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As one of the keynote speakers at the Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition in China held in June 2023, we are delighted to present Kevan Shaw's presentation on "Lighting for Health and Wellbeing" with our VLDC audience. 

About Kevan Shaw:

For more than four decades, Kevan Shaw has been deeply entrenched in the field of lighting. Throughout a significant portion of his career, he has spearheaded his own independent lighting design practice in Edinburgh, which has garnered numerous accolades. Renowned for their cutting-edge approach to technology and ingenious problem-solving abilities, Shaw's practice operates across diverse projects.

Shaw's involvement in European lighting regulation spans over a decade, during which he served as a consultant to the European Commission, effectively disseminating regulatory outcomes within the lighting community. Additionally, he has imparted his knowledge and expertise in lighting education, teaching at institutions such as Hoschule Wismar and Edinburgh Napier University.

His substantial contributions to the profession have earned him distinguished recognition, including the prestigious Lighting Designer of the Year award in 2013 at the Lux Awards. Furthermore, he was honored with a LIT Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 and was elected to the IALD College of Fellows in 2019. Given his remarkable achievements, we are privileged to have him contribute to the VLDC platform.

More by Kevan Shaw on VLDC:

• Lighting Technology: Then and Now 

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The increased urgency of ecological, social and political issues across the planet has incited artists and activists in many countries to reflect on how to make their strategies of interventions more effective. The use and adaptation of new technologies plays an important role in these efforts.

In this context, light and its wide scope of applications has particularly attracted the attention of artists, intellectuals, protesters, activists and other politically engaged citizens. Aware of the power of striking still and moving images to cause people to watch, listen and read, they have been desirous to make use of the manifold technical capabilities of light technology to get wider media attention, whether it be the legacy press and TV channels or social media communication.  In recent years, a staggering variety of new forms of using light to create attention and communicate messages has emerged.

The smart use of light to enhance protests was already visible in the Occupy Wall Street protests of 2011/12 and has become increasingly noticeable in recent demonstrations regarding climate change, democracy, Black Lives Matter or the LGBT movement. Artists like Robin Bell, Jenny Holzer, Dustin Klein, The Illuminator collective, Joanie Lemercier and Delight Lab have created projects in the recent years to address the pressing social, ecological and political issues that roil societies from North and South America to Europe and beyond.

More by Thomas Schielke on VLDC:

• "Illuminated Minds That Made A Difference", The Art of Lighting Design

About Thomas Schielke:
Thomas Schielke studied architecture at the University of Technology in Darmstadt, Germany, completing a doctorate in engineering (Dr-Ing) at the same institution.

Thomas works as an editor for the lighting manufacturer ERCO, where he teaches lighting workshops and is currently designing an extensive online guide for architectural lighting.  He is the co-author of two books: Light Perspectives – between culture and technology (2009, with Martin Krautter) and SuperLux – Smart Light Art, Design & Architecture for Cities (2015, with Davina Jackson), and has published numerous articles on lighting design and technology.

Thomas has also lectured at a number of American and European universities, including Harvard GSD, MIT, Columbia GSAPP and ETH Zurich. His regular column “Light Matters” in ArchDaily discusses various aspects of architectural lighting. 

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Special bitesize edition of Paulina Villalobos's presentation which is available to our premium subscribers.  For a visual experience, visit our YouTube channel to view this clip.  The full video version is available to our Pro Members on our online community platform members.vld.community.  Consider joining our thriving community for lighting professionals and enthusiasts alike. 

About Paulina:
Paulina hails from the Atacama Desert in Chile–the driest, brightest, and
starriest place on Earth.  She is an Architect of the University of Chile.  Master of Architectural Lighting Design, Technological University of Wismar, Germany. Lighting Designer, Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, Sweden and Expert in Urban Connectivity, by United Nation Centre of Regional Development, Nagoya, Japan.

In 2005 she founded DIAV, an Architectural Lighting Design practice based in Santiago, Chile, and developed Conceptual Design for Singapore for Otto Lighting Solutions. Her lighting design work has been awarded in Europe, Asia, and America. 

In 2012 Paulina founded Noche Zero, an initiative to change the paradigm for urban lighting planning, promoting the importance of lighting design and incorporating ecology, human health, and light pollution control. Noche Zero received the IDA Dark Sky Defender Award in 2012 (USA) and was nominated for the Award at large in PLDC Copenhagen. In 2018 received the national award for innovation “Dora Riedel” given for the first time by the Chilean Architectural National Association. Also her designs has received twice the design innovation award Avonni.

She is currently a lighting design professor for post-graduate programs,
and is recognized as an enthusiastic speaker. She has spoken at many
conferences, classes, and seminars worldwide, such as the opening
session for the Light+Building Guangzhou. Additionally, Paulina is the
editor of the lighting chapter for the guide of sustainable public spaces for
Chile (Chilean Chamber of Construction, Ministry of Urban Planning), a
consultant for the new regulation of interior lighting in Chile, and current
consultant for regulatory review of outdoor lighting in Chile (Ministry of
Energy). As a team member of Tanteidan (Japan) made urban lighting
workshop for the 2030 Lighting Master Plan for Shenzhen.

Paulina's passion for light and darkness has led her to work with different initiatives such as 4ma, International Dark Sky Association, Noche Zero and others.  Here she shows us her activist side, where Paulina discusses why she thinks good lighting design and protecting the night sky can go hand-in-hand.  Most importantly, in this presentation, she shares with us some new words to bridge the gap in really understanding lighting concepts and how they relate to light and darkness.

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Introducing Waleed Fakousa: A Lighting Hero with a Heart of Gold

Welcome to the Virtual Lighting Design Community's Lighting Heroes Series, "Bringing to Light". In this edition, we had the privilege of sitting down with Waleed Fakousa, Principal at CD+M's Lighting Studio and The Lighting Institute in Dubai.

We were fortunate enough to grab some time with Waleed to get to know the person behind the talent.

Here is a link back to this earlier post where David Gilbey graciously endows Waleed as Lighting Hero no. 8. A great one to revisit. 

We recap some of it here:

‘Waleed Fakousa is not just a legendary lighting designer; he is a man whose heart is as remarkable as his talent. When evaluating a lighting hero, it is easy to focus solely on their skill and expertise. While that is undoubtedly important, it is the combination of talent and humility that truly sets someone apart. Waleed embodies both qualities effortlessly, making him a worthy recipient of this accolade.

As the Director of CD+M's Dubai office, Waleed leads one of the most successful lighting design teams in the Middle East. His accomplishments are no small feat, yet he approaches his work with boundless creativity, unwavering determination, and a perpetual smile on his face. Waleed makes it all seem effortless.

In the world of lighting design, talent is often measured by the quality of one's work. However, to truly measure a person, we must look beyond their professional achievements and into the depths of their character. Waleed Fakousa's immense heart and genuine humility make him a true hero in every sense of the word. It is with great honour and admiration that we salute Waleed Fakousa for his remarkable contributions to the lighting industry.’

More by Waleed Fakousa on VLDC: 

• Finding Your X-Factor 

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We recently had the privilege of interviewing the esteemed President of IES North America, Frank Agraz, at the prestigious IESANZ Light in Focus Event in Sydney! 🌟

👨‍💼 Frank Agraz has a wealth of experience and expertise under his belt. As the President of IES North America, he has been instrumental in shaping the future of the lighting industry, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable lighting practices.

In our interview with VLDC’s Amardeep Dugar, he shared his insights of the next big thing in lighting, which was the theme of this year's event in Sydney.  A great listen right to the end. 

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The Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE) is an annual event that brings together industry professionals, experts, and enthusiasts from around the world to explore the latest trends, innovations, and advancements in the lighting industry. In 2023, the Virtual Lighting Design Community had the honour of collaborating with Messe Frankfurt to for this prestigious event. This collaboration provided an opportunity to showcase the latest ideas and concepts but also facilitated insightful discussions with keynote speakers and industry leaders.

Keynote Speakers and Insights: The Virtual Lighting Design Community had the privilege of engaging with renowned keynote speakers during the Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition 2023. These industry luminaries shared their experiences in China and provided valuable insights into the local lighting industry. Through one-on-one interviews, the speakers offered a glimpse into the challenges, opportunities, and future prospects of the lighting sector in this dynamic region.

Sharing Knowledge Globally: We are excited to share the conversations and presentations of these esteemed speakers with our wider global community here. 

We are excited to share this conversation as Kevan Shaw sat down with VLDC’s Martin Klaasen. 

About Kevan Shaw:

For more than four decades, Kevan Shaw has been deeply entrenched in the field of lighting. Throughout a significant portion of his career, he has spearheaded his own independent lighting design practice in Edinburgh, which has garnered numerous accolades. Renowned for their cutting-edge approach to technology and ingenious problem-solving abilities, Shaw's practice operates across diverse projects.

Shaw's involvement in European lighting regulation spans over a decade, during which he served as a consultant to the European Commission, effectively disseminating regulatory outcomes within the lighting community. Additionally, he has imparted his knowledge and expertise in lighting education, teaching at institutions such as Hoschule Wismar and Edinburgh Napier University.

His substantial contributions to the profession have earned him distinguished recognition, including the prestigious Lighting Designer of the Year award in 2013 at the Lux Awards. Furthermore, he was honored with a LIT Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 and was elected to the IALD College of Fellows in 2019. Given his remarkable achievements, we are privileged to have him contribute to the VLDC platform.

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Martina Frattura, hailed as a Lighting Hero, holds the esteemed title of Lighting Hero number 5 on the renowned list curated by David Gilbey. We've had the privilege of hosting an engaging conversation with Martina, a highly accomplished lighting designer and researcher from Italy.

She was honoured as one of the Class of 2020 40 under 40 recognised lighting designers, solidifying her position among the brightest and most promising talents in the field.

However, it is Martina's extraordinary extra-curricular activities that truly elevate her to hero status. As an advocate for beauty in lighting, design, and life, Martina's research delves into the understanding of universal beauty and attraction. Exploring the neuroscience, psychology, and personality of beauty in all its forms, her groundbreaking work helps us strive for the pursuit of universal perfection in design.

Beyond her research and design expertise, Martina is a devoted supporter of Women in Lighting, both in her native Italy and in Portugal, where she currently works and resides. She actively contributes to RAW blogs (Radical and Ardent Women in Lighting), sharing her insights and experiences to empower and uplift fellow professionals.

Martina's caring nature extends to her efforts in promoting mental well-being and preventing burnout among the design community. She regularly shares her coping experiences and provides mental health advice for Designers Mind, an organization dedicated to supporting the well-being of designers.

If Martina Frattura has somehow been off your radar, we are thrilled to bring her to your attention. She is undeniably a rising star in the lighting industry, and we at d-lighting are immensely proud to consider her both a friend and collaborator. Martina's passion, dedication, and genuine care for the field make her a beloved figure, deserving of the title of one of our lighting heroes.

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We had the privilege of sitting down one-on-one with none other than Professor Robert ‘Bob’ Karlicek, a renowned expert in the field. 

Bob is no stranger to the world of lighting design and innovation. With a distinguished career spanning decades, he is a. Professor of electrical, computer and systems engineering, and director of the centre for lighting enabled Systems & applications (LESA) and co-director of the Institute for Energy, Built Environment and Smart Systems (EBESS), both at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the USA. 

He was a keynote speaker at the IESANZ Light in Focus event held in Sydney, Australia, back in June 2023 and took some to talk with VLDC’s Martin Klaasen!

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Join us for this bitesize clip with Cherine Saroufim, a lighting designer based in Beirut, as she delves into the issue of light poverty in Lebanon. This excerpt from her full presentation provides a taste of her insightful discussion. 

Learn how the lack of access to adequate lighting impacts people's health, safety, and quality of life, with profound effects in areas like medical care, education, and work opportunities. Cherine shares personal experiences and discusses the challenges faced by Lebanese communities, exacerbated by political and economic instability. Discover a range of initiatives and collaborative solutions to address light poverty and its impact on social and economic inequality. 

For the complete experience, subscribe to our premium membership and unlock access to the full audio recording. Don't miss the visual component of this clip, which will be posted on our YouTube channel. Pro members on our platform at www.vld.community will also have exclusive access to the full visual presentation.

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Subscriber-only episode

Send us a text

Paulina hails from the Atacama Desert in Chile–the driest, brightest, and
starriest place on Earth.  She is an Architect of the University of Chile.  Master of Architectural Lighting Design, Technological University of Wismar, Germany. Lighting
Designer, Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, Sweden and Expert in
Urban Connectivity, by United Nation Centre of Regional Development,
Nagoya, Japan.

In 2005 she founded DIAV, an Architectural Lighting Design practice based in Santiago, Chile, and developed Conceptual Design for Singapore for Otto Lighting Solutions. Her lighting design work has been awarded in Europe, Asia, and America. 

In 2012 Paulina founded Noche Zero, an initiative to change the paradigm for
urban lighting planning, promoting the importance of lighting design and
incorporating ecology, human health, and light pollution control. Noche
Zero received the IDA Dark Sky Defender Award in 2012 (USA) and was
nominated for the Award at large in PLDC Copenhagen. In 2018 received
the national award for innovation “Dora Riedel” given for the first time by
the Chilean Architectural National Association. Also her designs has
received twice the design innovation award Avonni.

She is currently a lighting design professor for post-graduate programs,
and is recognized as an enthusiastic speaker. She has spoken at many
conferences, classes, and seminars worldwide, such as the opening
session for the Light+Building Guangzhou. Additionally, Paulina is the
editor of the lighting chapter for the guide of sustainable public spaces for
Chile (Chilean Chamber of Construction, Ministry of Urban Planning), a
consultant for the new regulation of interior lighting in Chile, and current
consultant for regulatory review of outdoor lighting in Chile (Ministry of
Energy). As a team member of Tanteidan (Japan) made urban lighting
workshop for the 2030 Lighting Master Plan for Shenzhen.

Paulina's passion for light and darkness has led her to work with different initiatives such as 4ma, International Dark Sky Association, Noche Zero and others.  Here she shows us her activist side, where Paulina discusses why she thinks good lighting design and protecting the night sky can go hand-in-hand.  Most importantly, in this presentation, she shares with us some new words to bridge the gap in really understanding lighting concepts and how they relate to light and darkness.

Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community

Follow 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!