Ma-Ka Lighting System by Elsa Gil Benito

What is “Next” in lighting design?

September 22, 2020

From cozy crafted luminaires to visually luminous light installations, today’s lighting is even brighter, innovative, and surprisingly artistic than ever before.

LED lights used to be the newest lighting a decade ago, but thanks to its sensible features, energy-efficient lighting has become the standard of lighting. Today, novel lighting designs have gone beyond sustainability, and just like fresh from a science-fiction movie, these awe-inspiring designs are prepared to cater to the needs of their future generations of users.

  1. Biodynamic Lighting.

When we think of artificial lights, these can be simply dismissed as nothing more than devices that help us see in the dark, but in 2001, a discovery has been made by G.C Brainard concerning the effects of light on the human body. The study shows that the quality of light affects our biological clock, smartly termed as a circadian rhythm. Lights help regulate our melatonin and cortisone levels, and these are important in our physical and mental wellbeing.

With Biodynamic Lighting, we can now fine-tune the quality and amount of light being used in a particular setting. The linchpin of this device is primarily the ability to mimic natural light. Our eyes have receptors intended for detecting blue. The light quality shifts throughout the day, you can imagine the color spectrum starting from ultraviolet, then it gradually moves towards the reddish portion as the day goes. In fact, ultraviolet is most detectable at dawn.

Ideally, by the time the sun sets, our bodies should be ready for bed. Your typical artificial light does not adjust but rather it supplies a constant color temperature. But thanks to biodynamic lighting, the sun, and all its glory can be simulated indoors.

  1. 3D Printed Luminaires

Personalized lighting is a rising trend among homeowners, and there are many means to obtain this new style of lighting. Anyone equipped with a 3D printer and the knowledge to operate such a device can easily print out a custom design that will allow them to light up their homes in a decorative manner.

Fortunately, there are also dedicated services online that allow users to upload their 3D models, and the service will print the model. The beauty of using such services is that the models are printed by qualified staff and that they have the proper equipment for the job. On the side of the client, there is no need to fumble around with 3D printer settings to get the right result. Since these are electronic devices, there’s no need to mess with the electronics. This is very useful for people who don’t know anything about electronics or don’t want to mess around with high voltage.

Finally, this concept allows for the use of decorative luminaries, from something modern to something more sophisticated. The design allows for a more expressive approach when it comes to lighting up the home of place of work.

  1. Sculptural and Statement Luminaires

With improvements in the manufacturing process and the availability of advanced equipment, impossible designs can now be created. Even with intricate designs such as feather-like luminaires that almost floats seamlessly through the air are now popular centerpieces in many luxury establishments.

The main gist of this is an artistic expression. Since lights are placed at the center of a room or location, it makes sense for it to double as a decorative piece meant to evoke a certain theme or message or idea for friends and family to talk about during social gatherings.

  1. Smartly Controlled Lighting

WIFI is becoming ubiquitous in homes and commercial settings that the simple LED bulb eventually got baptized by wireless technology. Like any other smart device, it is expected to be capable of doing multiple tasks such as turning on appliances in the room when it detects the presence of a person entering or the ability of a user to turn the lights on and off remotely via an accompanying smartphone app.

Some smartly controlled lights are also capable of sensing the humidity of the room and make the appropriate adjustments by taking control of heating and cooling devices. In a way, it acts as an electronic butler.

  1. Touch-Sensitive Lights

Here’s something cool. Do you fancy the ability to decorate your walls with lights? Layout artistic patterns on the wall by combining hexagon-shaped lighting modules to create the designs you want. Create patterns that can serve as backgrounds for a video or photo shoot. The lights can be turned on or off by simply touching the surface. These are easy to install with almost no wiring needed for each module, as electric power is transmitted via magnetic contacts. Each piece is attached magnetically from the main body until the pattern is formed.

If you are gunning to light up your home or place of work in a stylish manner, there are now multiple ways to do it and it is guaranteed that it’s all worth every dollar spent.

 

Photo credit: Emerson College Student Dining Center