What if the key to unlocking the full potential of architectural spaces lies in the nuanced interplay of light and design? Join us as we explore this profound question at the Light and Intelligent Building Middle East event in Dubai 2024. In conversation with Kanwal Thareja, a principal architect with over 28 years of expertise, and Harmeet Singh, a seasoned lighting designer, we uncover the pivotal role of education and forums in bridging gaps within the lighting design community. Kanwal recounts his professional journey and underscores the necessity of educating clients about the critical value of lighting consultants. Harmeet shares the struggles of his early career and how accessible educational resources dramatically transformed his path. Listen as they reflect on the significant advancements at the Light Middle East event over the years and the transformative power of proper lighting design.

The extensive portfolio of Harmeet Singh includes major projects like Hyderabad and Goa airports. As he transitions from hospitality to corporate spaces, Harmeet emphasises the importance of collaboration with supportive architects to enhance lighting design's impact on extended human interaction. Mr. Thareja stresses the need for architects to prioritise lighting from the conceptual stage, highlighting its transformative effect on buildings at night. This engaging discussion sheds light on the evolving role of lighting in creating vibrant and dynamic architectural environments, providing valuable insights into how lighting design can elevate the architectural process.

Quotes of the Day

"As a lighting designer, one of my prime tasks is education. I need to educate my client." — Kanwal Thareja

"This initiative helps bridge the gap. In 2002, I wanted to pursue lighting design but couldn't afford the education. This kind of forum brings in a lot more talent into our learning curve and helps in avoiding those pitfalls." — Harmeet Singh

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Acknowledging our Premium Supporters:
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• Signify Lighting Academy
• Filix Lighting

In this episode, we delve into a captivating conversation with renowned lighting designer David Gilbey. Join us as David shares his insights and experiences with our VLDC cofounder, Katia Kolovea, at the Light Middle East 2024 event in Dubai earlier this year.

David Gilbey, a veteran in the field of lighting design, has a diverse background ranging from theater and film to architecture. With an illustrious career, from his own design practice called d-Lighting, David now serves as the Lighting Design Director at Diriyah Gate Development Authority in Saudi Arabia, where a city imbued with historical and cultural significance is being crafted around a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover David's journey from his early days in the UK to his current role in the Middle East and his perspective on the intricacies of doing lighting design in the Middle East.

The conversation went beyond the technicalities of lumens and LEDs, touching upon the human elements that truly let design shine. It's a glimpse into a world where work is fuelled by passion, friendships become the cornerstone of professional life, and mentorship is the beacon guiding the next generation of lighting designers.

As David says, it's the "joy of standing alongside giants" in our industry. Let's hear his thoughts on the journey he's been on in the continued dance of light and shadow.

Quote of the Day

“We are a family and there are people that will help you, really sharing knowledge and give you good advice. Seek out mentors because sometimes the only difference between us is experience, connections, and time." — David Gilbey

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Acknowledging our Premium Supporters:
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• ERCO
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• Filix Lighting

Let's Dive into Lighting Magic and Wellness Inspired by Alice in Wonderland!

Hey there, Welcome to the Virtual Lighting Design Community!

Today, we're in for a treat as we explore the area of 'Lighting for Health and Wellbeing' through the lens of three incredible thought leaders: Magali Méndez, Ana Zúñiga, and Grisell Herrera F.

Let's Meet Our Storytellers:

• Magali Méndez: A Co-Founder of Light in Me, spreading light and wellbeing vibes in Mexico City.

• Ana Zúñiga: The General Manager at BE GROUP Agency, diving into the depths of communication and marketing, also hailing from Mexico City.

• Grisell Herrera F.: A Co-Founder of Light in Me, radiating wellness all the way from sunny Barcelona, Spain.

Episode Sneak Peek:

In this episode, we're taking an enchanting journey inspired by "Alice in Wonderland" to uncover the magical connections between this beloved tale and the impactful role of lighting in our daily lives. Our delightful panel will illuminate parallels between Alice's adventures and real-life scenarios, shining a light on how lighting influences our wellbeing every day.

Clip

In this clip, catch a glimpse of the magic with a condensed version. The complete episode unfolds for our premium subscribers. A visual version of this clip is available on our YouTube channel: @vld.community

Full Presentation

Immerse yourself in the story, complete with visually stunning slides, available exclusively on the Virtual Lighting Design Community online platform, Season.

Quote of the Day

“Alice in Wonderland has more to do with real life than we can imagine.  Imagine a fantastic journey through life with Alice, where everyday struggles meet the magical world of light.”  — Magali Méndez, Ana Zúñiga, Grisell Herrera F. 

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Acknowledging our Premium Supporters:
• Aero Hospitality Lighting
• Creative Lighting Asia
• ERCO
• Signify Lighting Academy
• Filix Lighting

Welcome back to the Virtual Lighting Design Community. In this episode, we had the honour of sitting down with Eugenia Cheng, the founder and principal of Light Origin Studio, based in Hong Kong. Eugenia is an industry expert with over 17 years of experience practicing lighting design, specialising in small to medium-sized projects across various sectors, including high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial environments.

In this conversation, Eugenia shares insights about her remarkable journey from studying interior design to becoming a renowned figure in the lighting design industry. She also sheds light on the studio's focus on community-based projects and the passion for contributing back to society through their work.

The interview delves into the topic of lighting's role in creating immersive art and entertainment experiences, emphasising how architectural lighting design differs from other forms of experiences and its place in the sustainability paradigm. Additionally, Eugenia reflects on her experience participating in the judging proceedings at the Light Middle East 2024 event and discusses her involvement in the ThinkLight sessions.

The interview is also available on our podcast channel, providing an audio and on-the-go element to this insightful conversation. Furthermore, our online community platform hosts a wide array of such thought-provoking conversations with industry experts and innovators like Eugenia Cheng. Dive into the in-depth discussions with leading professionals in the lighting design community on our virtual platform.

Quote of the Day

"How do we maintain interest in digital experiences beyond the moment? Sustaining engagement and minimising waste is crucial. It's concerning to see valuable materials discarded after use, but there's hope in the growing emphasis on sustainability and increased awareness within the community."
— Eugenia Cheng

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Acknowledging our Premium Supporters:
• Aero Hospitality Lighting
• Creative Lighting Asia
• ERCO
• Signify Lighting Academy
• Filix Lighting

Today we feature Alexia Gkika, an accomplished Associate Lighting Designer at Buro Happold, with over a decade of experience in the field. In this episode, Alexia shares her insights and expertise on sustainable lighting design, education, and the future of collaborative relationships in the lighting industry, drawing from her diverse background and passion for creating impactful lighting solutions. In her conversation with VLDC’s cofounder Katia Kolovea, Alexia talks about the crucial aspects of sustainable lighting design, emphasising the significance of education and collaborative efforts in driving positive change in the industry.

A Brief Background on Alexia

Alexia is an accomplished art and design professional with a 2-year Master of Science degree in Architectural Lighting Design & Health from KTH University in Sweden. Her educational background also includes a 4-year BA degree in Interior Architecture, Decorative Arts & Design from Athens, Greece.

As a result of her project experience in Greece, Sweden and the UK, Alexia has developed a keen interest in the impact of lighting on cultural perception and human psychology. She has significant experience in prestigious luxury hotels worldwide, large scale retail and high end commercial and prime residential projects.

Alexia is an Associate member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

Quote of the Day

"From lighting designer to lighting designer, being a competitor doesn't mean we can't collaborate. It's vital to justify our presence without letting egos overshadow the collaborative process. As lighting designers, we don't seek to project ourselves but rather to create ambiance and evoke feelings for others to experience." - Alexia Gkika

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Acknowledging our Premium Supporters:
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• ERCO
• Signify Lighting Academy
• Filix Lighting

Maneck Tandon, Partner at ATPL Lighting & Architects, engages in conversation with Amardeep Dugar, co-founder of the VLD Community, at the Light and Intelligent Building Middle East event in Dubai 2024. Maneck shares his expertise as a lighting designer and architect, emphasising the importance of responsibility in sustainable design. His practical approach focuses on minimising the environmental impact of construction while creating spaces that resonate with longevity and efficiency.

Join Maneck and Amardeep as they talk about the evolving landscape of the lighting industry, advocating for broader conversations and inclusive platforms within the design community.

“The key to sustainability is consciousness in all aspects of our lives, personally and professionally. It's about mitigating adverse impacts and allowing for a shift towards a more sustainable future.“

— Maneck Tandon

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Acknowledging our Premium Supporters:
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• Filix Lighting

Cofounder of the Virtual Lighting Design Community (VLDC), Ingmar Klaasen, engages in conversation with Linus Lopez, Partner at Lirio Lopez Lighting Design Consultants, during Light and Intelligent Building 2024 in Dubai.

In this interview, Linus Lopez shares his journey into lighting design, transitioning from an engineering background, and delves into the intrinsic fascination with lighting that led him to establish his firm in India. Linus reflects on his experiences as a judge at the event, emphasising the depth of analysis and appreciation for sustainable design solutions among the projects reviewed.

Linus also discusses the evolving landscape of the lighting industry, highlighting the importance of understanding and utilising darkness in design, a topic he explores further in his presentation at the fair. His dedication to promoting the profession of lighting design in India and his commitment to education and research in the field underscore his passion for fostering awareness and excellence in lighting design.

Join us as Linus Lopez shares his perspectives on responsible design practices, the significance of observation in design sensitivity, and his unwavering motivation to inspire the next generation of lighting professionals. Discover how his vision for thoughtful, impactful design shapes his approach to the industry and drives his mission to elevate the discourse around lighting design.

Brief Bio on Linus Lopez:

Linus Lopez is a renowned lighting designer and Partner at Lirio Lopez Lighting Design Consultants, based in India. With a background in engineering, Linus discovered his calling in lighting design, embarking on a journey that has seen him lead innovative projects both locally and abroad. His commitment to promoting excellence in lighting design, advocating for responsible design practices, and nurturing the next generation of lighting professionals reflects his dedication to advancing the industry and shaping a brighter, more sustainable future through light.

"When it comes to lighting design, it's critical to appreciate the significance of darkness at the appropriate times. Understanding human experiences and the impact of lighting changes is essential, even if it means seeking gradual progress over immediate results. A unified dialogue within the design community holds the key to promoting responsible practices and a greater sense of shared responsibility."

— Linus Lopez

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Acknowledging our Premium Supporters:
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• Filix Lighting

In this episode, we'll be diving into a conversation between Katia Kolovea, co-founder of the Virtual Lighting Design Community, and Tapio Rosenius, the CEO and founder of Poet Creator Software and the Lighting Design Collective (LDC). This interview, which took place earlier this year in January at Light & Intelligent Building Middle East 2024 in Dubai, sheds light on Tapio's innovative approach to ambient communication and its impact on lighting design. A topic that has captured the attention and enthusiasm of many in the industry. Join us as we explore Tapio's insights and his vision for adopting this approach in lighting design projects and discussed the untapped potential of using ambient communication in the built environment.

“Interactive real-time lighting significantly influences human behaviour, resulting in tangible benefits."

— Tapio Rosenius

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Acknowledging our Premium Supporters:
• Aero Hospitality Lighting
• Creative Lighting Asia
• ERCO
• Signify Lighting Academy
• Filix Lighting