Living Light - Zumtobel Group

LIVING
LIGHT
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
OUR MISSION AND VISION
Light is part of life, like the air we breathe and the
water we drink. Not only does the right light help us
to see clearly, it also enhances our perception of the world,
it can also create a sense of well-being and help us
lead healthy lives. In fact we have only just begun to understand all that light can do and how important it is.
All the people whose statements appear in this
book are united by their enthusiasm for light. That is why
they work for the Zumtobel Group. In line with the
book’s title, Living Light, they have dedicated their working
lives to light. And by showing curiosity and commitment
as they explore what can be achieved with light, they also
enrich light through their lives.
What does light do to us? How much light do we
need? How does light transform a space into the setting
we want? How can it help us act more responsibly and
be kinder to the environment? These are just some of the
aspects we will encounter in this book through people
and their work.
Each individual stands for one facet of the Zumtobel
Group’s global network with its extensive pool of
resources for our customers to draw upon. Our close collaboration doesn’t just create solutions for individual
lighting needs. As we share experiences with our partners,
new products and new ideas take root as well.
The ongoing technology shift in the lighting industry
is highly dynamic. It opens up great opportunities for
us to innovate with light and design memorable lighting
experiences. Just as focused light consists of many
individual rays, so the Zumtobel Group’s success is also the
success of the many people behind our three brands
and their joint efforts. Standing for our entire workforce, the
people on the following pages present the highlights
of their work. Let our passion for light inspire you and join us as
we take lighting beyond illumination.
2015
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
“Light unites technological innovation with the captivating
power of appealing to our emotions. That’s why I find it
so unique. I have the good fortune to have as my opposite
number on the Supervisory Board Mr. Zumtobel, who at
seventy-eight is still exceptionally open to new things. That
means we can implement the changes the market expects
with great efficiency.
It’s clear to me that light is becoming a service – a
complete package including planning, installation and maintenance. We have to build a bridge between our innovative
technologies and the emotions of the customer we are aiming
to thrill with our lighting solutions. Everyone knows they
feel better when the sun is shining. We have to show them that
good lighting can make them feel the same way. And to
achieve that, we need the knowledge and expertise of every
employee. It’s the only way we can make a real contribution
to shaping the future of light.”
“The dynamic of a sunset that lights up the full
spectrum of colours in the sky – above Lake Constance
or in the mountains.”
ULRICH SCHUMACHER
Chief Executive Officer, Zumtobel Group, Dornbirn, Austria
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
“I once heard an excellent presentation by Ettore Sottsass
at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. He
said that no matter what you do, every product must have a
story. Because everybody loves a good story. That’s why
even the Bible is full of parables.
Every product has its own story. This applies equally
to Zumtobel, Thorn and Tridonic. More often than not, new
products are born from an experience that results in
somebody wanting something which doesn’t yet exist in that
form. But by the time it reaches completion, the product
will have gone through many hands, will have touched innumerable lives. Ideas don’t take shape overnight. As this
book shows, they are underpinned by a genesis emerging
from many different people. They all play their part as
our company – which itself emerged from a story, the story
of my family – continues to release products that light
up our lives.”
“The wonderful contrast between snow and shade
when skiing in Vorarlberg on a sunny day in March.”
JÜRG ZUMTOBEL
Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Zumtobel Group, Dornbirn, Austria
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
WE TAKE LIGHTING BEYOND ILLUMINATION.
We give the world new ways of using light,
above and beyond current applications.
We believe that light is vital to everyone’s life.
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
“Light is always there, so we often think of so-called
natural light as something non-negotiable and monolithic.
And yet we only see light when it shines on something, like
some form of cultural expression. At the same time, one
thing we have to put up with in the modern world is increasing levels of light everywhere we look. That’s why, for
my Riverbed exhibition at the Louisiana Museum of Modern
Art, I used Zumtobel luminaires to try and make the light
itself invisible, both hiding it and making it omnipresent.
Completely devoid of shadows, so visitors lose any sense of
the time of day, just like the ground of the riverbed under
their feet.”
“Investing in darkness takes courage.”
ÓLAFUR ELÍASSON
Artist, Studio Ólafur Elíasson, Berlin, Germany
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
“Unfortunately, lighting design is still not assigned sufficient importance in the building process. That’s why
Zumtobel is investing in the visionary project of getting people
excited about light. You don’t do this by focusing on the
luminaires – although of course you ultimately have to sell
them as well. You have to start with the concept, the cultural mission of interior design. We are training people to
appreciate the aesthetic aspects of light.”
“Above all I love the soft blue haze as dusk
approaches.”
GUDRUN SCHACH
Director Lichtforen Germany, Austria, Swiss, Zumtobel and Thorn, Dornbirn, Austria
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
“We are currently in the process of exploring and developing light’s potential as the new data carrier. Similar to
Wi-Fi, the IT world will have the opportunity to use light for
purposes that go beyond illumination. The infrastructure
of light plays an important role in the collection of sensory
data from the Internet of Things. Holograms create a virtual
user interface that surrounds us completely. The concept of
assisted reality will shape our future. And the Zumtobel
Group has been part of these developments from the very
beginning.”
“I discovered my favourite light at the age of 11,
when I used my mother’s hairspray to see the light beams
coming off a disco ball.”
KARL JONSSON
IoT Architect, R&D, Tridonic, Rancho Santa Margarita, USA
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
“As an element, light has more dimensions than you
would think. The way light modulates over time is only
the beginning. We should treat light just as we treat air or
water. Every person is entitled to good light, just as he
or she is entitled to pure drinking water or clean air. These
elements are fundamental to our quality of life. We are
adversely affected by light pollution – we just aren’t aware
of it yet. The right light can help us learn better or
recover more quickly. Whenever light activates the right neurotransmitters, we have a sense of well-being. The quality
of light is crucial to our future. This is how we interpret the
Zumtobel Group’s mission to take lighting beyond illumination – as a social responsibility to set a shining example.”
“On a moonless May night in the desert of Arizona, for
the first time ever I saw the Milky Way in a completely
clear sky: A stream of billions of stars. Everyone should
experience absolute darkness once in their lives – so
they can appreciate this beauty.”
ROGIER VAN DER HEIDE
Chief Design & Marketing Officer, Zumtobel Group, Dornbirn, Austria and Amsterdam, Netherlands
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
“After 25 years, our collaboration with Zumtobel has
reached a point where it could almost be called a new
species of partnership. We have come to exchange know­
ledge as if we belonged to the same company. What unites
us is a shared desire to push the limits. Who else would be
a suitable partner to implement the Galleria project in
Seoul – the world’s largest LED-façade? We understand that
light has gone digital: it’s not just light, but information,
data and more. The future of light far exceeds what we could
ever imagine. We thought that light would bring us insight
into darkness, but light actually enables us to exchange
knowledge. Light is intelligent.”
“The most interesting light source I’m currently
working with is my computer.”
BEN VAN BERKEL
Founder/Principal Architect UNStudio, UNStudio, Amsterdam, Netherlands
THORN
THORN
WE MAKE GREAT LIGHTING AVAILABLE TO ALL.
We strive to deliver high-performance lighting.
We want to be the preferred partner of our
customers for cost-effective solutions that are
sustainable and digitally integrated.
THORN
“I am fascinated by the advanced technology of the
street lantern project we are currently implementing here
in Copenhagen. The varying uplight of Thorn’s “Thor”
luminaire tells drivers whether they are on a main road, a
side road with no right of way, or a byroad.”
“The light of the historical copper lanterns around
the Palace in Copenhagen.”
KENNETH AASTRUP
Managing Director, Citelum, Copenhagen, Denmark
THORN
“The indoor cycling track at the velodrome in Tseung
Kwan O is the first of its kind in Hong Kong. The wooden
circuit will be used for the East Asian Games and even
complies with Olympic standards. For its lighting, Thorn provided a vertical lighting system which is suitable for HDTV
and can also be dimmed for other purposes. TV broadcasting
required additional horizontal lighting so as to create uniform light. I am proud to have been part of the project team.”
“The sun rising from the Yellow Sea across Hong
Kong Bay, with the islands barely visible in the mist.”
DENNIS FUNG
Senior Manager, Commercial & Government Project Division, Thorn, Hong Kong
THORN
“The spectacular arch spanning the new Wembley
Stadium, which has always been illuminated by Thorn, now
belongs to the fans – at least symbolically. For the final
between Chelsea and Tottenham, fans were able to send a
message via Twitter to vote for their club’s colours. On
match day, the arch was lit in the colours of the club that
received more votes. Three words that provide a fantastic
example of interactivity and how to integrate the public in
a lighting dialogue: #OwnTheArch.”
“The Arne Jacobsen luminaires with their wonderfully curved design in one of the old Wembley diners.”
IAIN MACRAE
Head of Global Lighting Applications Management, Thorn, Chalfont St. Peter, UK
THORN
“Thorn is a powerful brand with a strong character that
has managed to stay at the very top because the right
decision was taken in a fiercely competitive market: to invest
in what distinguishes it from other brands – well-qualified
staff and outstanding technology.”
“The Northern Lights I saw some years ago in Kiruna,
Lapland’s northernmost town.”
JOHN HOGAN
Chief Executive Officer, Rexel UK, Birmingham, UK
THORN
“Every time I drive to Charles de Gaulle Airport for a
new project, I pass the Thorn luminaires installed by us,
guarding the access road to the airport like reliable watchmen. And I am happy that I have the good fortune to be
able to enjoy the fruits of my labour.”
“A very early sunrise over the Egyptian desert near
Saqqara after a sleep-deprived night of jet lag.”
CHRISTOPHE DURAND
Segment Manager Outdoor Functional Lighting, Thorn, Les Andelys, France
TRIDONIC
TRIDONIC
WE OFFER THE DEFINITIVE SOLUTION
TO MAKE ANY LIGHTING SMART,
CONNECTED AND EFFICIENT.
By offering a holistic architecture of hardand software that is easy to use, we empower
our customers to make their lighting smarter,
more exciting and more sustainable.
TRIDONIC
“As early as 2006, Tridonic’s revolutionary power switch
contributed to significant energy savings in road lighting.
Automatic dimming times could be programmed from the
switch cabinet for the entire street via the supply line. We’ll
use this same principle in our new Premium Outdoor series
– benefiting both our customers and the environment. It
makes me proud that at Tridonic, we can reapply smart concepts that are successful over several generations of pro­
ducts. It gives you the feeling of being part of a bigger story.”
“Moonrise seen from the Karren, our local mountain
in Dornbirn.”
JEANETTE GAEDKE
Segment Manager Outdoor, Tridonic, Dornbirn, Austria
TRIDONIC
“My first job at Tridonic was to develop a system concept
for LED bulbs. For the thermal simulations I was working
closely with Pier Angelo Favarolo from Zumtobel. Ultimately,
we had just 24 days in December to get from our first
sketch – a kind of rough draft – to a production-ready design.
Together we succeeded – it was like giving ourselves a
Christmas present. Today, I work on the integration of components into such systems every day.”
“Every organism living on earth has the same
reference for luminosity. Evolution automatically draws
us towards sunlight.”
ISTVÁN BAKK
Project Manager Light Engines, Tridonic, Jennersdorf, Austria
TRIDONIC
“When I started working for Tridonic, I still used to solder
together the chains we produced for the lighting – the
P511, that was – by hand. Then I personally sealed them,
checked them under a blue lamp, wrapped them up, and
sent them off to the customer. I still draw on this experience
in my current job in quality assurance, because I know
the products from the ground up. I think it’s a sign of a good
company when you are able to make use of everything you
have ever learnt.”
“I went on a cruise once. There is nothing like the
sunset out at sea.”
ELISABETH SORGER
Team Leader Assembly, Tridonic, Jennersdorf, Austria
TRIDONIC
“Tridonic gives the lighting industry what it needs to
produce beautiful light. What we do is usually invisible,
just like the engine under the bonnet that provides the driving
force behind it all. And we keep growing and developing.
One of our key words for the future is “connectivity”. In recent
years, Tridonic has helped the countries of Europe save
40 percent of the energy consumed by lighting. That’s good
performance.”
“My favourite light hasn’t been invented yet:
the light that makes me look good when I’m shaving.”
DAVID BARNBY
Vice President Global Sales, Tridonic, Dornbirn, Austria
ZUMTOBEL
ZUMTOBEL
WE EMPOWER EVERYBODY TO ENJOY THE
SUPERIOR LIGHT THAT WE ALL LOVE SO MUCH.
Around the world, we build close relationships with the
most talented architects and designers.
Combined with our knowledge and innovation, this
enables us to enrich everybody’s life with lighting that
is purposeful and inspiring.
ZUMTOBEL
“Mellow Light was the name of one of my first projects.
Using a wide-area reflector behind the light source and
a perforated sheet below, we had succeeded in creating
an appealing, soft, uniform light. The product was subsequently further enhanced and standardised. It still exists
today – in its fifth generation. The perfect symbol of
sustainability and tradition at Zumtobel.”
“When I’m mountaineering and brilliant sunlight
finally floods the grey dawn sky.”
MARTIN JUSSEL
Project Manager Technology, Zumtobel, Dornbirn, Austria
ZUMTOBEL
“CRAFT’s tailored light geometry address common
issues in spaces such as warehouse bays and open plan
factories: it reduces light overlaps and shadows, providing
a uniformity of light which will increase the safety and
wellbeing of people working in these areas. This innovative
product is also easy-to-install and practically maintenancefree – making it perfect to use in buildings with high ceilings.”
“The sunset, when the sun has just disappeared
and the sky glows in shades of purple and orange.”
FLORENCE LAM
Global Lighting Leader, Arup, London, UK
ZUMTOBEL
“In the polygonal luminaire, developed by Zumtobel
in collaboration with our Italian architects from Park Associati
as a perfect mirror reflection of the building where it is
used, you see a type of technical and aesthetic sophistication
that is rare these days. The two elements of the IBLA
luminaire combine precise task light with indirect lighting of
the ceiling.”
“The sunset glow in front of the monastery of the
holy mountain of Kazbek in Georgia. A campfire.”
HEINER OBERRAUCH
President of Oberalp-Salewa-Group, Oberalp/Salewa, Bolzano, Italy
ZUMTOBEL
“Currently I am in charge of the Tecton C LED continuousrow luminaire, from concept to finished product. I find it a
fitting symbol of Zumtobel because its clever features set it
apart from other products – which is typical of the brand.
Also, its new length of two meters instead of one and a half
is market-changing in a positive way: producing the
same amount of light much more economically with fewer
luminaires.”
“Natural phenomena like sunlight penetrating
layers of mist in the forest, creating fascinating lighting
scenarios.”
ANDREAS FUSSENEGGER
Product Manager Industry Applications, Zumtobel, Dornbirn, Austria
ZUMTOBEL
“While we were working on the Elbe Philharmonic
project with architects Herzog & De Meuron, the discussion
turned to a suitable luminaire for the concert hall. We
went into the all-important sales talk with our final sample
– a gorgeous glass sphere, hand-blown by a lighting
artist. It was then that I knew that the all the hard work of
the last years had paid off for all of us. A few weeks later,
we were awarded the contract.”
“The light of the 1,200 spheres installed in the
concert hall – like a sky of countless suns.”
NICOLE DRONG
Sales Manager, Zumtobel, Hamburg, Germany
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
OUR BRANDS FORM A LIGHTING ECOSYSTEM.
Around the world we share inspiration, new technology
and human talent.
As a team, we leverage our multi-brand portfolio to
create unique value for our customers.
Our solutions are cost-effective and sustainable, and
they put human needs first.
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
“Working with Zumtobel and Thorn is about more than
just professional reliability. In their dealings with customers,
they do everything possible to create a relaxed atmosphere.
This not only means you get to know each other better,
but also results in a substantial improvement in the working
relationship. I believe this is a key factor in the success of
large projects such as the King Abdulaziz International Airport
in Jeddah.”
“The sunset over the Mediterranean Sea, seen from
the Café del Mar in Ibiza. Pavarotti on the turntable.”
SHAUN MOLLOY
Project Quantity Surveyor, Areen Design, London, UK
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
“Our work at Dubai Airport has shown me that the reason
we never lose a project to a competitor – even in the most
difficult stages – is the synergy between the Zumtobel Group’s
three brands. It enables us to offer alternatives to existing
solutions faster and more comprehensively, from lounge mood
lights to floodlights.”
“A sunrise over the desert gives you the unique
feeling of the world being reborn.”
KEVIN LANDER
Senior Vice President MEIA-CAT, Zumtobel and Thorn, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
“The negotiations following the Euroshop trade fair in
Düsseldorf in February 2011 soon convinced me that
Zumtobel would be the perfect partner for my projects at
SPAR. Deadlines were met and efficiency was boosted by
30 percent energy saving. And the perfect interplay between
the Zumtobel Group’s brands has delivered quality directional lighting in our supermarkets: the spotlight incorporates
LED modules by Tridonic, while the continuous-row lighting
system features new, highly efficient converters.”
“I love the diffuse light given off by an open fire.”
GERALD GEIGER
Area manager building & energy, SPAR Österreichische Warenhandels-AG, Salzburg, Austria
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
“The decision to do advance testing of the lighting
concept for the Bahrain race track in the grounds of our luminaire plant in Usingen turned out to be a stroke of
genius. Working with the product manager from France and
the project manager from England, we tested lighting
solutions involving various luminaires. Right here in the middle
of Germany, we simulated the colourful illumination of
rock formations and palm trees. We used prototypes of Thorn’s
Contrast2 LED luminaire, which was just being launched,
with diffusing filters developed to customer specifications.
And we got exactly the effect we were looking for. This
experience gave the designers the assurance they needed to
confidently – and successfully – present the solution on
site in Bahrain a few weeks later.”
“A childhood memory from my hometown – light
reflecting off the water onto a Roman bridge. The light
seemed to dance magically on the otherwise dark
surface of the bridge’s arch.”
HERBERT WESSIN
Project Manager at International Projects, Zumtobel and Thorn, Dornbirn, Austria
ZUMTOBEL GROUP
THE VALUES WE ALL SHARE
PASSION
We passionately shift lighting beyond illumination.
We enjoy working with great people.
We take initiatives and encourage each other.
PERFORMANCE
We always strive for excellence.
We deliver sustainable value.
We embrace the opportunities that come with change.
PARTNERSHIP
We put our customers first.
We are curious. We team up to learn and discover.
We believe in long-term relationships.
PUBLISHER
Zumtobel Group AG
Schweizerstrasse 30
6850 Dornbirn
Austria
Project Management
Astrid Kühn-Ulrich
Eva Lechleitner
Concept and Design
Studio Achermann
LIGHT PHOTOS
Lightdesign
Rogier van der Heide
Light and Engeneering
Achim Straub
Spotlights/Luminaires
Arcos 2 xpert LED
Arcos 3 LED
Hedera B RGB
Intro Litecarve®
Supersystem
Photographer
Florian Holzherr
PORTR AIT PHOTOS
Photographer
Oliver Helbig, Nacho Alegre
Text
Eckhart Nickel
Translation
Paul Boothroyd
Alyssa Schmitt
Litho
PX1 Berlin
Print
Eberl Print
Special thanks to our partners and customers for their support
Areen Design Services Ltd, London, UK
Arup, London, UK
Citelum Groupe EDF, Copenhagen, Denmark
Salewa-Oberalp Group, Bolzano, Italy
Rexel UK Limited, Birmingham, UK
SPAR Österreichische Warenhandels-AG, Salzburg, Austria
Studio Ólafur Elíasson, Berlin, Germany
UNStudio, Amsterdam, Netherlands
WWW.THORNLIGHTING.COM
WWW.TRIDONIC.COM
WWW.ZUMTOBEL.COM
WWW.ZUMTOBELGROUP.COM
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