LIGHTFAIR International 2017 — Transforming the Future of Light and Technology
By Line Goyette
June 1, 2017
This was this year’s theme at LIGHTFAIR International (LFI) in Philadelphia. We could add the future of design and art too. Without doubt, LED lighting is everywhere. It’s no longer the exception. The LED revolution we’ve been talking about is taking place in all areas of lighting and is opening up unexpected opportunities.
Nearly 600 exhibitors displayed products and solutions for applications in commercial, industrial, others related to health, education, street lighting, and emergency lighting. Many participants, including me, noted a return of residential lighting, a sign the LED revolution is no longer the preserve of the privileged. The program also featured 75 courses, including 12 forum sessions.
Three outstanding keynote speakers at LIGHTFAIR institute
Every year, I always look forward to attending LFI’s keynote sessions. This year was no exception. Art entered the world of lighting through the front door with Sakchin Bessette, co-founder and executive creative director of Moment Factory, as first keynote speaker on May 7.
Bessette elaborated on Moment Factory’s work, which continues to “push the boundaries of excellence in new media and public art” with a presentation entitled “Another Light.” More on Sakchin Bessette in an upcoming issue. The illumination of Montreal’s Jacques-Cartier bridge took place a few days after his presentation.
The May 8 keynote presentation was “ART: Illuminating Cities,” by artist Janet Echelman who spoke about her work and her lighting sculptures. Choreographed by wind and light, her art shifts from being an object you look at, to a living environment you can get lost in. You will be able to experience this in Montreal this summer at a special installation.
The third keynote speaker on May 9 was Dr. Michio Kaku, a theoretical physicist, best-selling author and co-founder of the string field theory, who presented a session entitled, “The Next 20 Years: How Science Will Revolutionize Business, Medicine, Architecture, Lighting and Our Way of Life.” We had no doubts about the future during his presentation.
Design and innovation awards
Before the official opening of LFI 2017 on May 8, Eaton announced the winners of the 40th Annual Source Awards Lighting Design Competition. Six professional awards and seven student awards were presented.
The annual competition, which began in 1977, focuses on furthering the understanding, knowledge and function of lighting as a primary element in design, and requires the predominant use of lighting and controls products from Eaton’s lighting solutions. Entries are judged on aesthetics, creativity and technical performance in addressing specific lighting needs while meeting project constraints and design concept goals.
“We congratulate the talented winners of this year’s Source Awards competition, our 40th year of celebrating lighting design,” said Kraig Kasler, president, Eaton’s Lighting Division. “The outstanding quality of work from the professional winners features a diverse group of architectural projects including a dynamic library, a historical museum, a beautiful private residence and the successful energy-efficient upgrades of a college hall; an operations and maintenance facility; and a city’s underpass. For our winning students, we hope their impressive work will inspire them towards a career in lighting.”
Congratulations to Canadian Paul D. Mercier and his partner Kimberly R. Mercier for their two honourable mentions for Calgary’s 1st Street SW Underpass project and Brooklyn, NY’s Cuny Brooklyn College Whitehead Hall. To see the all the winning projects, visit http://thelightingresource.eaton.com.
Preceding and setting the stage for the trade show opening, the LFI Innovation Awards were presented on May 9. There were 255 entries in 14 categories, and each submission had been judged by an independent panel of lighting professionals. These awards highlighted the industry’s most innovative products and designs introduced during the last 12 months. (See the winners in the June 23 issue of LDS.)
Two forums — IoT & Smart Lighting and Light & Health
The IoT & Smart Lighting Forum on May 10 explored the benefits of connectivity that drive lighting and technology ahead. The very well attended session discussed connected lighting, intelligent buildings, facility design, cyber security, and city impact. Also on May 10, the Light & Health Forum outlined the impact of light on biological health and well-being, and addressed current issues such as the potential for blue light as a hazard. Sessions covered research, blue light, independent living facility design, 24-hour lighting environments and hospital lighting.
… And more
The industry is without doubt opening up to young professionals and women. On May 10, two young professional events took place: “Student and Emerging Professionals Roundtable” and “The Young and the (Not So) Restless: How Emerging Professionals Can Impact the Industry,” with moderator Paul Tarricone, IES, Editor/Publisher of LD+A magazine.
On the last day of LFI, May 11, the highly-attended women in lighting series celebrated its third year with “The Work/Life Balancing Act: Expectations & Communication across Generations.” Interesting avenues were discussed and I will share them with pleasure with all the members of our industry.
LFI 2018 will be at the McCormick Place in Chicago, May 6-10.
Line Goyette is Managing Editor of LDS; linegoyette@kerrwil.com
