Englisch - TRILUX Simplify Your Light
Transcription
Englisch - TRILUX Simplify Your Light
3lux:letters The Architecture Magazine 2 | 2009 Light in the Exterior Space 2 | 2009 NEW LIGHT | ARCHITECTURE | TECHNOLOGY New Light for greater energy efficiency. TRILUX Lumega 600. Light in the Exterior Space More than Purely Lighting Light as Designer Designing Architecture with Light Every luminaire from TRILUX is more than just light. For instance, the TRILUX Lumega 600: The newest member of the Lumega family makes all streets shine like brand new. With its enormous savings potential, it is impressive especially with regard to refurbishment projects. That alone is actually reason enough for the TRILUX Lumega 600 – were it not for the high degree of protection, the possibility of changing lamps without tools and adjusting the luminaire‘s angle, its flexible installation, photometrically optimised system, and, and, and. In short: everything that makes it New Light. www.trilux.co.uk Light to Read Practice of Exterior Lighting 02 | 03 EDITORIAL 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 4 11 24 Title page: Clear lines in the architecture of façades demand a clear design in the exterior space: The TRILUX Lionda luminaire fits excellently into the Barcelona City of Justice planned by David Chipperfield Architects. Photo: Boris Golz, Arnsberg Dear Readers, we have come to the end of a turbulent year 2009 which has brought upheavals in many areas. Yet we, the TRILUX employees, have simultaneously seen this year as a chance – a chance for a shining future where much can be accomplished. We have been able to lay cornerstones for this in many places. Thus we have, to give just one example, published a second edition of the TRILUX handbook “Beleuchtungspraxis Außenbeleuchtung” (Practice of Exterior Lighting) and presented it in a road show on the topic of “exterior lighting” all over Germany this autumn. You will get a first impression of the voluminous work in the chapter lux:service. With this handbook, we are continuing a tradition we have had since our beginnings and which will continue to be part of our company philosophy: We gladly and substantially help with words and deeds in issues around the element of light. You will also find numerous useful tips in the current issue of the 3lux:letters, this time – consistent with the dark season – we want to focus on the topic of “Light in the Exterior Space”. To give you an introduction to the subject, we succeeded in winning the renowned art and architecture historian Professor Dietrich Neumann who contributed an article on the history of street lighting in the 20th century. In the chapter lux:reflexion, in this issue again three light experts answered our questions. You will learn something about the light planning in built architecture in lux:architecure, with exemplary projects by David Chipperfield Architects and Störmer Murphy Architects , amongst others. Did you ever ask yourself whether a white or a yellow light is better for the outside space? Our lighting experts will provide you with answers to these and other questions. Further exciting contributions from art and culture show how multifaceted urban lighting can be. We wish you a pleasant read! PS: Do you have questions or suggestions regarding our magazine? Please send an e-mail to: [email protected]. Yours sincerely Dietmar Zembrot, Sales and Marketing Director 31 41 33 43 LIGHT IN THE EXTERIOR SPACE 04 VIEWS Incredible Bulb; Wonderlux; shop design “Snog Soho” in London; Light Wind; Dark Sky Park; Light-Art Laboratory for Children; Char No. 4 in Brooklyn; Cordula; Switch in Dubai; White Lounge Mayrhofner on the Ahorn Plateau 06 STATEMENT Transforming architecture. By Daniel Liewald, leucht-werk Kunstlichtprojektionen 08 HISTORY TRILUX Linear luminaire street lighting system of 1953 09 READING Three books recommended by the editorial board 10 SPOT Light as Designer. By Prof. Dietrich Neumann 14 IMPRESSION Nature’s Light and Man’s Light 18 REFLECTION Answers from Prof. Matthias Kohler (Gramazio & Kohler, Zurich), Daniel Klages (Dinnebier Licht, Wuppertal) and Jason Bruges (Jason Bruges Studio, London) 22 ARCHITECTURE law district in Barcelona, David Chipperfield Architects, London; DKV Versicherung in Cologne, Störmer Murphy and Partners, Hamburg; Friedrichstraße in Bonn, Town Planning Service, Public Services, Bonn 36 SERVICE Practice of Exterior Lighting; LED conversion set; About Materials: Intelligent reflector form; Planers ask, Manufacturers answer: white or yellow lighting? 40 TRILUX 42 ART TRILUX on Tour; Tree of Light Life 01, Paul Cocksedge; Light Blubs, Pieke Bergmans; Monuments of Switzerland, Gerry Hofstetter; Field of Light, Bruce Munro 46 CURIOSITY Invasion of Technology in Sao Paulo 47 SOURCE (Brief) History of Street Lighting 47 Imprint VIEWS 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 The Incredible Bulb luminaire by Ben Wirth pays tribute to the classic light bulb with a filament thanks to a clever reflection of light. Incredible Bulb 2009 Ben Wirth www.benwirth.de Wonderlux 2009 Ingo Maurer www.ingo-maurer.com Photo: Tom Vack Photo: Robert Pupeter A true alternative: Wonderlux is the name of the newly developed illuminant by lighting designer Ingo Maurer. A forest of illuminated glass spheres decorates the ceiling of the yoghurt ice cream parlour. Sensible or not: The EU regulation regarding the prohibition of the classic light bulb is being above all emotionally discussed since, according to designer Ben Wirth, the bulb with its glowing filament substituted for the fire in our rooms. Ingo Maurer even goes as far as calling for civil disobedience and protesting because so much life quality would be lost to man in the form of the light bulb. But both already have a smarter alternative to annoyance and resistance: The Incredible Bulb halogen lamp by Ben Wirth is to be understood as an homage to the beloved bulb, with light reflections producing a fictional light source instead of the former filament. Ingo Maurer, however, presents us with a real substitute for the bulb: Wonderlux with a hidden light-emitting diode in its base can be screwed directly into the traditional E27 sockets. The healthy snack for the nutrition- and trend-conscious Londoner is called Snog. The chain of the same name sells the frozen, low-fat organic yoghurt, sweetened only with fructose, and courts its customers not last with a sophisticated design concept. The London office Cinimodstudio (interior architecture and lighting design) planned the lighting installation in the meanwhile three branches. Particularly the store in Soho, London’s traditional in-district, shines in changing colour moods: 700 glass spheres lit by LEDs form the sky of the new Snog store. The small sales room with the glass façade visible from afar is dominated by a white, back-lit counter and a pink back wall and is furnished with the Moroso Shitake stools by the Dutch designer Marcel Wanders. The Snog in Soho sells organic pure frozen yoghurt with various sauces. Matching them is the changing play of colours on the suspended installation. Photos: Cinimod Studio 04 | 05 shop design “Snog Soho” Cinimod Studio, London www.cinimodstudio.com Light Wind Demakersvan Dimensions (L x W x H): 215 x 38 x 240 cm Materials: stainless steel, wood, canvas www.demakersvan.com The Light Wind outdoor luminaire uses exclusively the energy of the wind to supply the electricity for the integrated LEDs for the whole night. Photo: Ingmar Cramers Inspired by the windmills of their home country, the young trio of designers Demakersvan from the Netherlands developed an innovative outdoor luminaire. It succeeds in combining modern lighting technology with Dutch design and the latest technology for using renewable energy. Like a windmill, Light Wind also uses the energy of the wind. Onto the selfsupporting construction of stainless steel, wood and canvas, a propeller is attached which has diameter of an impressive two metres. Every breeze causes a turn of the rotor blades makes it possible to generate and store energy for the luminaire’s autarkic power system. Atmospheric light and the extraordinary appearance make the outdoor luminaire a striking eyecatcher in the landscape. Photo: Craig Mayhew, Robert Simmon, NASA GSFC Dark Sky Park www.darksky.ch www.lichtverschmutzung.de Photo: Fotolia Night on Earth: On the satellite picture by the NASA, the large agglomerations in Europe are easy to discern. On the other hand, from numerous cities only isolated stars can still be seen. The habitats of many animals and plants are meanwhile endangered – especially the family of the moths which circle around the many artificial lights and burn to death instead of foraging and reproducing. “Light pollution” is the catchword of an international movement of stargazers and environmentalists. They advocate deliberate and efficient illumination of the exterior space in cities and want to make simple tips for environment-friendly lighting concepts available to planners. Not only insects and migratory birds are threatened by the light, in many places it has not been possible to see the stars for a long time now. Some communities have already developed guidelines for the considerate use of outdoor lighting. The environmentalists also stand up for establishing so-called Dark Sky Parks, zones with no or very little nocturnal illumination. The UNESCO as well presently discusses starlight reserves: In Tekapo in New Zealand, a pilot project for astronomers is being planned. Interactive experiment stations such as the colourful light showers fascinate the young visitors. Right in time for the start of the dark season, the Art Museum in Celle again opens its light-art laboratory for children. Last winter, already more than 3,000 little explorers visited the museum where there is only one rule: Please touch! With the help of various experiments, the young museum visitors are playfully familiarized with the theme of light art and the scientific foundations of light. Different stations such as the fascinating light aquarium in the tent, the cryptic neon writing or the colourful light showers can be tested, touched and admired. All this is to make it possible to experience the important role light plays in our everyday life. With the publication “Lichtkunst für Kinder” edited by the museum (lux:READING page Seite 9) the experiments can then be continued at home. Light-Art Laboratory for Children until 28th March 2010 Art Museum Celle with Collection Robert Simon Schlossplatz 7, Celle www.kunst.celle.de Photos: Kunstmuseum Celle mit Sammlung Robert Simon The glittering forest of prisms consisting of numerous shiny CD blanks and prisms playfully demonstrates the laws of optics. VIEWS 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 The light falls warm and friendly from the restaurant into the street. This restaurant with a bar in the New York district of Brooklyn is wholly dedicated to whiskey. Even the name points to it: Char is used to burn out the whiskey casks and gives the drink its colour and its smoky taste. Brown to amber, like the whiskey itself, is the colour scheme of the bar, the language of forms of the lowered cylindrical luminous objects in the interior reminds of wooden vats. The luminaires lower the noise level, provide evenly warm light and structure the high rooms. The structure of the façade as well is modelled on studded oak vats. Looking at this showcase makes the decision difficult. More than 200 different kinds of whiskey are on the list of the Char No 4. Photos: Albert Vecerka Char No. 4 Restaurant, Whiskeybar, Brooklyn Architects: Berman Horn Studio www.charno4.com STATEMENT Daniel Liewald leucht-werk Kunstlichtprojektionen Nina & Daniel Liewald Tübingen www.leucht-werk.de Photo: Kulturnacht Göppingen, 2009 Light in the outside space can of course be very useful so we don’t fall into a dark ditch in a pitch-black night. But light in the outside space can also offer the possibility to influence and re-design the look of architecture at a later date. The major part of the buildings in the inner-city exterior space was conceived and built for daylight. The construction is thereby “a child of its time” and, as a rule, static. At a later date, it can hardly be changed or only under protest of the builders. This is different once the sun has set. Then an inexhaustible playing field may open up which creates immense, almost endless possibilities of design. In the simplest case, one can use this leeway to stress and accentuate specific features which already exist and are also visible during the day. In Transforming architecture a further step, one can search with the help of light for further aspects of the architecture: those which were not intended or had not even become manifest before. If one intensifies this approach, one is given the freedom and has the chance to leave all the intentions originally linked with the structure behind and to newly invent the outside appearance. With the help of light, at night the building undergoes a transformation into a completely new object. And yet I love walking down unlit roads which do not reveal themselves at first glance and keep their secrets. Photo: leucht-werk 06 | 07 Photos: Hannes Geipel, Andreas Velten The search for utensils which stand out due to their optimum function with minimum use of material led Stephanie Jasny to the construction site. The functional design of the tools and devices which can be found there and their high demand on durability and safety inspired the young designer for her Cordula concept. It was her goal to combine a cable drum and a construction spotlight into a design object without denying their origin. With its ten-metre cord (hence the name Cordula), the luminaire can also be flexibly used far from the power source as a floor and table lamp. Alternatively, the cord is simply wound around the drum with the integrated ring of illuminants. As of January 2010, the luminaire will be commercially available. Cordula W. and Cordula S.: The powder-coated steel frame is also available in matt black with a cyan cord. The joint makes it possible to pivot the luminaire 90 degrees and thus use it even more flexibly. Cordula Stephanie Jasny 2008 Dimensions (L x W x H): 276 x 260 x 400 mm www.stephaniejasny.com The wall- and ceiling cladding of fibreglass surrounds the visitors like a wave. The varied play of colours is produced by luminaires installed behind the panels. Upon entering the restaurant, the visitor seems to penetrate an organic cave in the house which looks like a gorge. Photos: Karim Rashid, Inc. Switch Restaurant in Dubai by Karim Rashid Opened in February 2009 www.meswitch.com www.karimrashid.com Switch – the name of the restaurant by designer Karim Rashid in the Dubai Mall gives a hint: Several times in the course of a day, the appearance of the restaurant changes due to the colourfully shining wall covering which flowingly alternate from pink to purple to green and yellow and then to red. With the exception of the lounge area, Karim Rashid covered the walls and the ceiling of the 200-square-metre store with wavy fibreglass elements for whose shape he took his inspiration from the sand dunes in the desert. In addition, glass surfaces backlit with LEDs decorate the restaurant: While on the floor wild, coloured lines run through the restaurant like a data flow, on the wall element quotations from Karim Rashid’s design philosophy are reproduced in Arabic writing. VIEWS 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 Despite the icy temperatures, the bar exudes warmth and cosiness. Photos: White Lounge White Lounge Mayrhofen Ahorn Plateau, Austria Planning lighting and electric engineering: BENSCHMIDT, Zell am Ziller www.benschmidt.at www.white-lounge.at In the Ahorn skiing region in Austria at 2,000 metres, one of the Alps’ most extraordinary accommodations and party locations was created: the White Lounge igloo hotel. The prestige object of the Mayrhofen mountain railway was to come completely into its own with a sophisticated lighting concept. To achieve this, extremely energy-saving LEDs were used whose clever positioning creates a cosy atmosphere and at the same time emphasizes the ice architecture. Accentuating stylistic features such as the bar or the light shining right through the bottles create the necessary tension. With a simple control of the luminaires, various colour gradients and light moods can be produced which makes a versatile utilization of the lounge possible. Architecture and works of art in ice are highlighted by the positioning of the luminaires, various colour gradiants provide the right mood. HISTORY “The TRILUX linear luminaire street-lighting system (patent pending) follows new avenues”. Already in 1953, the Arnsberg manufacturer advertised innovative street lighting. TRILUX Linear luminaire street lighting system 1953 Photos: TRILUX 08 | 09 Already since the year 1950, shortly after the plant in Neheim-Hüsten had been rebuilt, TRILUX had been working on a product range for outside luminaires. It was the time when in the luminaire industry there were intense discussions about the right illumination of the streets: experts were fighting about whether the diagonal or longitudinal direction of the linear luminaires was better. Until that time, street lighting consisted mainly of a selective arrangement. The fluorescent lamps introduced in Germany at the end of the 1940s at first did not change anything either. Due to their still quite weak luminous density, they were installed in rectangular boxes with often up to five lamps so the light from all the lamps formed a large luminous area diagonally to the direction of traffic. An arrange- ment in longitudinal direction was a completely new approach: With a cable system, they were arranged above the traffic lane. Thanks to specular reflectors, it was possible to equip each luminaire with only one fluorescent lamp and they could be placed like in a string of pearls one behind the other. The lower luminance per luminaire also resulted in less glare and thus in more safety in traffic. The higher costs for the elaborate support system could be compensated by the larger distances between the masts than in the case of simple tension ropes diagonally to the lane. As the specialist for linear luminaires, already at the beginning of the 1950s TRILUX brought a simple all-in-one system on the market which fitted the new street lighting. READING Lichtkunst für Kinder Juliane Baumann (author) Susanne McDowell, Robert Simon (editors) Published in 2009 by Kunstmuseum Celle 85 pages, various photos 22 x 22 cm, softcover, foldable cover German € 20,00 ISBN 978-3-925902-70-3 www.kunst.celle.de Jahrbuch Straßen- und Außenbeleuchtung 2010 Frank Lindemuth (editor) Published in 2009 by EW Medien und Kongresse GmbH, Frankfurt am Main 176 pages, numerous colour illustrations 11 x 15 cm, hardcover German € 29,80 ISBN 978-3-8022-0965-9 www.ew-online.de International Lighting Design Index 2010 Helmut M. Bien, Markus Helle (editors) Published in 2009 by avedition GmbH, Ludwigsburg 256 pages, 236 colour illustrations 20,5 x 20,5 cm, hardcover English € 49,90 | CHF 81,00 ISBN 978-3-89986-107-5 www.avedition.de In the context of its light art laboratory (see lux:VIEWS page 5), the Kunstmuseum Celle has published a light-art book for children which itself becomes a shimmering luminous object once the reader assembles the foldable cover into a box. On 85 pages, the art historian Juliane Baumann tries to familiarize children with light art – with illustrations, experiments and handicraft instructions as well as a concluding quiz on all the newly learnt information. With numerous ideas, children and parents are to be animated to do their own experiments. However, the very lovingly compiled book focuses more on the physical phenomenon of “light” than on aesthetics. “Whoever stops learning is old. No matter whether he is twenty or eighty.” In his foreword, editor Frank Lindemuth refers to this quotation of Henry Ford. Conceived for experts in operations and administrations, the Jahrbuch 2010 is, however, thanks to its numerous graphics and photos also interesting for laypersons as well and clearly laid-out. What, for instance, is behind mesopic seeing and which is the latest technology used for illuminating cities? The handy booklet each year makes an up-to-date contribution to the subject of street and exterior lighting. Twelve authors focus on the subjects of technology, development as well as guidelines and norms. Furthermore, the calendar in the middle part of the book provides the reader with information on exhibitions and events regarding this subject. Light is the construction material of the 21st century. Life rhythms spanning several time zones demand an architecture of the night. New technologies which respond to ecological challenges lead to a new dealing with light in the planned space. This volume presents architects, designers and artists who with their lighting concepts internationally determine the new trends. More than 100 projects are presented, each on a double-page spread, and the explanatory texts are exemplified with colour illustrations. The most important key data are clearly listed. The index at the end of the books makes it possible to quickly look up individual works and provides links for additional information on the subject of light. 10 | 11 SPOT 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 Light architecture initially took its first step in pure illumination such as in the lighting designed by the Luckhardt brothers (left). For the tower of the Chicago Tribune (right), light was already used for staging. LIGHT AS DESIGNER In the history of architecture, new materials have again and again led to new construction possibilities and thereby mostly also to the formation of a new architectural language. Artificial light, however, originally invented to illuminate interiors, in the 20th century quickly became an element of design and style. By Prof. Dietrich Neumann In an article for The Nation, the American critic Douglas by the latter. Since lighting solutions can be changed at any Haskell (1899–1979) in the midst of the Depression, in the time, or can even disappear without a trace, here the historians year 1932, noted down his thoughts on the architecture of the are wanted to keep awake the memory of the important role of future: “As long as anyone can remember, the architectural such illumination concepts. styles have been changing, but in this century, electrical light has been added. Far more than the well-known trio steel, glass The illuminated building and concrete, it fundamentally changed the basis of our archi- The twenties brought the first decisive discussions about formu- tecture.” Haskell’s observation paid tribute to the dynamic lating an architecture of light in Europe and the United States. developments of his time in the field of lighting architecture In Germany, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Erich Mendelsohn and envisioned a future when Haskell expected a specifically and the Luckhardt brothers tried not to put advertising and American, nocturnal modern age. especially neon signs in front or on top of their buildings but Seven years later, at the New York World Fair in 1939, the to integrate them. This suggested horizontally structured, introduction of the luminescent tube on a massive scale non-ornamented façades where lettering could be inserted together with the development of metal vapour lamps caused between the ribbon windows, or where shining areas of frosted far-reaching revolutions in the planning of architecture and glass or glass blocks stood contrasted with dark letters in cities and enlivened the theoretical debates on architectural front of them. This construction method certainly suited the lighting. Today, we are experiencing similarly radical changes prevalent design models of the modern age, but thinking of the of architectural lighting in the urban space where the LED appearance at night was an additional appeal. luminaires gaining ground in all areas to date serviced by light In the USA, after initial attempts before the First World War, bulbs and luminescent tubes promises completely new possi- the history begins with the illumination of the Wrigley Building bilities of planning and implementing lighting concepts. in Chicago in 1921 (Anderson Probst and White) which was This is a fitting occasion to look back on the relationship of completely illuminated by white floodlights and thus became artificial light and architecture, and particularly on the influ- one of the allegedly brightest spots on earth. In contrast to the ence which lighting planning has had on the development of moving advertising neon signs in Times Square in New York architectural forms. There are numerous cases where the which many considered vulgar, this form of floodlights did nocturnal illumination concept has influenced the appearance without words and was an elegant as well as effective alterna- of a building by day and sometimes becoming explainable only tive. The building was prepared by the architects for its noc- turnal role with terracotta siding becoming increasingly lighter produced materials, above all steel and glass, arrived in archi- towards the top to compensate for the weakening intensity of tecture. Since these materials only badly reflect light back the floodlight. When, shortly afterwards, the building of the into the street, the floodlights were replaced by new lighting Chicago Tribune was to be constructed diagonally opposite, the ideas: At night, the large windows allowed deep views into the international competition was won by a plan whose architect interior and thus for instance ceiling lighting could become Raymond Hood emphasized that he had designed the filigree a determining element of a nocturnal façade. It was visible gothic pinnacle in view of the nocturnal light effects. Together from the street and gave the passers-by an idea of the spatial with the lighting designer Bassett Jones, he rehearsed theatri- depth of the building. Examples of this are: Gordon Bunshaft’s cal light productions on the completed building, which went as Manufacturer’s Hanover Trust on 5th Avenue and the Seagram far as illuminated smoke bombs and rotating colour effects. Building by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1958). Even though the directors of the Chicago Tribune did not warm At that time, the profession of the lighting designer increas- to the concept of a nightly Twilight of the Gods, the contrast of ingly established itself. Names such as Richard Kelly and the two building regarding lighting technology is impressive. In Abe Feder, for instance, became known to a broader public. both cases, the architecture of the building had been modified Especially Richard Kelly’s works created a new understanding with regard to the nocturnal illumination. of the relationship of light and architecture. Kelly (1910–1977) At the same time, in the United States the offsets in the build- had studied architecture at Yale University and his probably ing cubature of the skyscrapers which, since the New York most important contribution was that he focussed attention Zoning Law, were to supply more daylight in the interiors, were away from the actual luminaires to the parts of a building being used as locations for spotlights. An autonomous aesthet- which were to reflect the light, to the walls, floors and ceilings, ics evolved with colourful cascades of light graded towards the and the reflection of their materials, while the source of light top which soon became the essence of a nocturnal, American itself was made invisible. Like many lighting designers of his modern age, just as Douglas Haskell had foreseen it. generation, Richard Kelly had learned a lot from theatre. From there, he brought the notion of precise light control, of colour Architectural light effects and changing moods created by lighting effects. Much After the Second World War, a new architectural language of what in the 1950s was given as advice to young American established itself where the offsets of the skyscrapers made homeowners when it came to interior lighting (of course with way for simpler, geometrical forms and new, industrially active support by General Electric and Westinghouse), may Photo: Prof. Dietrich Neumann 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 Glass façades like the one of the glass house designed by Philip Johnson (1949) were not easy to illuminate and thus the lighting planner Richard Kelly came up with a kind of indirect staging. Since the middle of the 20th century, during the night the interiors were often illuminated by luminous ceilings which made a look deep into the building possible and thus created a strong spatial impression. Photo: Gordon Bunshaft’s Manufacturer’s Hanover Trust (1954, left) and Seagram Building (1958, right), both in in New York, USA. today appear to us to be exaggerated and wasteful. But the becomes invisible since here as well luminaires light the floor lighting strategy with which Richard Kelly for instance trans- inside and outside from above. Light has become the decisive formed Philip Johnson’s famous glass house in New Canaan feature of the building. (1949) at night into a shining jewel and, at the same time, illuminated the interior completely reflection-free, will always Urban lighting today endure as a classic use of light. Spotlights at the outer edges of Young lighting designers, such as Jan and Tim Edler of the roof illuminated the ground around the building so the view realities:united or the office Mader, Stublic Wiermann in from inside to outside was not hindered and the large panes of Berlin, to this day are using Kelly’s profoundly architectural glass, which at night normally resemble black mirrors, were approach when developing a lighting concept. When Mader made transparent again. In addition, the surrounding trees Stublic Wiermann make the Uniqa Tower in Vienna glow with were transformed into fairytale stage sets by sunken ground dynamic sequences of light on the façade and at night make luminaires and floodlights from the roof. it appear to expand and wind, they thereby comment on the Mies van der Rohe’s Seagram Building in New York in any case fetish of rationality of the modern age. Similar to Kelly, the has an exceptional position in the street scenery of Park Avenue Edler brothers strive for a total integration of the lighting into in New York since, as the only office skyscraper, it allows itself the three-dimensional building volume, beyond just an effect a spacious forecourt and is elegantly and self-confidently set on the façade. They mostly work with white light and care- back from the curb. At night, however, the whole façade glows fully planned graphic and spatial effects. Whether it is Peter thanks to the shining ceiling luminaires which direct the glance Cook’s Kunsthaus (2005) in Graz, the visionary project for the into the depth on every floor and make it possible to experience Venice Biennale in 2006 or the lighting design for the com- the building as a three-dimensional structure. The large lobby petition plans by Norman Foster for the headquarters of the on the ground floor is perhaps the most amazing result of the Deutsche Bahn in Berlin (2008), their concept always deepens cooperation of Richard Kelly, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and and intensifies the understanding and the appearance of the Philip Johnson. Mi es had planned green, polished marble for architecture itself. the walls of the elevator shafts but Richard Kelly persuaded Today, LEDs allow an unlimited range of colours and quick him to use travertine. The floodlights set into the ceiling now colour changes, the illusion of movement and large-format make these light wall surfaces glow without a source of light screens for stills and films. The moving picture of the cinema becoming visible. The glass shell of the entrance hall almost is ideal for architecture in the urban space where brightly lit Photo: Arts of the United States Collection, University of Georgia (right) SPOT 12 | 13 “urban screens” make new utilizations of the public space possible at night as well as during the day. Critics have repeatedly stressed that the overwhelming impact of large, colourful and moving pictures on a façade may also be endangering our view of the architecture. Thus William Mitchell, media theorist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, recently rightly asked whether we do not need a new theoretical set of tool to help us clearly differentiate between the building and what is depicted on its skin. And Robert Campbell, architectural critic of the Boston Globe, thought aloud about whether the day might come when we can no longer distinguish between a façade and its digital simulation – or want to do so. When, in 1900, the art historian Julius Meier-Graefe was strolling at night in the grounds of the Paris World Fair, he made an astonishing discovery: after dark, the architectural lighting (which mainly consisted of long rows of light bulbs and occasional floodlights) reduced the buildings to their essential, linear elements and thus allowed a look at the architecture of Prof. Dietrich Neumann the future whose most important characteristics, he hoped, born in Göttingen in 1956, studied art history in Würzburg and then architecture at would be “concentration and size”. Since then, architectural the TU Munich as well as at the Architectural Association School of Architecture lighting has again and again been an important – but often in London. In 1988, he graduated with a Ph.D. in the history of architecture at the overlooked – factor in the design of buildings. Leaps in tech- TU in Munich. Since 1989, he has been teaching at Brown University, Providence/ nology such as the one we are experiencing at present have USA, and today is Professor in the Department of Architecture and Art History. given particularly strong new impulses to the relationship of His work is focussed on the architecture of the late 19th and early 20th century light and architecture. The last 110 years have indeed turned and he conceived numerous exhibitions on this period such as the one shown electrical light into one of the most important design element in Stuttgart and Rotterdam under the title “Luminous Buildings: Architecture of in modern architecture. the Night” and published essays on it. www.brown.edu 14 | 15 IMPRESSION 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 NATURE’S LIGHT Polar lights (northern lights, aurora borealis and southern lights, aurora australis) are effects which solar activity has on the earth. These light phenomena mostly occur in the polar region and for centuries have in most cultures been taken for activities of the gods or their messages to humans. Not until the year 1959 with the discovery of the solar wind and its movement along the magnetic field lines could the phenomenon be explained: At the geomagnetic poles, the solar wind penetrates the atmosphere and makes air molecules glow in colours. Photo: Olgier Andresson, Reykjavík/Iceland “The sun teaches all living beings the longing for light. But it is the night which raises us all to the stars.” Khalil Gibran (1883–1931), Lebanese-American poet, philosopher and painter 16 | 17 IMPRESSION 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 MAN’S LIGHT Let there be light! And there was light. Until a few centuries ago, night was the scene of the dealings of outlaws or mystical creatures, dangers were lurking everywhere. Night filled people with deep fear and only the fire in their home gave them a feeling of security. With the invention of artificial light, man extended his activities into the night and there is no longer any trace of the original fear. Today, the cities are shining brightly into the night which sometimes is felt to be too much and too bright. Thus what is wanted now is therefore efficiency instead of quantity. Photo: Urs Guggisberg, Hermrigen/Switzerland “The light bulb in a room which has become free of shadows has healed the attacks of nocturnal horrors far more thoroughly than for instance Voltaire.” Ernst Bloch (1885–1977), German neo-Marxist philosopher REFLECTION 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 LOOKED INTO 3lux:letters has asked three renowned lighting experts three questions on the topic of “Light in the Exterior”. Prof. Matthias Kohler Architect and town planner Gramazio & Kohler, Zurich The illumination of the streets and alleys significantly determines our image of a city. This makes the task of the lighting experts all the more of a challenge when they have to make the right choice regarding the light quality or the luminaire design. Which criteria are crucial for you in your planning? Matthias Kohler: As architects, we are interested in artificial light as a large-scale efficient, dynamically controllable “construction material” whose integration in an urban or landscape overall concept is becoming increasingly more important. The co-action of modern lighting technology with digital controls and sensor systems make it possible to design the performance of light in the course of time and to make light react to external, changing influences. We are interested in using this contemporary means to create nocturnal habitats. Photo: Roman Keller 18 | 19 Lightline, polychrome light installation, 2000–2008, Uster Daniel Klages Lighting designer Dinnebier Licht, Wuppertal Jason Bruges Light artist Jason Bruges Studio, London Daniel Klages: Careful lighting planning puts targeted light Jason Bruges: The background and neighbouring areas are accents and avoids scattered light or blooming in squares and on always important when we are looking at interventions in the buildings. The efficiency of the planned illuminants today plays a city realm. We look at continuity or something that will stand out central role in our lighting concepts. The design of the intended against the background at the same time. The criterion for suc- luminaires is orientated on the maxim of being “timeless”. cess I think is looking at the bigger picture, looking for opportunities to join projects together and also not getting overwhelmed by regulations and what you cannot do, as this results in “design by Photo: Dinnebier Licht Photo: Jason Bruges Studio Regulation“, which is a trap that seems to be easy to fall into. St. Mary’s Cathedral, Neviges Litmus, London REFLECTION 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 Much as nocturnal illumination in the city has become natural for us today, just as much is the call for darkness currently becoming louder. Concepts such as light pollution or global dimming are heatedly discussed. How do you see the future of exterior electric lighting? Matthias Kohler: Controlling light electronically means that, beside the question where which kind of light is needed, the question of when how much light is used also becomes centrally important. Temporally variable, dynamic light which can be adjusted continuously to the functional and atmospheric demands, offers additional possibilities for the design of the nocturnal quality of public spaces and has the potential to make a decisive contribution to reduce light pollution. Should for instance the illumination of a square be switched on and off at a given time? Or can it softly wake up and go out just when people walk across the square? Photo: Roman Keller 20 | 21 Christmas illumination on Bahnhofstraße, 2003–2005, Zurich Nightly illumination often enormously changes the character of the public space. It seems as if the city has a second face at night. Please tell us which place has made a lasting impression on you in this respect. Matthias Kohler: The time I had a view of the city of Los Angeles when landing there on Christmas Eve impressed me – a look into a seemingly endless sparkling sea of lights from which one could only with difficulty tear oneself away and which despite its magic beauty makes us think about the high energy consumption. Prof. Matthias Kohler born in Uster/Switzerland in1973, studied architecture at the ETH in Zurich, where during the subsequent years he also worked as an academic employee and assistant. In 2000, together with Fabio Gramarzio he founded the office for architecture and urban planning Gramazio & Kohler in Zurich. The research activities of Professor Matthias Kohler and Professor Fabio Gramazio at the ETH focus on the development of production processes for the additive manufacture of highly-informed, non-standardized architectural products. www.gramaziokohler.com Daniel Klages: In addition to the already mentioned aspects, the Jason Bruges: I see the future of exterior electric lighting as intelligent control of lighting will have major significance in the being intelligent. That it is more considered; that the negative is future. New efficient illuminants (LEDs) and carefully directed as important as the positive, the ground is as important as the luminaires and spotlights make electric light in the outside figure i.e. the unlit is really important and the dark in between space indispensable in the future as well. is really important. Also intelligent is when the environment is scheduled to be lit – the city does not need to be lit the entire time. What should happen if people are not present? Obviously one protest against this is that it‘s not safe. An artistic project that we created recently contained a mixture of utilitarian lighting and artwork – the artwork could sense proximity so therefore would react as people walked through the park. My ideal would have been that the entire environment would react Photo: Dinnebier Licht Photos: Jason Bruges Studio to the presence and proximity of its residents. Station forecourt, Euskirchen Normand Park, London Daniel Klages: Near here, in Düsseldorf, on Graf Adolf Straße, Jason Bruges: I think the previous project I mentioned, Normand Worringer Platz with its palm trees is staged in a differenti- Park in London, has a second face at night. In collaboration with ated way with narrow-beam HQI spotlights – the difference Kinnear Landscape Architects we created a landscape of light between the day and the night look is therefore enormous! With that transformed the space from one which was forbidding the illumination of the new Ripshorster Brücke in Oberhausen during the night and now into one which is consistently used (together with professor Dr.-Ing. Polonyi), we ourselves have after darkness. It does this through creating a performance that created a nocturnal sculpture which can best be seen from the is unique to each visitor to the park. It is playful and interactive Oberhausen gas meter. and stretches the useful visiting hours of the park giving it a second use. Daniel Klages Jason Bruges born in Duisburg in 1962, studied sports science and medicine in Cologne. born in Rochford in 1972, studied architecture at Brookes University in Oxford Starting in 1990, he has been working at Dinnebier-Licht GmbH in Wuppertal, and at the Bartlett School, University College London. After completion the company of the lighting planner Johannes Dinnebier with its own factory. In of his studies, he worked at Foster and Partners Architects in Hong Kong 1993, he took on the development of the planning department Light in the Space and London. In addition, he worked as Senior Interaction Designer at the in Düsseldorf, where he was made general manager in 2001. In the year 2004, Imagination agency for communication in London. In 2001, he founded Jason he also became managing director at Dinnebier Licht. This close connection with Bruges Studio in London, where he has since being combining his fields of joint leadership makes Dinnebier Licht and Light in Space an overall provider in activity architectural lighting, interactive design and art in the public space. the field of lighting planning. www.licht-im-raum.de, www.dinnebier-licht.de www.jasonbruges.com 22 | 23 ARCHITECTURE 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 At night, the impressive law buildings fade into the background and the glass connecting structure becomes the shining eye-catcher. LEGAL MATTERS City of Justice. What sounds like the title of a brilliant blockbuster is the new law district of the two cities of Barcelona and L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. On more than 240,000 square metres, the British architectural office David Chipperfield Architects and the Spanish 720 Arquitectos designed a simple and at the same time impressive-looking district of justice. By Marina Schiemenz Client: GISA, Departament de Justícia (Generalitat de Catalunya) Architects: David Chipperfield Architects, London www.davidchipperfield.co.uk b720 Arquitectos, Barcelona www.b720.com Lighting engineer: Artecluminotecnia, Barcelona / Arup Location: Barcelona und L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain Luminaires: Lionda Photos: Christian Richters, Münster; Boris Golz, Arnsberg 24 | 25 ARCHITECTURE Despite the uniformly shaped buildings, the differing colours of the façades make it possible to get one’s bearings in the street canyons. Views into the interior, which the law buildings block, are allowed by the glass entrance hall which at the same time is the connecting structure. 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 Alternating with (still) delicate trees, the slender Lionda luminaires by TRILUX determine the central square of the law district. TECHNOLOGY The Lionda luminaire owes its red dot award 2008 not last to its simple design. Lionda In a dynamic dialogue between the architect David Chipperfield and the TRILUX design team, the Lionda luminaire was born. It satifies not only with its unobtrusive design but also with high reliability and a large range. In addition to bollard- and wall luminaires, there are also pole top luminaires which were installed in the City of Justice. The luminaire casing consists of highly weatherproof cast aluminium with a metal effect finish. Planar tempered safety glass with black screen printing was sealed as a cover into the casing. The optical system consists of thermally high-strength material with topquality surface coating and makes an asymmetrical wide-beam luminaire distribution possible. The simple maintenance is also effective: After a sash lock has been turned and the luminaire roof has been raised, the lamp can easily be changed. Distribution of luminous intensity 26 | 27 ARCHITECTURE 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 Access to the four central buildings of the City of Justice is at both sides of the connecting structure (on the right in the photo). The large entrance hall in the central connecting structure welcomes visitors as well as employees and at the same time serves as the waiting area. Ground plan ground floor and site plan Until now, the various legal departments of Barcelona und L’Hospitalet de Llobregat had been located in 17 buildings distributed over the two cities – a somewhat unfortunate situation for visitors as much as for the employees. To avoid long routes and thus save time, on the site of former barracks at the city limits of Barcelona and L’Hospitalet an enormous complex was to be built which unites all the law business from dog license fees to criminal law. In February 2002, David Chipperfield Architects won the competition with their plan: Instead of a single building, they designed a small city district which was to consist of 11 individual blocks – the so-called City of Justice. By taking apart the law complex originally planned as a compact construction, Chipperfield wanted to break through the rigid and monumental image of justice. After a change in government in 2004, however, the design had to be reduced to nine blocks. Four of the newly created law buildings are linked with a four-storey construction which at the same time serves as the central entrance hall and the lobby. Together with three detached buildings, they form the tree-lined square in the new city district. There are two more buildings north and west of the square. In addition to legal services and forensic medicine, there are also some stores and council flats in these five structures. Depending on the utilization, the law buildings not only differ in size but also in their colouring. Yet they all share the massive character and the consistent perforated façades. A contrast is the low connecting structure which, with its glass façade and the non-bearing mesh cover, not only opens up to the central square but also to the visitors. Matching the impressive complex of buildings, Lionda luminaires were used for the outside space: They follow the building canyons and are markers directing the pedestrians through the City of Justice. 28 | 29 ARCHITECTURE 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 The outside space of the new building of the DKV insurance company is characterized by curved forms. The TRILUX Palme luminaire fits exceedingly well into this ambiance. PALMS IN COLOGNE Planning in the immediate vicinity of famous buildings beyond the city limits is not always an easy task for architects. In the case of the DKV headquarters, Störmer Murphy and Partners managed to do so with a new building which relates to its neighbour as part of the urban planning and at the same time preserves its autonomy with a successful language of form. By Thomas Geuder Client: DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung AG www.dkv.com Architects: Störmer Murphy and Partners, Hamburg www.stoermer-partner.de Construction supervision and project management: H&P Bauingenieure, Hannover www.hp-bauingenieure.de Location: Scheidtweiler Straße 2-8 / Melatengürtel 17 Köln-Braunsfeld, Germany Luminaire: Palme Photos: Boris Golz, Arnsberg; Stefan Schilling, Cologne 30 | 31 ARCHITECTURE 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 Site plan TECHNOLOGY The characteristic shape of the TRILUX luminaire “Palme” stands out with its elegance yet does not look obtrusive. Palme The Italians Michele de Lucchi and the German-born Gerhard Reichert designed the Palme TRILUX luminaire – a productive cooperation recognised by the If Product Design Award 2001, the North Rhine-Westphalia Award 2001 and the nomination for the Designpreis 2002. Elegant as a palm leaf, the luminaire of powdercoated, highly weatherproof cast aluminium curves upwards and catches the light. The especially coated reflector area produces a pleasant, indirect light at night. The luminaire unit, available with a halogen metal vapour lamp or a sodium vapour lamp, is hidden within the pole, which makes it difficult to identify the Palme by day as a luminaire since it seems to be a design object blending into the surrounding architecture. The Palme is also available as a bollard Distribution of luminous intensity luminaire with a height of 120 millimetres and as a wall luminaire, making it a lighting medium of versatile application particularly suited for prestigious areas. On the east side of the forecourt, which is orientated towards the nearby old building, the building wing forms the spatial edge, on the west side opposite, the high luminaires optically border the space. Since the year 1970, the Deutsche Krankenversicherung DKV health insurance has had its headquarters in Köln-Braunsfeld, a former residential area mainly for the workers in a brickyard located there in the middle of the 19th century. The building on the corner Scheidtweiler Straße / Aachener Straße, an ensemble designed in the square-edged and ponderous architectural style of the 1970s consisting of seven polygonal towers, had been designed by the architectural office of Professor KraemerPfenning-Sieverts Architekten, from which the renowned architectural office KSP was later to evolve. Over the course of the years, however, the building had to be extended due to shortage of space, for instance between 1998 and 2001 an additional level was added to the highest tower. In the meantime, several departments had been distributed over the city and thus, in the new millennium, the decision was finally made to plan a new building on the site north of the existing one in order to put the scattered sections in one place again. The plans were made by the renowned architectural office Störmer Murphy and Partners from Hamburg, who responded to the polygonal form of the buildings with more polygonal shapes but as elongated wings creating a variety of spatial relationships. Between the buildings, three interior courtyards are arranged alternating with diagonal wings containing the reception, the cafeteria and conference rooms. The design of this whole area is orientated on the axis between the 14-storey tower at the northern end of the ensemble and the 19-storey tower of the old building and this continues – with a slight, elegant curve – to the forecourt, thus relating to the old building. This square is characterized above all by flagstones in various colour tones, only interrupted by hedges with inset benches standing in the direction of movement. The square is illuminated by TRILUX Palm luminaires which, thanks to their arrangement in a row, form a spatial border in the west and, with their round shape are perfectly integrated into the architecture by Störmer Murphy and Partners. 32 | 33 ARCHITECTURE 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 The slender pillar luminaire of the street lighting are a special design by TRILUX (right). Friedrichstraße around 1970 (bottom). BACKYARD ALLEY IN NEW SPLENDOUR For a long time, Friedrichstraße in Bonn led an inconspicuous life in the shadow of the bustling pedestrian zone and was only known as a delivery area and an tip for looking for a parking space for those with insider knowledge. In the year 1992, the street became a pedestrian zone and finally, last year, was given a new look which today makes it a very attractive window-shopping address in the city on the Rhine. By Franziska Bettac Client: City of Bonn www.bonn.de Planers: Bonn Town Planning Service SWB Bonn Public Services Location: Friedrichstraße, Bonn, Germany www.friedrichstrasse-bonn.de Luminaires: Special design of the RL··· construction series Photos: Boris Golz, Arnsberg P. Kersten, Bonn Town Archive and Library of Municipal History 34 | 35 ARCHITECTURE 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 Plan for the conversion of Friedrichstraße with individual construction stages. TECHNOLOGY RL··· construction series The versatile RL series by TRILUX was the starting point for developing a special design of luminaires for Friedrichstraße in Bonn. The anthracite, powder-coated aluminium pillar has in its cylinder of high-impact PMMA an optical system with an axially symmetrical wide-angle light distribution. The luminaires of the RL construction series are designed for extensive path lighting whilst simultaneously highlighting trees. The simple form also sets the stage for museums or parks. On Friedrichstraße, the opal lighting cylinder makes it possible to experience the luminaire as a continuous pillar during the day while, at night, effective illumination transforms the clear part of the cylinder. As a matching family, TRILUX offers a wide range of bollard and wall luminaires, as well as a decorative special solution with Distribution of luminous intensity colour LEDs. The luminaires of Friedrichstraße can be individually controlled and the pillars contain additional sockets and data cables so they can easily supply infrastructure to the street during events. The slender RL series is enormously flexible: as a pillar, bollard or wall luminaire, it can be used in a variety of ways thanks to differently arranged reflectors. The different, partly elaborate façades in the historic style were harmoniously complemented by the slender luminaires with their minimalist geometrical shape. Friedrichstraße in Bonn looked back on an eventful history before it was turned into the most beautiful shopping mile of the city. Originally a lane for the tramway, starting in 1967 Friedrichstraße became a kind of delivery lane for the shopping streets running parallel to it. In 1992, the street was first blocked for through traffic but then in 1997 the 10-year elaborate renovation of the whole pedestrian zone in Bonn was started, during which Friedrichstraße was fundamentally redesigned. The renovation of the sewage network and the service pipes turned out to be urgently necessary. In the meantime, however, Friedrichstraße has blossomed into a popular window-shopping mile, thanks to long-established owners of stores and restaurants who, with seating and their offers, have succeeded in giving the street an unusual atmosphere instead of only repeating branches of well-known chains, as frequently happens in other places. The “Walk of Famous Personalities” with portraits of Bonn citizens set into the ground, was continued on Friedrichstraße and attracts tourists and residents alike to this part of the pedestrian zone. The most important aspect, however, is definitely the tasteful conversion of the paving, lighting and greenery. The 19 exterior luminaires have had a longer history of development: In 2006, the Town Planning Service had commissioned the Public Services to create a lighting concept for Friedrichstraße. While some residents of the syndicate would have liked to have traditional street lights, the planners agreed that to contrast the historic façades a contemporary solution had to be found. The process and the acceptance, however, turned out to be difficult and so, in November 2006, the designers in charge had several metal pipes of different heights put up for two weeks as examples where the luminaire cylinder was improvised with a paper cuff. The effort has paid off. Together with TRILUX and the ideas of the planners, the pillar luminaire was developed which has established itself in Bonn and has now been used in the government district and in further locations. 36 | 37 SERVICE 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 BELEUCHTUNGSPRAXIS AUSSENBELEUCHTUNG Lighting planning in the exterior space is an important task, particularly for the dark season. Those who are well advised have a reliable partner from the luminaire industry at hand. Light planners can now update and expand their know-how with the “Beleuchtungspraxis Außenbeleuchtung” (Practice of Exterior Lighting) – a body of work no planning office should be without. Technical information on light- and electric engineering is a 50-year tradition at TRILUX: Back in the year 1956, the “TRILUX-Lichtratgeber” was published with basic information on lighting and illumination technology. In the subsequent years, it was updated and expanded in two further editions and thus became one of the most important standard works for light planners, architects, electricians, electrical retail as well as for newcomers in the field. With the handbook “Beleuchtungsplanung – Lichttechnik – Elektrotechnik” in 1996 (2nd edition 1997) a comprehensive planning aid was published which represented further sensible support for practical work. Particularly over the past 10 years, a lot has happened in the lighting market and that is why the “Beleuchtungsplanung” of 1996 has now been updated and subdivided into two sections: In March 2007, the “Beleuchtungspraxis Innenbeleuchtung” [Practice of Interior Lighting] was published in which many central questions of lighting planning in the interior are answered on more than 400 pages. Now the published “Beleuchtungspraxis Außenbeleuchtung” focuses in a similar length on the central questions arising when planning exterior light. After a brief historical summary, illumination for different areas are run through: starting with normal street lighting through the lighting of pedestrian zones, bicycle paths and sports facilities to the lighting of workplaces and waterways.The reader learns a considerable amount about ecological as well as economic aspects of lighting systems as well as about luminaires and lamps in general, always presented in a graphically appealing way as a successful mix of texts, photographs, tables and diagrams. Also very helpful is the extensive index in the appendix where terms relevant to light planning are again explained in detail and there is also a list of the Standards Institutes and the Societies of light engineering in Europe, which saves internationally active planners a lot of time, and a list of additional literature. Thus the “Beleuchtungspraxis” duo is an extraordinarily useful tool for the everyday work of every light planner, architect or interior designer. CONVERTING TO LED For more than 20 years, the TRILUX 935··· construction series has been on the market. With its clear and unostentatious shape, it has become the design classic per se found in many streets and squares. Reason enough to make the luminaire fit for a future where LEDs will be playing a central role in lighting. Photos: TRILUX The optical system of the LED conversion set for the TRILUX post-top luminaire of the 932··· and 935··· construction series consists of three or four segments, each with 18 or 24 white high-performance LEDs 1W, with a total luminous flux of up to 2,400 lm. In the new millennium, much has already happened in the matter of lighting. Above all the small LEDs have caused a furore on the market as they come with a whole series of advantages compared to traditional lamps. They are not only considerably smaller and consume less energy, with about 60,000 hours they also have a service life which makes the term “maintenance” quickly fade away. Of additional interest for exterior lighting: Light from LEDs does not attract insects which means less dirt. TRILUX has taken an important step in making use of these enormous advantages with the application of LED technology in one of its design classics: For the 932··· construction series, there is now an LED post-top luminaire available, for the large 935··· model also a conversion set. With the latter, existing systems can easily and within a few minutes be converted. For lowered night-time lighting, some of the LEDs can even be switched off which saves up to an additional 50 per cent of energy. Two of the four LED segments of the 935··· construction series (one of three modules of the 932··· series) can be switched off separately for the energy-efficient lowered night-time lighting. With a few, simple touches, the necessary components for the LED conversion are exchanged – ideal for a quick and low-cost renovation of existing systems. SERVICE 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 MATERIALS: INTELLIGENT REFLECTOR FORM Particularly concerning illumination of the outside space, terms such as “light pollution” or “global dimming” are again and again making headlines. As a manufacturer of luminaires, TRILUX is aware of its responsibility. An important question to ask oneself when designing luminaires is therefore: Where is the light directed to and what is being illuminated by it? Illustrations from: “Beleuchtungspraxis Außenbeleuchtung”, Trilux 38 | 39 Without the appropriate reflector form, the light is symmetrically distributed (left), an internal semi-reflector, on the other hand, ensures directed asymmetrical illumination. With a special camera, the vertical luminance distribution on the façade can be shown for the non-shielded (left) and the shielded (right) poletop luminaire. Three-dimensional construction model and basic form of the reflector (top) as well as polyhedral reflector and luminous intensity distribution of the luminaire (bottom) as the result of the optimising. Behind the term “light pollution” is the excessive load on the atmosphere due to the distribution of artificial sources of light, which can become a problem especially in settlement areas. People as well as animals are negatively affected by improper exterior lighting. TRILUX became aware of this a long time ago and supplied a solution with intelligent forms of reflectors. The optical features of the luminaire are developed with a special software and optimised thanks to extensive calculations. In this way, TRILUX not only determines the maximum distances between light points, to give an evenness of the illumination level or restrict the brightness to the traffic lane, but at the same time calculated the three-dimensional form of the reflector. For this purpose, the form is divided into a very large number of surface elements whose alignment to the light source, equally divided into partial areas, is optimised. The result is a reflector which shields the light in a specific radiation zone and intensifies it in another direction. PLANNERS ASK, MANUFACTURERS ANSWER In the everyday work of a planner, many a question comes up which cannot be found in any handbook. Answers to such questions are given here by the experts from TRILUX who also gladly tell you one or more tricks. More and more often, white instead of yellow lighting is seen in the streets. Why is that? Thomas Kretzer General Manager TRILUX Vertrieb GmbH At the same lighting level, white light seems brighter and more comfortable than yellow light because the colour rendering is considerably better, which makes it easier to discern objects and people. On the eye’s retina, we have receptors with different sensitivities: cones (for brightness and colour information) in the centre and rods (exclusively for light-dark information) located nearer the edge. In our outer, peripheral visual field, the eye uses a combination of cones and rods, the so-called mesopic seeing, which works best with white and blue light. Thus the peripheral visual field of a motorist is particularly important in cities and driving at low speed when pedestrians need to be seen. Here white light increases safety. On motorways, on the other hand, it is rather the central visual field which is needed and that is why lighting with the yellow light of, for example, high-performance sodium-vapour lamps can be found here. Photo: TRILUX White light such as from a halide lamp is found above all where the road space has to be represented as exactly as possible. TRILUX 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 ROADSHOW EXTERIOR LUMINAIRES TRILUX on Tour: Right in time for the publication of the new standard work “Beleuchtungspraxis Außenbeleuchtung” (Practice of Exterior Lighting), TRILUX toured Germany and provided much practical know-how with lectures and discussions. Not surprisingly the show was heavily frequented by architects, light planners and consultants with an interest in light. Participants as well as organisers enjoyed not only the numerous lectures but also the little show interludes and the informal talks afterwards. The visitors of the road show follow the informative lectures on the subject of exterior lighting with interest. Photos: TRILUX 40 | 41 Right on time for the publication of the new handbook “Beleuchtungspraxis Außenbeleuchtung”, in autumn 2009 TRILUX organized the “Exterior Luminaires” road show. The lecture series stopped at Berlin, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Lüneburg, Cologne, Fulda, Stuttgart and Ingolstadt. There not only the TRILUX handbook was presented but also information in the form of interesting lectures on the current developments in exterior lighting. The topics covered were the effects of the European legislation, intelligent systems of light control for street lighting or legal foundations and technical approaches regarding energy-efficient exterior lighting. The Lumega 600 renovation highlight was also presented and there were talks about LEDs as the lighting of the future. Afterwards, the participants were able to exchange experiences with colleagues and lecturers at the buffet and further deepen what they had learned from the lectures they had attended. The supporting programme of the well-visited road show was complemented with a visit to the city landmarks. TREE OF LIGHT From 3 November 2009, Arnsberg has had an additional attraction: the Tree of Light, a design by the trainees at TRILUX, immerses the new roundabout right in front of the main plant in Arnsberg in a “New Light” – a masterpiece of collaboration between lighting design, tool making, construction and training workshop. “It stands in the public space, is therefore an artwork for the whole city and, at the same time, a thank-you to Arnsberg for many years of good cooperation.” With these words, Michael Huber, Chief Representative at TRILUX, on 3 November 2009 presented the Tree of Light to Arnsberg Mayor Josef Vogel. The Tree of Light gives the new roundabout in front of the Arnsberg main plant a new face visible from afar. The idea for the artwork originated in 2007 when, on the occasion of the Arnsberg Summer of Art, trainees at TRILUX built a temporary forerunner which found its place at the nearby River Ruhr. In spring 2009, it was decided to do a new version of the design. An intense three-month planning phase followed and, after only four weeks of manufacturing time, the Tree of Light was finally installed. It is a work of light art which is not only art for art’s sake but also serves the practical purpose of illumination. For Michael Huber, the tree symbolizes growth and life and, at the same time, offers a view into the shining future of the company. Photo: TRILUX Photo: Boris Golz, Arnsberg The Tree of Light consists completely of aluminium and weighs about a ton. Its branches reach up to a height of 6.70 metres with a diameter of 6.20 metres. The heart of the tree is a large round light which illuminates the tree from the inside as well as the roundabout. Out of the main pipe with a diameter of 500 millimetres and a height of 2.30 metres, 62 individual curved aluminium pipes are “growing” which form the branches of the Tree of Light. Each branch is especially made, which was a major challenge for all who participated. ART 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 When a flower is put in the Life 01 vase, the latter comes to life and starts to shine as if by magic. Photos: Courtesy of Flos 42 | 43 As soon as the flower starts to wilt, however, the light is also slowly going out. LIGHT IS LIFE At first glance, the luminaire presented by Paul Cocksedge at the Euroluce 2009 in Milan looks like an ordinary vase. Once a flower is put in it, however, it begins to glow. By Christina Dragoi The British product designer Paul Cocksedge looks at light with the curiosity of a child. He questions universal facts and experiments with everyday objects such as non-returnable cups or pencils as well as with exquisite, hand-made glass. Light itself is never in the foreground in his designs but is combined with the objects into sophisticated metaphors. In Life 01, the combination of light, water and organic life materializes as a glass vase which starts to glow as soon as a flower is put into the water. The stem of the flower plays an important role in this: By inserting the flower and leaning it against the metal-covered rim, an invisible electric circuit is closed which causes an LED in the base of the vase to light up. When the flower starts to wilt, the light slowly goes out again. The unique luminaire is more than a purely decorative object: Life 01 links traditional symbolism with the vital elements of light and water and thus becomes an allegory of the transience of life. www.paulcocksedge.co.uk It seems that things which are getting on in years such as the old office lamp are particularly vulnerable to infections. DESIGN INFECTION The Light Blubs by Pieke Bergmans exude something ominous. What has happened when suddenly such a reliable product as a light bulb gets out of line, gives itself up and surrenders to gravity? By Julia Zürn Light bulbs which seem to flow out of their lampshade, take on new forms and sizes, are melting in order to then become manifest in a new shape – the dreaded “design virus” has infected the light bulbs! Already since 2008, the Dutch product designer Pieke Bergmans has suspended mutated light bulbs from the ceiling. In her twelve-part series Light Blubs Special Editions a year later, the mass has still not set. Far from it: The forms seem even more grotesque, the symptoms are intensified. They are oozing out of old and tired desk lamps, flow over disused office furniture such as chairs and filing cabinets. To tell the truth, however, they are not light bulbs but glass bodies consisting of white, mouth-blown crystal glass with integrated LEDs. Each Light Blub is one of a kind. And it is on precisely this theme that Pieke Bergmans focuses in her conceptual studies with the title “Design Virus”. She interferes in the standardized mass production and creates individualized products by changing their form. www.piekebergmans.com Photos: Studio Design Virus The young product designer Pieke Bergmans says about herself: “I am a virus.” And with this virus, she also infects her objects. ART 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 Photos: ©Gerry Hofstetter 44 | 45 On the occasion of the re-opening of the newly renovated Federal Parliament Building in Bern, Gerry Hofstetter performed magic with a Helvetian light installation on the façade of the Swiss parliament. When the Bernina railroad with the famous circular viaduct near Brusio was taken onto the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, an elaborate light show was staged. CONFEDERATE LIGHT ART The event manager and light artist Gerry Hofstetter is a master of stage production. With his series “Monuments of Switzerland” he shows monuments and other well-known buildings of the alpine country shining in a new light. By Franziska Bettac An investment banker and helicopter pilot in an earlier life and today exclusively a light artist, Gerry Hofstetter has already immersed numerous famous monuments worldwide in an unusual light: In 2006, in the Year of the Desert, he illuminated the pyramids of Giza and in 2008 he put the Washington National Cathedral into the focus with a light show on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. With his spectacular installations, the artist wants to create images able to transport a message around the world. With his projections in the Arctic, he reminded of the climate change on icebergs by projecting images of the endangered polar bears on the (still) cold rocks. Yet despite all the international projects, Hofstetter is also a patriotic Swiss. Not without pride, he makes the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site Rhaetian Railway shine in a typically Swiss light or decorates the Matterhorn with the national emblem from swaying helicopters. His choice of objects alone is remarkable. Thus in the series of the “national monuments” there is also the cooling tower of the Gösgen nuclear power plant which due to this illumination could probably for the first time be recognized as a national monument. www.gerryhofstetter.ch The acrylic blossoms cover the sloping roof of the visitors’ centre between the glass cupolas of the rainforest- and the Mediterranean biosphere. Photos: Mark Pickthall Eleven external projects supply the acrylic luminaires with light – fibreglass cables serve as the transmission medium. BLOSSOMS OF THE NIGHT The wonders of nature are the models for the light installations by the artist Bruce Munro. Thus also for his work “Field of Light”: Thousands of acrylic lamps appear to overgrow like plants the exterior surfaces of the Eden Project botanical garden. By Annika Dammann Hast makes waste: For 15 years, the British light artist Bruce Munro carried the idea for his “Field of Light” light installation around in a sketchbook. An excursion into the Australian desert had inspired him: Fascinated by the spectacle where a rain shower revives dormant plant seeds and turns the arid desert into a green landscape, he had sketched the idea in his book. Years later he finally realized it: From November 2008 to March 2009, visitors were able to admire the “Field of Light” near St. Austell in the south of Cornwall. Between the striking biosphere cupolas of the Eden Project by Nicolas Grimshaw, Munro installed 6,000 small acrylic lamps which – similar to in the desert at rainfall – only begin to glow in changing colours when darkness falls. The narrow, long acrylic tubes with “blossoms” of glass spheres look like a meadow of strange plants. Fibreglass cables conduct the light into the luminaires – altogether 24,000 metres of cable were used for the art installation measuring 60 by 20 metres which turns the nocturnal garden into a fantastic dream scenery. www.fieldoflight.co.uk CURIOSITY 3lux:letters 2 | 2009 Photos: Romulo Fialdini 46 | 47 INVASION OF TECHNOLOGY By Thomas Geuder Although created as light art, the installation “Pipe Light” by the French-Brazilian quartet of architects Triptyque for Micasa, a manufacturer of interiors in São Paulo, looks more like an occupation of the architecture. Metal cable conduits run along the ceilings and the walls seemingly without ending anywhere, no obstacle can stop them. Technology and its cables take over the architecture like a steadily growing climbing plant. It quickly becomes clear: This installation draws attention to the technological change which more and more determines the building of the present. Although invisibly, the house has meanwhile turned into a machine which, similar to an organism, acts and reacts independently. We can only hope that, despite all this, the future development will remain at least an interaction of man and machine. SOURCE sources have been used since 1867, initially in the form of arc lamps which were soon replaced by the more economical carbon filament incandescent lamp invented in 1879. In the thirties, with the development of the high-pressure mercury lamp, a further step was taken in luminaire technology and as of 1969 sodium high-pressure lamps were increasingly used because of their high luminous efficiency. They are standard in many countries to this day, but for high-quality systems, halogen metal vapour lamps are often preferred because of their good colour rendering. LEDs are more and more used in the exterior space, to date mostly for decorative purposes. Yet first solutions for street lighting are already available. With the development of the illuminants, the demand on the illumination of the outside space has also grown: Light no longer has to ensure safety in darkness alone but also fulfil its new function as a means of design in the public space. “Eclairage”, from Nouveau Larousse Illustré. Whether fire or electricity: At all times, man has tried to bring light into the darkness of the night. On the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the Berlin street lighting, the series of stamps “Historic Street Lights” appeared in 1979: gas-powered model lamp, carbon arc lamp, pending luminaire and five-arm candelabra. Photos: Deutsche Post AG Since his beginnings, man has tried to overcome darkness. Thus we for instance have reports on street lighting in antique towns; in the Middle Ages a fireplace in the middle of the village provided light and warmth. For a long time, the open fire remained the only source of light: as a pitch pan or with chips of pinewood, as a torch, or later as an oil lamp. With its wick, the latter for the first time made it possible to control the light intensity. In 1662, the first oil lamp was put up in London, Paris and Berlin followed shortly afterwards. At about the same time, Paris developed a municipal standard street lamp which was to replace private street lighting. In Germany, Hamburg took on the role of pioneer with 400 municipal oil lanterns. In 1808, for the first time in London a street, a part of Pall Mall, is illuminated with gas; on the Continent the first gaslight was already burning in Freiberg in Saxony in 1811. As an open gas flame and later as an incandescent light, for more than a century gas lamps determined the nocturnal image of European cities. In many cities they can even still be found today. 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