Amber Solutions announces two-wire dimmer
(USA) - Amber Solutions introduces two-wire dimmer in solid-state architecture for dimming and LED compatibility.
The new two-wire dimmer solution achieves smooth, flicker-free zero-to-max dimming with near universal LED compatibility, features a slimline form factor measuring 3/4-inches deep and enables intelligent, efficient lighting control through any electrical infrastructure or input voltage. It works without a neutral wire and is compatible with a wider range of LED bulbs and fixtures.
Amber's Founder and CEO Thar Casey says, “Amber’s newest solution underscores how its core technologies enable a fundamental restructuring of common electrical product architecture, significantly transforming their capabilities, reducing returns/support requirements and enhancing value.
“Our solid-state redesign embeds intelligence that enables a substantially better quality, flicker-less dimming experience in a form factor that is slimmer for easier install and is fully compatible both with existing building infrastructure and a substantially broader range of LED bulbs.”
Combining Amber’s patented solid-state AC/DC Enabler and AC Switch for digital control of electricity enables the Amber two-wire dimmer to intelligently monitor and control the flow of electricity, eliminating all mechanical pieces used in existing solutions.
These technologies provide much more accurate control of electricity, resulting in the lowest rate of heat dissipation and energy waste. What’s more, Amber’s 100% digital surge protection is non-sacrificial, so there is no degradation of components no matter how many times a surge necessitates power interruption. A single Amber two-wire dimmer is even smart and flexible enough to dynamically support leading edge or trailing edge dimming, or both, in a single SKU.
“Our two-wire dimmer solution brings new technologies and functions to buildings’ previously outdated infrastructure that has been problematic for installation of smart lighting systems,” Casey continues. “As the transition to more efficient lighting continues to accelerate, our smooth zero percent to max power dimming capability will become the standard expectation. And the owners and installers of these dimmers will also benefit from native surge and short circuit protection, energy savings through reduced power dissipation, and the optional integrated wireless control sensors that even enable over the air updates to sustain compatibility with the latest lighting bulbs.”
The company’s major revolution in two-wire dimming is replacing TRIACs, which have traditionally been used to enable two-way current control. Amber replaces this old tech with MOSFETs, based upon Amber’s core technologies with integrated micro-controller intelligence, that outperforms all the functions of a TRIAC. The digital design of Amber’s solution enables a dimmer switch that is faster, safer, more efficient and physically smaller than competitors.
“Looking forward, our two-wire dimmer architecture will enable 3-way dimming using only a traveler wire, offer intelligent auto-detection of load types and birth a premium “C-wireless” architecture that will eliminate the need for C-wires or batteries in devices such as smart thermostats and smart doorbell cameras,” Casey adds. “As Amber continues to develop advances for LED lighting fixtures and power control, the benefits and functionality will grow exponentially as users find just how powerful a true 21st-century light switch can be.
“The world’s reliance on electricity deepens every day, and Amber will continue to push the envelope of electronic design to develop solutions that maximise the efficiency, utility, longevity and intelligence of the tools we use to deliver power to our cities, our businesses, our homes and our devices,” Casey concludes.
Karman unveils Snoob Chandelier
(Italy) - Karman reveals its latest product design, Snoob, a contemporary chandelier.
Designed by Matteo Ugolini for Karman, Snoob took inspiration from traditional chandelier designs from Baroque palaces and turned it into a simplistic design that is current for today's interiors.
Available in white and black finishes, the Snoob chandelier also comes in two dimensions.
Lasvit launches two new products
(Czech Republic) - Lasvit launches new products, Spacey and Globe Metro.
The variability and immeasurable beauty of the Universe is captured in Spacey thanks to a special technique called lithyalin. Pieces created by lithyalin look as if they were sculpted from gemstones, but instead they are glass. This technique was invented in Northern Bohemia more than 200 years ago and has now been resurrected in the same region by Czech designer Lukáš Novák.
Spacey has two variations – Eclipse and Supermoon – named after the most distinctive sphere in the constellation. Eclipse refers to the dark night accent in the dark sphere, while the Supermoon accents the light one.
“A sphere is the most perfect shape in the universe. I wanted to create a lighting that will push the limits of the sphere a bit further,” says designer Lukáš Novák.
Globe Metro, designed by Cyril Dunděra took inspiration from Prague's metro tiles dating back to the 1970s. The tiles combine convex and concave shapes and together they create a special visual puzzle.
“They symbolise a part of Prague’s urban architecture and are, most importantly, a beautiful piece of design. I wanted to emphasise the smooth form within these tiles, so that others can get a feel for its beauty too,” says designer Cyril Dunděra.
As a reminder of the original inspiration, the Globe Metro reflects the characteristics of metal. While the 400mm-diameter ball is all made of borosilicate glass, it is also metal-coated and comes in two different colours – rainbow blue and iris.
Preciosa - Inspiral
Inspiral is the latest addition to Preciosa's Signature Designs line, which already includes Pearl Drop, Pearl Wave, Pearl Curtain, and Breath of Light.
The new Signature Design was inspired by the art of calligraphy – writing with light. The light sculpture changes its character when seen from different perspectives; from some angles a section seems broad, from another narrow and vice versa from yet another view. With its inspiration in calligraphic symbols, Inspiral enticingly communicates crystal artistry and luxury.
Preciosa launches Inspiral
(Czech Republic) - Preciosa introduces its latest Signature Design - Inspiral.
The new Signature Design was inspired by the art of calligraphy - writing with light. The light sculpture changes its character when seen from different perspectives; from some angles a section seems broad, from another narrow and vice versa from yet another view. With its inspiration in calligraphic symbols, Inspiral enticingly communicates crystal artistry and luxury.
"The beauty of calligraphy is really what inspired me to design this light," says Preciosa's Senior Designer Alena Hlavatá Němcová. "The curves and swirls of the script are so compelling that I felt it could become an elegant lighting design."
Each Inspiral light is created from a specially formed stainless steel ribbon that can be bent and shaped as desired. An LED strip, comprised of small diodes, lines the edges of the ribbon. Different colour combinations can be used to create distinct moods according to the time of day or to suit a specific colour palette.
The light refracts through the thousands of cut crystal prisms attached to the ribbon with minuscule pins, which results in Inspiral’s shimmering effect. Inspiral is carefully assembled to create an organic installation, taking full advantage of the prisms that form the light’s sparkling band.
Inspiral expands the Signature Designs line which already includes Pearl Drop, Pearl Wave, Pearl Curtain, and Breath of Light.
"Inspiral’s flexibility allows designers to play with the concept and get creative designing a custom light for their space," says Michael Vasku, Creative Director for Preciosa Lighting. "Its organic form combined with the crystal prisms results in a stunning installation, whatever the final shape may be."
Design Shanghai completes seventh show
(China) - Design Shanghai opened its largest show to date on 26th – 29th November in its new venue at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, China.
After two postponements, the seventh edition of one of Asia’s largest design events brought together over 400 leading Chinese and international brands.
In addition to a new partnership with Audi, Design Shanghai 2020 presented a number of large-scale installations and special features to complement the exhibitor programme. This also included a forum featuring over 40 speakers from China and abroad, such as Steven Smit, Frank Chou, Chi Wing Lo, Kelly Hoppen, Tom Dixon and Barber & Osgerby.
At the event, there were two new sections this year - Objects & Accessories and Talents - in addition to Contemporary Design, Classic & Luxury, Kitchen & Bathroom, Workplace, New Materials and Applications.
International representation this year was at an all-time high despite travel restrictions. In a show of confidence for the fair, eight countries including Italy, Norway, Denmark, Czech, Spain, Finland Portugal and the UK had dedicated sections, and several consular representatives attended this year’s opening ceremony.
Zhuo Tan, Director of Design Shanghai, comments: “Even though the show was affected by the pandemic at the beginning of the year and was postponed twice, we made it happen and it is larger than ever, which is a testament to the resilience and ambition of the design community and market in China. We are very grateful for Audi’s support, and we will continue to bring the most up-to-date design trends to our audience and to explore new opportunities.”
One of the top 10 highlights of the show included House of Wang, a lifestyle boutique that opened in Beijing in October, presented an elegant selection of works by international designers including Sé Collection, Ochre, Apparatus, Bethan Gray, Nada Debs, Omar Khan Rugs, 1882 Ltd., Alexa Lixfeld, Paola C., Peter Yuill, Corine Van Voorbergen, Calico Wallpaper and Martyn Thompson Studio.
Additionally, House of Wang has constructed a new version of the light installation "Kaleidoscopia II" by British designer and recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Lee Broom. The designer’s iconic lighting products - Chamber, Orion, Fulcrum, Eclipse, Mini Crescent and Carousel - are hung against reflective surfaces within a dark space, creating an immersive and dazzling environment for visitors to experience.
Decorex success at virtual event
(UK) - For the first time in its 42-year history, Decorex successfully turned virtual for a three-day event this November.
From 17-19 November 2020, Decorex Virtual brought the industry together, welcoming design professionals from across the world for three days of inspiration, specification and connection. The digital event drew over 4,000 unique visitors, with 69% from the UK and 31% were international.
Decorex’s Event Director Sam Fisher comments" “It was amazing to see the global interior design community reunite, albeit digitally, at Decorex Virtual last week. We welcomed thousands from across the world who met, listened, explored and networked with suppliers and peers. Despite being virtual, it still felt like the celebration of design that we are used to at our physical event, and makes us all the more excited to welcome the industry back to Olympia next year.”
Attendees were inspired by online multi-sensory experience, The Great Escapes where five hand-picked designers including Campbell-Rey, Elicyon, Dauley Design, Louise Wicksteed Interiors and VSP Interiors, created 3D visualisations of their ultimate 'happy places'. The three-day Talks Programme was packed with thought-provoking debates on design-led topics and key issues facing the industry today. Highlights include House & Garden in conversation with interior designer Susie Atkinson and cutting through the greenwash with Sustainable Sourcing For Interior Designers.
London-based lighting design atelier Haberdashery launched Bloom, a new lighting collection inspired by the first blooms of spring, and SBID award-winner Tigermoth Lighting presented Compass, an elegant lighting collection with natural marble detailing.
This year the Decorex Design Awards were judged by Alison Henry of Alison Henry Design Studio, Bhavin Taylor of Bhavin Taylor Design and Sara Cosgrove of Sara Cosgrove Design Studio. Fabric and wallpaper brand Newton Paisley won Best Exhibitor Profile with their intricate and elegant designs, all created and hand-drawn by conservation biologist Susy Paisley and Best Sustainable Product was awarded to furniture maker Angus Ross for his Prism Chair in ash with a rush seat. VSP Interiorsscooped up the award for the Best Great Escape with their Rococo retreat and ceramicist Katie Spragg was awarded Best Future Heritage Alumni. A Special Award from the judges for their attention to diversity went to the Turquoise Mountain organisation and specialists D&A Binder were awarded Best Product for the Haberdashery Counter.
"Whilst there is nothing like meeting people and their products, the virtual meetings have been great to get to know suppliers both new and existing. Meetings this way can even be more productive as they are "1-to-1" focussed. I am sure that it has been helpful for exhibitors to see us in our own habitats too!" says Designer, David Wilder Interior Design.
“The last few days have been a great opportunity to connect with new and existing trade customers. We have missed the physical show but this virtual experience has been the next best thing. It’s been really positive to hear and understand how people within the industry have been adapting to new ways of working and connecting to make the most of a challenging year. We are looking forward to next year already!” says Laura Fowles, Business Development Manager of sofa.com.
Astro unveils AW20 collection
(UK) - Astro releases its complete Autumn / Winter 2020 collection with a range of new decorative lighting pieces.
Using innovative materials to convey light seamlessly, Astro’s AW20 collection celebrates British design and unique craftsmanship, blending precise and delicate detailing with desirable metallic finishes.
The new collection boasts fixtures from bedside readers, pendants, and wall lights, to timeless essentials in the form of illuminated bathroom mirrors and new slimline downlights.
Architecturally inspired, the new season achieves a balance between elegant decorative pieces and more minimalist contemporary designs. A hero product of the collection, Tacoma (featured in darc issue 38) presents flawless metalwork and a ribbed glass shade that exudes both gothic influence and contemporary styling. Delivering a dramatic wash of light within both contemporary and traditional settings, this striking wall sconce is the perfect partner for both interior and bathroom designs.
Senior Designer Riley Sanders, describes the Tacoma as “hugely versatile, with a distinct mid-century influence.” He continues “Tacoma encapsulates visual elegance and modern engineering in a beautiful and certainly timeless design. It’s characterised by its majestic metallic structure that stands proud within any space."
Also in the collection is the Zeppo, combining the technology of a reading light with an ambient hand-blown opal shade.
Alongside new products, AW20 also welcomes a highly anticipated matt black finish, applied to Astro’s signature designs alongside new innovations.
New matt black bathroom designs Epsilon and Kappa feature streamlined silhouettes to complement the surrounding architecture, whilst Kyoto and Sagara, also available in matt black, envelop spherical and cylindrical shapes for bolder bathroom designs.
Encapsulating form and function, Lago is one of the most intricate pieces of the collection. Crafted from one continuous sheet of solid brass, the Lago’s precise laser cut detailing enhances this luxury design and delivers a pleasing and uniform glow.
Co-founder and Design Director James Bassant describes the latest collection as “An inspired curation of well-established designs that encapsulate the true essence of Astro.” He continues, “Many of the new collection products are passion projects, starting life as inspired sketches within our notebooks. For example, Sagara is a matt black bathroom wall light that I designed over a decade ago. That itself proves its timelessness as a design. It’s still as relevant now as it was when I first put pen to paper and there isn’t anything I would change about it if I were designing it today. That’s the magic of an Astro product, the simplicity makes it truly timeless.”
Oblure appoints new CEO
(Sweden) Deniz Canpinar takes over as the new CEO of Oblure. He most recently came from iGuzzini illuminazione as a technical salesperson and before that Light Bureau as a consultant in lighting design.
"Deniz Canpinar has a great understanding and knowledge in the industry that makes him fit very well in this role at Oblure. He has been involved in establishing the company's new strategy and I feel he is the right person for this post. Also as responsible for the sales, Deniz will strengthen Oblure's position in the domestic market with his sharp wits and with a smile on his lips," says Oblure founder and Art director Markus Johansson.
Deniz Canpinar comments, "I see great potential in further development of the company and to work with Markus. Oblure is based in Gothenburg, also where I'm born and raised, and that makes it extra special.
"The pandemic has of course made us wary, but we think it is the right time to invest now. New exciting products await in the future where form, function and technology are in perfect harmony," concludes Deniz.
Vistosi Lighting partners with Slums Dunk Charity
(Italy) - Lighting brand Vistosi announces its partnership with African-based charity Slums Dunk.
Slums Dunk is an organisation, created by Bruno Cerella, Italo-Argentinian professional basketball player for EA7 Olimpia Milano, which works to build basketball academies in areas of Kenya, Zambia and Argentina with the aim of improving the life conditions of children and youth living in the marginalised communities.
Using a play on words of the basketball slam dunk, Slums Dunk focuses its work on the run-down areas of Africa. In 2014, Slums Dunk constructed its first basketball court in the slum of Mathare, Nairobi. It is estimated that around 95,000 people live in Mathare, in an area that cover 1.5-square kilometres. Around 50% of its population is composed by youth and children under 18 facing several problems in accessing basic services such as food, water, electricity and public toilet.
Slums Dunk started a basketball academy involving around 100 children, providing free access to the basketball court and support the life skills education in 10 informal schools of the slum, involving around 1000 children under the age of 15.
Light Collective - The Perfect Light Experience
Following on from their Perfect Light Project, Light Collective has launched the second film in the series; a documentary that follows the five lighting designers that went on the trip to Japan. The journey was made in 2018 and shown at private viewings in late 2018 and early 2019.
Women in Lighting - Dismantle the Default
The Women in Lighting Project hosted an Oubaitori session with eight women from the Society of Light & Lighting and the Institution of Lighting Professionals who shared their lighting stories.
