Virtual Lighting Design Community

Send us a textWhat happens when lighting transcends its traditional role and becomes an integral part of architectural storytelling? Join us as we explore this fascinating question with Kunal Shah, Principal Lighting Designer at SPK Valo. Kunal shares his journey from the academic halls of Sweden to the vibrant projects of Hyderabad, India, illustrating how lighting design has evolved from mere lux calculations to a sophisticated dialogue about material interaction and layered illumination. Discover the importance of communication in achieving desired lighting effects and how young professionals can harness these skills to revolutionise architectural spaces.Our conversation goes beyond energy-saving techniques to reveal how lighting creates dynamic environments that resonate emotionally with people. Through captivating case studies, including an experience centre for a startup and a cinema maker’s office inspired by Marrakesh's light play, we see the transformative potential of layered lighting. Kunal emphasises the role of cultural and personal nuances in crafting lighting solutions that captivate every stakeholder involved. This episode is packed with insights and stories that showcase how strategic lighting can enhance aesthetics, highlight architectural character, and adapt spaces for varied functions and moods.Quote of the Day:"Lighting design is not just about illumination; it's about creating experiences that transform spaces, evoke emotions, and tell stories." — Kunal ShahAero Hospitality LightingA leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry.Creative Lighting AsiaA leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions.ERCOA leading international specialist in sustainable architectural lighting with LED technology.Signify Lighting AcademyProviding comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources.Filix LightingPioneering LED tech importer and innovative lighting solutions developer.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLearn more about our community by visiting www.vld.communityFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

Send us a textCan the right lighting design improve your quality of life? Join us as we explore this intriguing question with Amit Sheth, founder and CEO of Plus Light Tech, recorded live at Light Middle East 2024 in Dubai. Amit takes us through his transformative journey from retail lighting to architecture and now outdoor lighting, pinpointing the industry's critical gaps and how his company aims to address them with cutting-edge technologies. This episode promises to enlighten you on the significance of top-notch optics in achieving sustainable lighting solutions and combating light pollution.Amit's conversation with VLDC co-founder Martin Klaasen unpacks the meticulous feasibility studies Plus Light Tech conducts before diving into new verticals, the surprising limitations they discovered in the outdoor lighting sector, and the future of smart lighting technologies. Quote of the Day:“Education is essential... it helps the whole industry understand the importance of sustainability, quality of light, and reducing light pollution.”Aero Hospitality LightingA leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry.Creative Lighting AsiaA leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions.ERCOA leading international specialist in sustainable architectural lighting with LED technology.Signify Lighting AcademyProviding comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources.Filix LightingPioneering LED tech importer and innovative lighting solutions developer.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLearn more about our community by visiting www.vld.communityFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

Send us a textToday we unpack the profound impact light has on our environment, health, and communities, guided by insights from Maria Dautant, a senior Associate at HLB Lighting Design. Maria is joined by cofounder of the VLD Community, Ingmar Klaasen, as they dive into the pressing issues of light pollution and light poverty, exploring the adverse effects of sky glow, glare, and light trespass. Maria emphasises the critical need for balanced lighting guidelines and the role of governmental education in making informed decisions that don't compromise human health or energy savings.The conversation touches on the indigenous communities living without reliable electric lighting, discussing innovative solutions like seawater lamps and solar-powered devices. Traditional lighting methods such as kerosene lamps and torches come with serious safety concerns, but new technologies offer promising alternatives. Maria and Ingmar also uncover surprising insights about the global impact of light pollution, examining cities like St. Petersburg and Helsinki, and pondering the role of snow in their brightness rankings. From the benefits of LED lighting for energy savings to the challenges of preserving dark skies while addressing light poverty, this conversation is all about finding the right balance between efficiency and liveability.For anyone who hasn't heard Maria Dautant's presentation on the topic of 'Light Pollution vs Light Poverty' in the previous episode, please do go back and listen to that, it's well worth listening to it right to the end.  It'll add a lot of nuance and depth to the concepts touched on in this Q&A.  Aero Hospitality LightingA leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry.Creative Lighting AsiaA leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions.ERCOA leading international specialist in sustainable architectural lighting with LED technology.Signify Lighting AcademyProviding comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources.Filix LightingPioneering LED tech importer and innovative lighting solutions developer.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLearn more about our community by visiting www.vld.communityFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

Send us a textHow does the glow of city lights impact our environment and health? Discover the surprising answers as we unpack the complexities of light pollution and light poverty in this illuminating episode. Maria Dautant, a Senior Associate at HLB Lighting Design, joins us to share her expert insights on the often-overlooked consequences of artificial lighting on biodiversity and human health. From disrupted sleep patterns to endangered wildlife, we explore why balancing the right amount of light is crucial for both our ecosystem and well-being.Ever wondered why some neighbourhoods are bathed in light while others languish in darkness? This episode sheds light on the glaring issue of light poverty affecting over a billion people worldwide. Hear about innovative initiatives like the Sea Water Lamp Project and Light Reach Network, which are making strides to provide sustainable lighting solutions in impoverished areas. Maria Dutton offers a compelling look at how inadequate lighting hinders social development and challenges our notions of a basic standard of living.Lighting is more than just flipping a switch—it's a cornerstone of public safety, health, and community well-being. Explore how cities across the U.S. are rethinking their lighting strategies to reduce light pollution and enhance safety. Learn practical tips for adopting sustainable lighting practices and improving the quality of light in your own community. By the end of this episode, you'll understand why quality lighting is not just an aesthetic choice but a fundamental aspect of modern life. Join us for an episode that promises to enlighten and empower you to see the world in a new light.Quote of the Day:"So we need to come to an agreement that it is all about balance, right? We have seen that it is possible to introduce lighting into our environment without necessarily creating damaging outcomes in both our environment and ourselves." — Maria DautantAero Hospitality LightingA leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry.Creative Lighting AsiaA leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions.ERCOA leading international specialist in sustainable architectural lighting with LED technology.Signify Lighting AcademyProviding comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources.Filix LightingPioneering LED tech importer and innovative lighting solutions developer.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLearn more about our community by visiting www.vld.communityFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!