Gabriel Scott - Luna Kaleido
What is the concept behind the Kaleido product? Was the idea proposed to you / did you create the collection for a specific commission?
The Luna Kaleido collection is the second chapter of Gabriel Scott’s best-selling Luna range. The customisable modular series includes two stackable glass lighting fixtures: a horizontal chandelier and a vertical pendant. The mouthblown glass beads can be ‘strung’ together in any order to create a bespoke glowing piece of lighting for someone’s home, hotel, super yacht or restaurant project. We always say our designs are inspired by jewellery and this one is no exception.
Inspired by a kaleidoscope, which comes from the Greek words for kalos (beautiful), eidos (form), and skopeo (to look at), the Luna Kaleido is an exploration of different glass-blowing techniques. The glass shapes have been designed to offer infinite interpretations of tone, shape and refracted light. When stacked, the lights become a glass mosaic with varying tones and patterns.
Playing with texture, colour and shape to distort light and create magical optical illusions when looking through the glass, the Kaleido Collection combines soft iridescent colours with patterned textures and delicately shaped glass beads.
How long have you been working on the collection?
This has been in the making for over a year but most intensely being perfected for four months.
What was the most challenging aspect of producing Kaleido?
Our main challenge was to reinterpret and modernise old glass techniques and then apply them to our existing Luna Series. It took several rounds of trialling various textures, colours and shapes to ensure the right finishes were added to the final collection.
The Lyra glass bead (smoked bronze, twisted) and Cygnus glass bead (opaque blue, twisted), seen here on the Kaleido Large pendant, are just two of six new shapes, all named after constellations - Dorado, Lyra, Aras, Cygnus, Orion and Carina.
Tell me about the design process and materials used.
The Luna Kaleido’s design is in keeping with the studio’s overall design principles: versatile aesthetic, customisable and timeless. The collection’s design is considerate of all demographics and design environments and whether the client wants to opt for a single or double chandelier or a hanging pendant, the range is fully customisable with texture, colour and shape options.
Glass and metal are core materials we use as a brand and are what have been used for the Luna Kaleido collection. For structural reasons, we work with plated steel as opposed to the raw material. We enjoy working with glass for its versatility, which allows us to play with texture, opacity as well as shape.
I work closely with our Head of Design, Nicolas Pomerleau, as well as a design team consisting of industrial designers, engineers and manufacturers to create and oversee each piece in the collection from inception to production. From a sketch to a 3D model and then to a prototype, our team has developed a creative and effective way to work together, from anywhere in the world.
What kind of projects is the Luna Kaleido collection suitable for?
This is the first time that we have specifically focused on textures and colours, and the extensive options available mean they can work in residential, commercial or hospitality environments.
Describe this pendant in three words.
Purity of glass.
Decorex | The Edit | RG Naxos Hotel | THDP
darc magazine’s Editor Sarah Cullen sits down with Nicholas Hickson, Founder of THDP, to explore the design influences and product choices for this stunning hotel, located at the base of the volcano Mount Etna.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Lighting
Following on from darc magazine’s feature on racial and ethnic diversity within the lighting and design communities (read more here: issuu.com/mondiale/docs/da3d21_digital_issuu/12), three of the women featured in the article - Alexandria Dauley (United in Design), Seraphina Gogate (Nulty), and Rouwaida Dugawalla (light.func) carry on the important conversations around diversity to ensure the topic is kept alive and kicking in the industry.
Watch the full panel talk here.
Held as part of the [d]arc thoughts programme at [d]arc room pop-up @ Design London, in association with Lutron.
darcroom.com
lutron.com/europe
unitedindesign.com
nultylighting.co.uk
lightfunc.org
Susie Atkinson - Plato
Studio Atkinson launches the Plato Light collection; a vibrant range of lamps, which work perfectly in either a traditional or contemporary setting.
Inspired by a 1940’s conical leather lamp, which Atkinson sourced for a project, the Plato lights have been modified to compliment her interior schemes and are the result of the difficulty she has in finding colourful lamps; “Lamps are a great way to inject a pop of colour into a space and make a statement without dominating the overall style of the room”.
As with all Studio Atkinson pieces, the lights are individually handcrafted by metalwork specialists in the UK. Made from laser cut steel and welded, the lamps are then powder coated in bright, high gloss colours, which both give a contemporary element to them. The lamps feature chamfered edges on each corner and are held up by four brass spherical feet, and they have a smooth finish and a refined quality.
The Plato lamps come in seven colours that Atkinson believes will “bring a sense of liveliness and interest to any space”: Sunflower Yellow, Fern Green, Seafoam Blue, Flamingo Pink, Ivory, Oxblood and Flint Grey.
The Plato Lights are available in two sizes: large (441mm high) and small (320mm high) and come with a choice of coolie or drum lampshades.
Resident - Circus
Resident adds to its acclaimed Circus lighting family, with the introduction of a powder-coated black finish across eighteen models.
The Circus Lights are handmade in New Zealand and are available in 250, 500 and 750mm diameter rings. The change comes into immediate effect with stocked items already available for sale.
Designed by Resident Studio, the Circus lights were first released at the Salone del Mobile Milan in 2017. Utilising LED technology and integrating circuits with Resident's revolutionary '‘plug and play’ mechanism, these bold and theatrical designs have been installed in a variety of inspirational spaces around the world.
"The Circus Lights in black are a welcome addition to our burgeoning lighting range. The black version is vivid and curvaceous, and offers yet another option to compliment the spaces where people live, work and play," says Scott Bridgens, Resident co-founder.
ANDlight - Pebble
ANDlight's new Pebble pendant collection is designed by Lukas Peet in three colours.
Compositions of Pebble pendants create radiant chandeliers emphasising range and grandeur as they inhabit a space. The configuration of pendants from a multipoint canopy accentuates the Pebble’s organic silhouette and soft contours as they appear to pulsate in unison, radiating a mesmeric aura. Alluding to the rounded primordial forms of weathered river rocks, the internal glow animates the sculptural forms of the pendant.
Two glass-blown shapes are joined by a machined aluminium connecter, LED, diffuser and integrated heat sink. Paired as a large and small glass-blown form, two options in shape for each size and three possible finishes combine to make a seemingly bespoke pendant fixture — endlessly evolving in shape when viewed from different angles.
Chandeliers are arranged in three configurations – helix; double helix; and cluster suspended from either a grey, white or black powder-coated canopy.
Foundry Lighting expands into Dubai
(UAE) – Lighting design consultant Foundry has expanded its business into Dubai, building on the success of its London-based operations.
Due to the significant increase in demand for projects in the Middle East, Foundry now has a permanent Dubai presence to service the local community.
Lighting industry expert Jason Perks has been appointed by Foundry as the new Director of the Dubai studio. He will be responsible for leading projects in the Middle East and other international regions, as well as being part of the strategic team to further develop and grow Foundry.
Perks said: “Having previously lived in Dubai, leading major international brands throughout the gulf region and beyond, I am delighted to be returning to Dubai and growing Foundry’s presence in the Middle East.”
Foundry Director Neale Smith added: “We are delighted to have expanded our business with the opening of the Dubai studio and the appointment of Jason. Jason and I have worked together in different guises for more than 15 years, so it is amazing that he is now a pat of the Foundry team.
“It is an exciting time for Foundry as we are experiencing outstanding levels of growth. We are looking forward to what the future holds, and our new Dubai studio puts us in a strong position to provide an even better service to projects in the Middle East.
“Our mission is to deliver projects with passion, precision and purpose – not to mention enjoying the collaborative journey and having some fun along the way. We are thrilled to be starting our journey in Dubai and forming a truly international team.”
Introducing LiGHT 22 – a high-end dedicated lighting event
(UK) – [d]arc media launches LiGHT 22 – the UK’s only dedicated lighting trade show.
Building on the success of the highly-regarded ARC Show, which ran from 2004 – 2009, LiGHT 22 is a lighting exhibition for specifiers and designers, brought to you by [d]arc media, publishers of arc and darc magazines, and the team behind the incredibly popular [d]arc awards and [d]arc sessions.
Held on 22 & 23 November 2022, at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, LiGHT 22 will revive the lighting design and specification exhibition that has been lacking for too long. High-end lighting manufacturers will exhibit their latest product collections alongside a two-day talks programme and late-night drinks event.
[d]arc media Managing Director Paul James said of the new event: “I am very excited to announce the launch of the LiGHT exhibition at the Business Design Centre next November. The lighting industry has many happy memories of The ARC Show at the BDC over a decade ago and we want to bring that spirit back to the lighting event calendar.
“There is a new breed of lighting specifiers and suppliers that weren’t part of the industry then so didn’t have the chance to experience the event. This will bring friends, old and new, together to do business and network in a friendly, dynamic environment. I am confident that the time is right to create a boutique lighting event in a fantastic venue in London, the world hub of lighting design. I look forward to welcoming everyone there.”
Max Bull, Executive Director of Venue Sales at Business Design Centre, added: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the launch of LiGHT at the BDC in November 2022. The BDC has always been regarded as the natural home for high quality design interiors events and I am confident Paul and his team’s vision will be extremely well received by the community it serves.
“I am personally looking forward to supporting this show for many years to come and we are fully behind the organisers in wanting to create one of the most exciting launch events the UK next year.”
The UK has the second largest design industry in the world and with London experiencing a boom in design-led businesses since 2010, lighting has become a vital aspect of the design industry and process.
Of the 217 lighting design practices in the UK, over half (116) are in the Greater London area (source ILDS 2021). This is by far the biggest concentration of lighting designers in one city in the world. And that’s not to mention the thousands of interior designers and architects that are based in the UK’s capital and beyond. Most of these designers not only specify in the UK but have a significant portfolio overseas.
LiGHT 22 caters to this ever-growing design sector and is a new offering for lighting design built on [d]arc media’s knowledge and experience of the lighting specification market.
For more information head to www.lightexpo.london
Sally Storey publishes new book
(UK) – Sally Storey, Founding Director of Lighting Design International and Creative Director of John Cullen Lighting, has published a new book in partnership with RIBA Books.
Entitled Inspired by Light: A design guide to transforming the home, the book aims to provide practical insight to designers with an abundance of visual inspiration on successful lighting solutions and schemes – from the fundamental principles of lighting design, to working with LEDs, to advice on lighting unusual spaces.
Accompanied by lavish photography and accompanying lighting plans, Inspired by Light looks to showcase the most up-to-date information on trending and lighting technologies that aim to transform how light is used within a space.
Speaking of the new book, Storey said: “With the arrival of LEDs, which revolutionised the industry, I felt that a book that explored how to use this new tool would be of benefit to the industry. There is very little advice currently available for designers and the design savvy to fully understand how to select LEDs. The outlining of all the important technical elements within the book is critical to the understanding and proper selection of LEDs, and to illustrate the various techniques that can be used and how they are important to distinct styles of interior.
“Good LED technology has allowed for greater opportunities and benefits within the industry, due to its miniaturisation, which allows for more discreet integration into architecture and joinery. With LEDs lasting longer than ever before, it is so important to get the lighting right from the outset or it will be a costly mistake.”
Throughout the book, Storey draws inspiration from across the UK and around the globe, including a contemporary villa in Dubai and an alpine chalet, and presents a variety of interior and exterior real-world projects old and new large and small.
With its visually engaging and approachable style, it is hoped that the book will provide a fascinating insight into current and emerging lighting technologies, and will appeal not only to architects and designers, but anyone interested in making the most of lighting at home or at work.
Inspired by Light is available now on the Riba Books website.
www.lightingdesigninternational.com
www.johncullenlighting.com
HIX a success at BDC, London
HIX, one of the leading shows for hotel interiors, completed a successful event at the Business Design Centre in London this November. Here are some of darc's lighting highlights from the show.
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Astro Lighting - io pendant -
Franklite - Kasteel
Atro Lighting - io pendant
Part of Astro’s latest Capsule Collection, the io Pendant uses the unique production process of gravity-fed glass extrusion, extruding delicate glass downwards, to create a perfectly ribbed cylindrical form pendant. The design, imagined by their Senior Designer Riley Sanders, takes inspiration from the fluted detailing of ancient Greek pillars. The luminaire's components are discreetly hidden, ensuring the handcrafted glass remains the focus, as light subtly reflects and refracts to add a true sense of luxury to any interior space.
Franklite - Kasteel
The Kasteel range is so unique with its twisted metalwork arms. These dark, antique bronze fittings with brushed brass candle tubes consists of 2 and 3 light wall brackets along with larger 5, 8 and 15 light fittings. The 4 light fitting is supplied with a chain suspension which can easily be converted to a flush fitting suitable for low ceilings.
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Chelsom - Edition 27 -
Contardi - Calypso
Although launched in September 2020, this is the very first time that Chelsom has been able to fully present its latest designs in person
The new collection has been designed entirely in-house and harnesses and refines the latest design trends, materials and finishes. Drawing on their vast experience in the industry, designers Will and Robert Chelsom have been able to create product that is wholly suited to the global hospitality and marine marketplaces, expertly fusing function and aesthetics throughout
www.chelsom.co.uk
Contardi - Calypso, designed by Servomuto Studio
One of the brand’s most iconic and highly recognisable products, thanks to an unexpected combination of patterns, bright colours and diffused light, Calypso is a reinterpretation of 1940s lampshades, while evoking a South American atmosphere.
In 2021, Contardi has added an indoor version to the range. Its lampshade is made, as always, of premium waterproof and fireproof fabrics in hypoallergenic and non-toxic materials, while the stem is characterised by black lacquering of the lower part and the base. The upper part is covered in supple leather, and all the parts are unified with brass detailing. The functional yet refined coffee table is topped with green Guatemala marble, which harmonises well with the vibrant tones of the lampshades.
Cruise Ship Interiors Expo takes place in December
(UK) - Europe's cruise ship interiors design community to meet in London.
Europe’s cruise interiors community will come together on 1 – 2 December at the ExCeL in London, for two days of design-focused networking, product sourcing and the Cruise Conversations Live conference. In a moment that completes the restart and reunion of the cruise interiors community, some of the industry’s biggest interior design studios will be exhibiting at a show for the first time since the pandemic.
Visitors from the biggest cruise lines based in Europe, including Disney Cruise Line, P&O Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, will join shipyards such as Fincantieri, Meyer Werft and Chantier de l’Atlantique in meeting with and product sourcing from the cruise interior industry’s foremost suppliers, outfitters and design studios.
Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe’s 200 exhibitors include the leading design studios De Jorio Design, YSA Design, SMC Design, Oliver Design, Naval Interiors Team and Marine Interiors, a Fincantieri company.
For many, it will be their first chance to see many of the industry’s new products in person. As Petu Kummula, Carnival Cruise Lines, said at the most recent Cruise Conversations Live event: "There’s certain things that you need to do in person. Looking at and touching materials, you can’t do that remotely."
With over 60% of the exhibitors new to the show, there will be plenty of new products and services at CSIE. Discover Italian rug manufacturers Loloey’s exclusive collaboration with Kelly Hoppen, Rossin’s modular seating and outfitter Naval Interior Team’s new sustainability program GreeNIT.
Key dates in the cruise interiors industry’s reunion diary take place at CSIE. On 1 December the day ends with the Happy Hour, open to everyone attending CSIE. Suppliers and buyers alike can raise a glass to the industry and the business of the day.
The event ends with the second annual Cruise Ship Interiors Awards that celebrates the leadership, innovation and teamwork that has shone a light throughout the cruise interiors industry. This year the Cruise Ship Interiors Awards, supported by Global Headline Sponsor Kalmar, focus on celebrating the industry.
The spotlight is on the incredible individuals, teams and companies who have inspired others, have innovated, have created new relationships to strengthen that sense of community and those teams who continue to go over and above what is expected of them.
New ideas and new opportunities abound at Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe, especially at the Cruise Conversations Live conference, which takes place across both days of the show. The speakers – the decision makers of the industry – will explore the most topical conversations in the industry today.
Conversations will cover sustainability, budget and accessibility, with sessions ranging from 100 Ways to Blow the Budget (and Some Simple Alternatives) to Creating a Cruise Experience Which is Accessible to All. And of course, it wouldn’t be a conference for the European market without the distinctively European topic, Spotlight on Smaller Ships: Interior Design on Expedition Vessels. Speakers include David Sagrista (Mystic Cruises), Andy Yuill (SMC Design), Anne Mari Gullikstad (YSA Design) and Iina Forsblom (Tillberg Design of Sweden).
cruiseshipinteriors-europe.com
Carl Hansen & Son launches Opal by Esben Klint
(Denmark) - Danish architect and cabinetmaker Esben Klint, son of world-renowned architect Kaare Klint, will be joining Carl Hansen & Son's prominent group of designers when the EK61 Opal pendant is added to the growing lamp collection.
The classic lamp, which was designed in 1961 but has never been in production before, is now being launched in mouth-blown opal glass and solid oak.
Klint worked throughout his life as an architect and cabinetmaker, where he managed to create a distinctive line of furniture and large edifices, but now he is especially remembered for his lighting designs. Klint was enthusiastic about working with pleating, and in 1961 he created the Opal pendant in pleated plastic. At the time, however, the design was too complicated to produce, which is why it was stored in the family archives for 60 years - until now, as Carl Hansen & Son is putting it into production.
Knud Erik Hansen, CEO of Carl Hansen & Son, says of the launch: "When the Klint family introduced us to the Opal pendant, we were convinced that we wanted to give the design the life it deserves. The pendant is understated and elegant, and its soft, indirect light and classic materials give it a tactile expression that goes incredibly well with the rest of Carl Hansen & Son's design classics."
The Opal Pendant, which has a pleated, super-elliptical shape with distinctive top and bottom pieces, evokes traditional Chinese lanterns, while the lamp's materials - mouth-blown opal glass and oak - give it a classic, eternal look. The lamp's oak top and bottom pieces have been meticulously turned and honed by hand, and the pleated shape of the lamp also imposes great demands on the glassblower to achieve a smooth, distinctive shape.
Speaking about the launch of the Opal pendant, Esben Klint's widow, Marion Klint, said: "Of all the many drawings we've saved over the years, this lamp is one of those we would love to see produced, so it's with pride and joy that Esben's pendant is now being revealed. Although Esben originally created the lamp in pleated plastic, we're enormously pleased that the lamp is now being launched in glass and wood, as this has an ennobling effect on the design."
In recent years, Carl Hansen & Son has added several lamps to its collection, including the MO lamps by Mads Odgård and pendants by Bonderup and Thorup. About the thoughts behind the growing lamp collection, Knud Erik Hansen says: "When you come from Denmark, where it's dark six months a year, being interested in lighting and lamps comes naturally. In addition, we aim to provide the very best design-led products, and we're always looking for products that can enhance our existing portfolio. This is also why we see great potential in the Opal pendant, which elegantly complements our collection and blends in beautifully above the dining table, in the hall, in the living room or in the bedroom, and it's a lamp which can stand alone or be combined in clusters."
The EK61 Opal pendants come in three sizes and will be in stores from December 2021.
