SERGIO PADULA* discusses what it takes to produce a quality lighting architectonic project and how the next generation of LEDs could change the way projects are specified in the Middle East.

01 June 2010

LIGHTING is both a science and an art, carefully cultured through study to enable a lighting professional to balance surfaces, shadows and lines and alter the perception of an atmosphere, while at the same time instilling a sense of security in the user.

Therefore, it is imperative that the designer has the technical ability to control and manipulate the invisible matter to achieve both aesthetical and functional qualities, while being sympathetic to the ecological effect.
Locally-based lighting professionals, challenged with the task of creating inspiring yet environmentally-conscious schemes that visually embrace the user, are constantly trying to create awareness of the importance in striking this balance. And to work towards this end, all entities involved in the construction of a development must approach a lighting scheme with sensibility, capability and financial commitment, without which it will undoubtedly suffer.

It is of paramount importance for a lighting professional to be creative as well as be equipped with the technical background and knowledge of the latest technologies that will enable him to have an edge in approaching a project and address related issues. Equally vital is the specification of quality products from manufacturers that have the expertise and industrial design capabilities to innovate, taking into consideration the environmental impact, sustainability and long-term costs of a development. Quality luminaries are not only visually pleasing but also fulfilling in terms of orientation, increased performance, warranty, component quality, flexibility and minimal environmental impact.
Success also depends on the involvement of a lighting manufacturer in the early stages so that he understands not only the design concepts for the dynamics of the lighting effect, but also the MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) aspects. This will facilitate an installation process that’s sensitive to the architectural elements, besides achieving a smooth integration of the products into the design parameters of the project.
Though a necessity, lighting has an environmental impact and with the increasing attention given by Gulf countries to address environmental issues with the introduction of green building decrees, Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and support for Earth Hour, efficient lighting has become a key issue within the region’s construction circles.
With concepts of whole sustainable cities gaining the spotlight, the use of energy efficient lighting products is setting a benchmark within the local construction scene for developers that market themselves as conscientious enterprises.
This is an exciting time for innovative lighting manufacturers as the region’s appreciation and understanding for quality lighting methods technologies increases the support to specify next-generation lighting.
Encouraged by this development, manufacturers continue to pump substantial investment into research and design, heralding a technological revolution of artificial illumination based on the light source known as LEDs (light-emitting diodes).

LEDs have witnessed rapid advances in recent times with the development of an LED with 250 lumens (current LED light fittings on the market utilise 100 lumens).
Lighting manufacturers are now tasked with translating these advances into usable and controllable fittings.
However, one must not be misled into believing that the performance of a fitting is solely dependant on the LED lumen, as the mechanical, thermal and electronic performances are all factors influencing the lighting ratio of a fitting.
Only through unification of these elements can lighting products be effectively developed. With this in mind, manufacturers driven by quality and innovation, are working hard to minimise the effects of light pollution, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and increase energy efficiency by developing sustainable and energy-efficient products that utilise the ground-breaking LED source.
LEDs offer remarkable energy savings of up to 40 per cent over traditional lamps. They also provide environment protection: it would take an additional 6,623 trees a year to absorb the higher carbon dioxide emissions of a public lighting system that uses traditional sodium lamps – the lighting performance of which would be matched by 1,000 luminaries with 84 LEDs.
While initial energy costs may often be overlooked in the region due to relatively cheap supply, LED lighting also cuts down electrical load, which would not only alleviate the growing problem of supply shortage, but also reduce cable sizes and help wins points for those seeking Leed certification.

The application of LED products in both interior and exterior scenarios is vast. Given the advantages such as energy-saving, longer life, reduced facilities of ignition, minimal dimensions, robustness and flexibility through dimming and luminous direction and the high light quality, LED is fast becoming the preferred application over traditional lamp sources. Its versatility allows it to be installed in projects ranging from museums and retail establishments to landscaping and the most significant situ – streetlighting.
In a bid to stay ahead in the field of lighting technology, Italy’s iGuzzini offers its next-generation fitting Archilede – a revolution in streetlighting specification.
Four product design awards including iF, FX and Abu Dhabi CityBuild’s Best Product ‘Building and Construction’ stand testament to the design credentials and product performance of the innovative fitting. Significantly, 20,000 fittings have been installed worldwide and a further 45,000 are on order, proving that energy-efficient LED streetlighting technology has become a reality. iGuzzini’s mission goes beyond the manufacture of top-quality lighting fixtures to study and understand light and improve the integration between light and architecture through design.
It supports a project from conceptual stage to facility management that can span three years or more of light planning and technical support to achieve a successful installation and maintenance of a lighting scheme.
More importantly iGuzzini takes the environmental impact of lighting very seriously. Consequently, it has enormously invested in the research and development of new technologies to contribute towards greener living in the form of energy efficiency, minimising light pollution and sustainability.

* Sergio Padula is light planning manager at iGuzzini Middle East in Dubai, UAE.

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