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In this post presentation Q&A, Ingmar Klaasen, VLDC Co-founder, talks with Kunal Shah of SPK Valo about his presentation on the art of perceptual transformation in lighting design. Through Kunal's journey from the Netherlands' LuxLab to establishing his own practice in Hyderabad, uncover the pivotal role of architectural storytelling and how it can revolutionise client involvement and empower budding designers. Explore Kunal's unique insights into the cultural dynamics between Western and Indian lighting design approaches, and how understanding these nuances can create impactful lighting solutions.

Join our engaging conversation with Kunal as he shares his experiences navigating the challenges of catering to diverse lighting preferences. Learn about the importance of communication and the use of storytelling as a tool in the design process. Kunal delves into the layered approach to lighting, highlighting the significance of understanding cultural filters to align design strategies with regional preferences. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring designer, this episode promises valuable insights into the transformative power of storytelling in lighting design.

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What happens when lighting transcends its traditional role and becomes an integral part of architectural storytelling? Join us as we explore this fascinating question with Kunal Shah, Principal Lighting Designer at SPK Valo. Kunal shares his journey from the academic halls of Sweden to the vibrant projects of Hyderabad, India, illustrating how lighting design has evolved from mere lux calculations to a sophisticated dialogue about material interaction and layered illumination. Discover the importance of communication in achieving desired lighting effects and how young professionals can harness these skills to revolutionise architectural spaces.

Our conversation goes beyond energy-saving techniques to reveal how lighting creates dynamic environments that resonate emotionally with people. Through captivating case studies, including an experience centre for a startup and a cinema maker’s office inspired by Marrakesh's light play, we see the transformative potential of layered lighting. Kunal emphasises the role of cultural and personal nuances in crafting lighting solutions that captivate every stakeholder involved. This episode is packed with insights and stories that showcase how strategic lighting can enhance aesthetics, highlight architectural character, and adapt spaces for varied functions and moods.

Quote of the Day:
"Lighting design is not just about illumination; it's about creating experiences that transform spaces, evoke emotions, and tell stories." — Kunal Shah

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Can the right lighting design improve your quality of life? Join us as we explore this intriguing question with Amit Sheth, founder and CEO of Plus Light Tech, recorded live at Light Middle East 2024 in Dubai. Amit takes us through his transformative journey from retail lighting to architecture and now outdoor lighting, pinpointing the industry's critical gaps and how his company aims to address them with cutting-edge technologies. This episode promises to enlighten you on the significance of top-notch optics in achieving sustainable lighting solutions and combating light pollution.

Amit's conversation with VLDC co-founder Martin Klaasen unpacks the meticulous feasibility studies Plus Light Tech conducts before diving into new verticals, the surprising limitations they discovered in the outdoor lighting sector, and the future of smart lighting technologies.

Quote of the Day:
“Education is essential... it helps the whole industry understand the importance of sustainability, quality of light, and reducing light pollution.”

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Today we unpack the profound impact light has on our environment, health, and communities, guided by insights from Maria Dautant, a senior Associate at HLB Lighting Design. Maria is joined by cofounder of the VLD Community, Ingmar Klaasen, as they dive into the pressing issues of light pollution and light poverty, exploring the adverse effects of sky glow, glare, and light trespass. Maria emphasises the critical need for balanced lighting guidelines and the role of governmental education in making informed decisions that don't compromise human health or energy savings.

The conversation touches on the indigenous communities living without reliable electric lighting, discussing innovative solutions like seawater lamps and solar-powered devices. Traditional lighting methods such as kerosene lamps and torches come with serious safety concerns, but new technologies offer promising alternatives. Maria and Ingmar also uncover surprising insights about the global impact of light pollution, examining cities like St. Petersburg and Helsinki, and pondering the role of snow in their brightness rankings. From the benefits of LED lighting for energy savings to the challenges of preserving dark skies while addressing light poverty, this conversation is all about finding the right balance between efficiency and liveability.

For anyone who hasn't heard Maria Dautant's presentation on the topic of 'Light Pollution vs Light Poverty' in the previous episode, please do go back and listen to that, it's well worth listening to it right to the end. It'll add a lot of nuance and depth to the concepts touched on in this Q&A.

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How does the glow of city lights impact our environment and health? Discover the surprising answers as we unpack the complexities of light pollution and light poverty in this illuminating episode. Maria Dautant, a Senior Associate at HLB Lighting Design, joins us to share her expert insights on the often-overlooked consequences of artificial lighting on biodiversity and human health. From disrupted sleep patterns to endangered wildlife, we explore why balancing the right amount of light is crucial for both our ecosystem and well-being.

Ever wondered why some neighbourhoods are bathed in light while others languish in darkness? This episode sheds light on the glaring issue of light poverty affecting over a billion people worldwide. Hear about innovative initiatives like the Sea Water Lamp Project and Light Reach Network, which are making strides to provide sustainable lighting solutions in impoverished areas. Maria Dutton offers a compelling look at how inadequate lighting hinders social development and challenges our notions of a basic standard of living.

Lighting is more than just flipping a switch—it's a cornerstone of public safety, health, and community well-being. Explore how cities across the U.S. are rethinking their lighting strategies to reduce light pollution and enhance safety. Learn practical tips for adopting sustainable lighting practices and improving the quality of light in your own community. By the end of this episode, you'll understand why quality lighting is not just an aesthetic choice but a fundamental aspect of modern life. Join us for an episode that promises to enlighten and empower you to see the world in a new light.


Quote of the Day:

"So we need to come to an agreement that it is all about balance, right? We have seen that it is possible to introduce lighting into our environment without necessarily creating damaging outcomes in both our environment and ourselves." — Maria Dautant

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What if the future of lighting design could transform not only our spaces but our very emotions? Join us for an illuminating presentation by Pinar Onat, the founder of P.ERO Lighting Design in Istanbul. Pinar guides us through the historical evolution of lighting, from ancient rituals to Renaissance masterpieces and contemporary movements like OP art and kinetic art. By weaving together past influences, she highlights the pivotal role of sensory experiences in creating emotionally resonant spaces. Pinar dives into how innovative designs are now leveraging artificial intelligence and sensor technology to craft dynamic, human-centered lighting solutions.

Pinar also brings to light the essential role of sustainability in the future of lighting design. She shares insights on how sustainable practices can seamlessly integrate with technological advancements to create eco-friendly yet cutting-edge lighting systems. Furthermore, she explores the rise of smart lighting systems and their societal impacts, emphasising trends that prioritise human comfort and interaction. This episode offers a rich tapestry of ideas, blending historical perspective with modern ideas.

Quote of the Day:

"In the future of lighting design, the potential of applications of AI should be emphasised, focusing on user needs, a crucial aspect that demands attention, enhancing the atmosphere of spaces and improving users' quality of life." — Pinar Onat

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How is our night sky changing, and what does it mean for our future? Join us in a compelling conversation with Ruskin Hartley, CEO of Dark Sky International, as we unravel the alarming increase in light pollution—by an astonishing 10% each year—and the profound consequences for our starry nights. At the Light Middle East 2024 event in Dubai, Ruskin sheds light on this growing crisis, comparing it to the more familiar issues of air and water pollution, and emphasizing its adverse effects on human health, wildlife, and natural habitats.

Discover the fascinating history and mission of Dark Sky International, a non-profit organization originally founded to protect astronomers from harmful lighting. Ruskin shares how their focus has since broadened to include the wider impacts on ecosystems and energy use. Dispelling the myth that more light equals safety, we explore how proper lighting can actually enhance visibility and security, and discuss effective ways to communicate the importance of dark skies to the uninitiated.

Experience the majesty of Kitt Peak in Arizona through Ruskin's personal anecdotes, illustrating the awe-inspiring power of truly dark skies. Learn about initiatives like the "lighting police movement," which aims to educate and raise awareness through examples of both effective and poor lighting. As we wrap up, we express our heartfelt thanks to our listeners, urging you to share the podcast, leave reviews, and revisit previous episodes for more enlightening insights from leaders in the field. Don't miss this illuminating discussion on preserving our natural nightscapes for generations to come.

Quote of the Day

“The solution isn’t to ask people to turn off all the lights, it’s to ask people to use light correctly. Shield it, point it down, dim it down. Unfortunately most people haven’t ever had that pointed out to them. When someone points out bad lighting, you will see it everywhere you go.” — Ruskin Hartley

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Ever wondered how lighting design adapts to cultural nuances? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Jinkie De Jesus, the design principal of Lightplan Inc., as she reveals the intriguing challenges and solutions in implementing international lighting standards in the Philippines. From navigating client expectations to making spaces feel more lively and vibrant, Jinkie shares her journey and the cultural adjustments she’s had to make in the early years of her own lighting design practice. Recorded at last year's Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition in China (2023), you'll also gain insights into what sets this event apart from other international fairs. She sat down with cofounder of the Virtual Lighting Design Community, Martin Klaasen.

This episode doesn't stop at cultural adaptations; it dives into the broader topics of public safety and the necessity of brighter lighting in urban areas of the Philippines. Jinkie also shares her thoughts on other expert presentations at the event on topics such as melanopic lighting, light pollution, and biophilic designs in cities like Singapore. To top it off, Martin and Jinkie touch on the dynamic role of the Virtual Lighting Design Community (VLDC) and its impact on the global exchange of knowledge.

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