from traditional Western design, high-tech elements, and natural materials to the latest production techniques.
The Kaipo TOO is accompanied by Moooi’s digital proof of authenticity: The Button. This personal safe-keeper accompanies every Moooi design. The incorporated NFC- technology in The Button makes counterfeiting impossible and acts as proof of authenticity. By introducing The Button in their designs Moooi makes its supports in original design tangible.
The official and global launch of the Kaipo TOO takes place in London on 12 September, just ahead of London Design Festival.
Nea Studio introduces Algae Lamps
(USA) - New lighting range uses green marine algae to produce original sculptural pieces.
Designer Nina Edwards Anker has found the correct formula for treating the green marine algae (Chlorophyta) so that it becomes firm yet flexible, to ensure durability. The material retains its original organic nature, translucency and colour.
A versatile product, algae shades can be grouped in different ways to form chandeliers; they also function on their own as table lamps or sconces. Algae lights are customisable and available in a variety of shapes and finishes, including brass.
While other designers have experimented with seaweed through weaving, dying, pleating, gold-plating and embroidering, Nea Studio stays true to the nature and beauty of the raw material. When dried and moulded into basic shapes, the material retains its integrity.
Nea Studio plans to develop many innovative variations on this theme in the near future.
[d]arc room workshop + talks line-up announced
(UK) - London Design Festival bespoke lighting event confirms speaker programme and workshops for four-day event.
[d]arc room will showcase over 60 of the best lighting brands for the specification and interiors market - presenting the latest cutting edge technologies and products from 19-22 September.
Taking place at the Old Truman Brewery, as part of London Design Fair, the four-day event will bring with it a wealth of free education sessions, presentations and panel discussions.
[d]arc room: live will feature 32 quick-fire, 15-minute presentations by leading lighting industry professionals. Speakers include… Moritz Waldemeyer; Magdalena Gomez, Elektra; Lora Kaleva, BDP; Sacha Abizadeh, WSP; Clementine Fletcher Smith, Speirs + Major; James Poore, JPLD; Neil Tomkinson, SBID; Sabrina Voecks, JOI Design; Kael Gillam, Nulty; Lee Painter, BDP; Paulina Vilalobos, DiaV; Jo Littlefair, Goddard Littlefair and more.
The talks programme is free to attend and will also be live streamed via the Light Collective YouTube channel for those unable to attend the event. For the full line up click here
[d]arc room: workshops will cater for design professionals and recent graduates involved in lighting specification. The popular in-depth workshops will include interactive hands-on sessions and panel discussions from some of the leading figures in the industry.
Sponsored by Delta Light, topics will include: Evolution in lighting control & performance; Daylight & Experience; Acoustic Lighting in Hospitality & Commercial Design; Decorative Lighting & Interiors; Wellness in Design; Sustainability & Design; The Beauty of Bespoke and more... Workshops and panels are free to attend but there is limited space, for the full line up and to register your interest click here
[d]arc room is a free industry event for those with an interest in lighting. Open to all, it will take place on the second floor of Truman Brewery in London from 19-22 September. Register for your free visitor pass here
Thin Solids Collection - Juniper
Juniper’s signature contemporary lighting collection, the THIN System is the latest extension of Juniper’s collaboration with industrial designer Peter Bristol.
Inspired by the Platonic Solids, the collection displays the THIN System technology in three-dimensional Tetrahedron, Cube and Diamond shapes. The impactful design utilises theTHIN System technology with segments that magnetically snap into place for easy installation and reduced-waste shipping.
With the THIN Solids Collection, Juniper tells a story of technology and advancement that challenges the status quo in the lighting industry. Solid brass corner connectors hold rotatable LED light segments to face light inward for concentrated pendant lighting, or outward for a warm, diffused glow, based on the users’ desired experience. Users can freely rotate segments to adjust direct and indirect illumination, resulting in countless options of illumination.
“We began the THIN System with a single line, emphasising minimalism and compact technology. The collection grew into the Multiples and Primaries collections, offering geometric 2D shapes and simple prism silhouettes,” said Shant Madjarian, Juniper Founder. “The THIN Solids Collection was the next logical evolution for the THIN System, expanding into the 3D Platonic solids.”
“The Thin light belongs to the people. It’s like a LEGO set for adults,” says designer Peter Bristol, Head of Industrial Design at Facebook. “Juniper isn’t chasing icons, they are developing their own. They are one of those companies developing classics and staples by continuing to perfect and fine tune an already beloved product.”
Making up a complete and versatile array of designs, the collection includes three bespoke geometric pendants: the Tetrahedron, Cube, and Diamond. One of the five Platonic solids, the Tetrahedron is considered one of the strongest structural shapes for durability under pressure.
The Cube captures the essence of truth, appearing the same from all angles. The Diamond represents balance as opposing forces join at its centre to create a symmetrical and harmonious shape.
THIN’s unique cordless magnetic connections allow for complete customisation of illumination. The THIN Solids Collection can extend and interlock for larger installations or provide an impactful design when installed as a single pendant.
Anglepoise Type 80 Collection launch
(UK) - Anglepoise introduces contemporary lighting collection designed by renowned British industrial product designer Sir Kenneth Grange in his 90th year.
Offering a premium lighting solution for both domestic and commercial interiors, the collection includes lights for table, wall and ceiling that combine high style with ease of installation and durability.
Distinguished by a striking, graphic profile, Type 80’s design is further enhanced by an attractive ‘halo’ light-escape feature in the shade. This adds an extra dimension in low light environments - a refinement characteristic of Sir Kenneth’s designs for the brand.
“In the history of domestic lighting there is one truly iconic element and it must surely be the conical shade, so is right that Anglepoise should have such a classic iconic design in their portfolio," says Grange. “Moreover, with every new model that we launch there is an innovation, no matter how modest. With the Type 80 the visual attraction of light spilling onto the shade outer surface aims to make the iconic even more distinguished.”
Every detail has been carefully considered with as much finesse as possible. Joints are precision engineered to new exacting standards. Elegant style combined with ease of use distinguishes this collection. Both table and wall versions feature sprung joint mechanisms, cables that are discreetly routed through the arms and an accessible on-shade on/off switch. The wall sconce and ceiling rose are visually aligned and easy to install. The collection comes in four sophisticated, ultra-matte colour choices - Rose Pink, Pistachio, Grey Mist and Matte Black.
Until February 2020 the collection is available exclusively at anglepoise.com and John Lewis & Partners stores nationwide, thereafter at selected UK retailers and dealers.
Lightovation delivers insight and inspiration
(USA) - Dallas Market Center welcomed buyers from around the world during summer edition of Lightovation: Dallas International Lighting Show.
The four-day event featured new products across all lighting categories, along with presentations from business thought leaders, special awards programs, and business inspiration.
“Working with hundreds of exhibitors we created a summer show filled with the new products, enterprise tools, and motivation to advance businesses and help them stay ahead of the competition,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “It’s more important than ever for retailers to experience our summer Lightovation in order to gain insights, make deeper connections, and create a year-round business strategy.”
Among the newest attendees of Lightovation were 65 members of the Light Stars, top retail sales people from across the United States and Canada who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the largest residential lighting show in North America.
Solidifying Dallas as the international home of lighting, Lighting One hosted its annual Convention at the Hilton Anatole and celebrated 20 years of supporting independent lighting showrooms. Fireworks commemorated the anniversary and the opening of Lightovation. Lighting One has been hosting its annual Convention in Dallas in tandem with the June edition of Lightovation for the past six years and recently confirmed that it will continue to do so through 2024.
Now in its second year, The SMART Center served as a hub for valuable educational opportunities in partnership with the American Lighting Association (ALA). For June 2019, popular ALA Conference speaker David Avrin delivered a packed keynote session on the subject of customer experience, as well as a follow-up session and a book signing. Digital marketing and social media expert Leslie Carothers also returned to help lighting retailers and other professionals compete in the age of Amazon and maximize return from their online assets. Finally, Joe Rey_Barreau and Mark Okun offered lighting application and sales strategy insights.
The marketplace showcased a record 129 new product introductions competing for buyer votes in the annual Market Choice Awards. As well as this, guests also celebrated the Showroom of the Year Awards. The only awards program in North America dedicated to lighting retailers.
Plan ahead for January 2020 when a new, earlier date pattern for Lightovation will mean a head start on business for the new year. Lightovation will take place January 8-12, 2020.
Register for the show here: dallasmarketcenter.com
Mischa Couvrette
As part of our annual 'darc designers' feature, this year we take a closer look at some of the emerging talents in lighting. Having first discovered Hollis+Morris at ICFF in New York, darc profiles its lead designer Mischa Couvrette.
Mischa Couvrette launched his lighting studio hollis+morris in 2015 and is the sole designer at the studio. From the beginning, he knew he wanted to build a design studio centred on local production and sustainable design. Today, all of the pieces are made with components manufactured in North America, then fabricated and assembled at the hollis+morris workshop in Toronto, Canada.
“I’ve always loved design and architecture but it never crossed my mind that I could make it a career,” Couvrette tells darc. “So much of the hollis+morris portfolio meditates on our connection to the earth and nature and I think this is largely informed by my university studies in environmental science and marine biology. I’m the type of Canadian who grew up immersed in nature, never too far from the ocean or the forest.
“When I was 25, I bought an old sailboat with friends and we spent two years designing and building it from the bottom up. The refurbishment involved a lot of woodwork and metalwork and it was the first time I had made something so substantial with my hands. I couldn’t believe the joy and empowerment – I fell in love with the process. The thought of having an idea and executing it through manufacturing fascinated me and I’m still invigorated by it to this day.
“After that, I started creating original designs, the first of which were furniture pieces – a table and a chair. I have no formal training in design and think that has brought a sense of humility and appreciation to every product I produce. Especially when I started designing with light – I tread very carefully. Now, I feel I’ve come into my own and I’m comfortable with light and love using it as a tool to inspire people.
“My approach has always been to let nature inspire function and form. My philosophy lies in abstracting natural elements into their subtlest forms. Recently, I watched the moon rise over a lake; this vision will surely find itself into a new lighting fixture. I’ve also always believed that less is more – that if you can distill a design to its core, you have the highest chance of reaching the most people. The more essential the form, the more opportunity there is for it to spark something subjective from a person’s life experience.
“The most signature element of my style is design rooted in honest materials. Almost every piece in the portfolio considers how wood, such as oak and walnut can interact with metals like powder-coated aluminium or fine polished brass. People often describe our pieces as playful and I think that reaction has a lot to do with the relationship between these two materials in the collections.
“A lot of our lighting is also linear and in a sense it’s a defining part of my design approach because I spent years perfecting the light-in dowel design of the Bennington Collection. In fact, what makes the Willow Collection so special to me is that its our first series to invoke the orb light into a more familiar hollis+morris design.
“Our focus at the studio has always been on decorative lighting. I’m interested in how people interact with our designs, how those designs can impact a room and I’m always thinking about the sculptural potential of lighting – how it can define a space. Light is such a critical layer of design.”
Quick Fire Questions:
Lighting Hero Bertjan Pot – I particularly love his lighting designed for Moooi – he pushes the boundaries of new technology. He pushed the limits of our existing technology to create incredible pieces that stand out because of their originality. Also, Neri & Hu’s lighting designs settle their gaze on the natural world and when I first saw their work - that was very empowering to me. It gave me the confidence to pursue my design vision – invoking the mysticism of the natural world into a contemporary design tradition.
If I could have worked on Bocci’s Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver – the project, 16 Trees, is a steel armature system that connects glass pieces to a series of branches and stems. The installation inspires me every time I see it – it embodies craftsmanship, design and technology coming together to create something beautiful and arresting.
Stand out project The Willow Collection – it really stands out to me as a testament to five years spent honing my craft. In a way, it’s the culmination of an entire portfolio that has considered new ways of abstracting our experiences with nature into objects like lighting and furniture.
Moving forward We’ve had the opportunity to light offices of some of the most forward-thinking companies in the world. Every day, that inspires me to continue designing.
Working with light is Is magic. It will be whatever you need it to be.
Willowlamp launches Lineal
(South Africa) - Willowlamp introduces latest lighting piece - adding new forms of expression to its installations.
As an innovator, willowlamp is constantly developing its product range. Creative Director and founder Adam Hoets’ strength lies not only in the aesthetic beauty of his creations, but in their conceptual gravitas. As such he’s always conscious of offering beauty with a backstory.
Historically, willowlamp’s chandeliers have often spoken to a love of the organic, the spiritual, the fantastical and the romantic, and have largely been prompted by forms found in nature. But this is by no means Hoets’ only source of inspiration.
As a trained architect, his respect for the built world and innate understanding of geometry give many of his pieces a striking structural impact. It is to this point of departure he looked when formulating his most recent design.
Known as Lineal, this new addition to the willowlamp family pays homage to the formality and purity of modern lines. With Lineal, Hoets delves further into the new ground he broke with two strong-lined pieces from the willowlamp 2018 collection, the Geometric Storm and the Link.
"I think these pieces draw more directly from my background as an architect and my love for modern architecture. They are also a response to the current minimal design sensibilities in the industry," he says.
The sleek silhouette of Lineal is a fresh new look from this lighting leader that showcases Hoets’ stylistic dexterity. But while it’s a departure from his foundational designs, and is inherently modern, what drives Hoets is creating something timeless and enduring. ‘I wanted to make my own version of something that was sleek, elegant and minimal, in step with aesthetic sensibilities, but not trying to mimic or copy the trends,’ says Hoets.
Cue a sleek gridwork of chrome chain with a matrix of LEDs – which found its inspiration in old-fashioned office lights and their interlocking reflective metal ‘fins’. "This is a play on those – it transforms them into something unusual, beautiful and yet highly functional," he adds.
There is a secondary layer woven into this design – seen from below there are either square or diamond patterns in copper or brass chain, a pattern intended to evoke fabric or textile. "The different hues from the brass and copper really dazzle in the bright LED light and they infuse the piece with a warmer feeling," says Hoets.
Hoets created this piece in the spirit of newness, and accordingly it’s intended for a slightly different application from his chandeliers. While undoubtedly striking in its visual appeal as a decorative piece, the Lineal pendant offers a powerful lighting source. This makes it ideal for a working environment or area where task lighting is needed – like over a kitchen counter, a desk, or suspended above a pool table. ‘All that would be needed would be a dimmer switch to make it less bright when the intense light is not needed,’ says Hoets.
A versatile model, Lineal can also be adapted to a client’s space, or wishes. To this end, Hoets has created two variations on the base design. Although the two versions – Lineal No1 and No 2 – have the same proportions, the design is actually intended to be modular and can be adapted to any rectilinear shape.
"It could be much longer and skinnier or it could even be a square shape with a hole in the centre, like a square doughnut," says Hoets. While the current models are both suspended, the design could also be a panel fixed directly to a ceiling. Line up your sights for this versatile new release, which is now available for trade, corporate and residential applications.
First major solo show for Tangent
(UK) - Tangent takes part in London Design Festival through solo exhibition - interweaving technology with design and creating work that bridges the gap between fantasy and reality.
Taking place from September 4 - 22nd at Paddington Central Design Route, Sheldon Square, Tangent showcases its full spectrum of lighting products and sculptures. These works include INAHO, an interactive light installation and winner of the Lexus Design Award, and HERE, a sculpture of planet Earth originally commissioned by Hermès.
INAHO (2013)
Inspired by the subtle motion of golden ears of rice in the wind, this light installation casts luminous dots, reminiscent of paddy rice, through perforated tubes. Motion-detection sensors embedded in the base of the installation cause the stems to sway as a person passes by. INAHO is the Grand Prix winner of Lexus Design Award 2013.
OVAL (2018)
OVAL is a coffee table containing an unconventional lighting effect mediated by liquid and air. Air bubbles rise rhythmically through a clear, viscous liquid and break a surface of dark silicone oil. LEDs set beneath the liquid illuminate the space through the bubbles.
AMBER (2018)
AMBER is a pendant lamp in which an LED circuit board is embedded in coloured resin. The light source, reminiscent of a gentle flame, diffuses into surrounding darkness to create a smooth gradation.
HERE (2019)
This sculpture of planet Earth, 3.5 metres in diameter, is covered in 20,480 triangular tiles of recycled solar cells. The cells are a very complex distribution of blue shades – metaphorically appropriate to our planet. This work was originally commissioned by Hermès for their exhibition at SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie), one of the world’s most prestigious trade fairs for watches, held in Geneva.
RISE & DRIFT (2017)
Tangent submitted two ideas to Wonderglass who proudly manufacture all of its glass products in Venice. RISE captures the impression of air bubbles
rising through water in a cuboid composition of resin-embedded blown glass globes. DRIFT is produced by mixing three different blue pigments
with transparent glass while in a molten state. The result is a mesmerisingly complex pattern of blue shades reminiscent of water currents.
MVV - Marset
The MVV story begins in the 1970s. This new suspension lamp is a first, and was designed by Manuel Valls Vergés, one of Spain’s most notable architects at the time and partner of Jose Antonio Coderch for fifteen years, alongside whom he undertook such prominent projects as the Ugalde house, near Barcelona.
The MVV name reflects Vergés’ initials, as a way of displaying his authorship of this unique lamp. That was the desire of his grandson, also an architect, and of his partners in the Two-bo studio. Pablo, María and Alberto rescued this lamp 45 years later.
Marset, acting as a bridge in time, took the original design - an octagon with overlapping sheets - and updated it by giving it a dual skin: cherry wood on the outside of the sheets and a white colour inside to enhance the light quality. The measurements are the same as the original’s - 45 cm - and the interior structure, which was originally made of iron, is now polycarbonate, which makes it lighter. Through the use of wood, the MVV yields an exceptionally warm light.
An understated, rational and eminently geometric lamp - the MVV is like a construction site, in which the direct, down-facing light is complemented by indirect light that filters through the sheets. A design that, though timeless, reflects the constructive logic of that period and evokes a great many memories.
Jax - Lake & Wells
Introducing the newest addition to the Jax lighting system. Crafted from precision aluminium and hand-polished crystals, each screen can be completely customised for your space.
Jax translates the traditional crystal chandelier for a timeless future-past. Featuring machined aluminium and hand-polished cut crystal. A subtle chamfer crosses both materials, nodding to the archetypal cuts of chandelier prisms. Jax both honours and supplants the historic role of crystal in lighting, elevating it from an accessory to the proximal source of light.
Decorative highlights set for [d]arc room 2019
(UK) - [d]arc room 2019 launches with new venue and double capacity.
Taking place on 19-22 September, [d]arc room will take over Hall 13 at the Old Truman Brewery, home to London Design Fair, where the show will continue with its unique exhibiting concept as well as educational workshops and a high quality live streamed speaker programme.
Brought to the fair by [d]arc media, in collaboration with creative consultants Light Collective, the exhibition will showcase the most up-to-date solutions in lighting.
Paul James, director of [d]arc room, commented: “Our new home at London Design Fair in the Old Truman Brewery means we will have an even bigger audience. Whilst maintaining its own identity, [d]arc room will benefit from London Design Fair’s impressive and diverse visitor numbers while also bringing a new, exciting lighting element to the design show.
“Our goal is to broaden the conversation to other designers who do not work with lighting every day but nevertheless are involved in the lighting specification process. Being involved in London Design Fair will allow our lighting exhibitors to meet a wide range of designers and specifiers, not just those ensconced in lighting.”
Decorative lighting highlights will include products from high-end brands such as: Buzzispace (Belgium), Original BTC (UK), Archilume (Canada), Fritz Fryer (UK), Blond (Belgium), formalighting (Italy), Kreon (Belgium), Linea Light Group (Italy), Megaman (UK) and Insta (Germany).
Sponsored by Delta Light, the [d]arc room exhibition will also host the popular [d]arc room: live programme - 32 quick-fire, 15-minute presentations by leading industry professionals covering the hottest topics in lighting. [d]arc room: workshops will once again present interactive workshops and panel discussions providing fantastic educational content.
[d]arc room live speakers will include designers from studios such as: Goddard Littlefair, JOI-Design, MKV Design, Space Invader, David Collins Studio, Sutton Vane Associates, Nulty+ and BDP.
[d]arc room panels will cover: bespoke lighting; wellness & design; acoustic lighting; sustainability & design; and decorative lighting in interiors - with panelists from the following studios taking part: DH Liberty, Design LSM, dpa lighting consultants, Design Plus Light, Michael Grubb Studio, Sarah Colson Design Studio,Milo Mcloughlin-Greening Studio and Light IQ.
The full line-up can be viewed online: www.darcroom.com/darc-room-live
Jimmy MacDonald, Founder and Director of London Design Fair, added: “As the fair develops, servicing the needs of our growing trade audience becomes increasingly important, so we are delighted to be hosting [d]arc room, a brilliant and concise lighting fair.”
London Design Fair regularly attracts close to 30,000 visitors across four days of exciting and creative content. Over half the visitors are designers or architects with retailers also making up a big part of the audience. [d]arc room will bring a welcome contingent of lighting specifiers to the show as well as educating non-lighting professionals about the benefits of lighting design.
