Having worked in the lighting sector for 15 years, predominantly as a Sales Director across EMEA, David has extensive experience that will undoubtedly benefit Mackwell. With a specialist background in architectural lighting, David understands the breadth of the lighting sector and what is required to drive forward successful partnerships that benefit all parties.

David has risen through the industry at a rapid pace, clearly developing his skills and expertise which allowed him to quickly move into director level positions. His demonstrative growth and commitment to learning and self-motivation will be important in his new role for Mackwell.

As well as bringing clear transferable skills, David has a rich working knowledge of the industry that will help Mackwell in their continued growth in the lighting landscape. David’s previous position included being a Sales Director for a start-up company co-founded by Shuji Nakamura, the inventor of the blue LED. David accompanied Shiju when he received his Nobel Prize, which was a notable career moment for David.

David has worked on a number of high-profile projects in his career to date, including the lighting for the iconic façade and pyramids of the Louvre Museum, which was one of his first major projects.

In the UK, David was part of the project team involved in upgrading the lighting at Bluewater Shopping Centre, transitioning from old lighting technology to LEDs. He was able to visit the centre six years later and see that the lights were still performing beautifully.

Speaking of his appointment, Rene Joppi Managing Director at Mackwell said: “David has already proven that he has a can-do attitude, strong leadership and great people skills. These work in harmony with his resilience, adaptability and commitment to teamwork. We know he will be a great addition to Mackwell, driving forward innovative ways of working and helping to significantly raise awareness of our business. We’re delighted to have him as part of the team.”

David added: “I’m already enjoying the opportunity to help develop and enhance the commercial structure for Mackwell’s future growth plans. As Sales and Marketing Director for the UK and Europe, I get to collaborate with diverse teams, drive marketing campaigns, and directly influence the growth and success of our company. This dynamic environment keeps me constantly challenged and engaged, making my work incredibly rewarding.”

Mackwell provides quality emergency lighting products alongside seamless integration of their systems and solutions into each and every project. Mackwell also offers short lead times and full stock at all times, which is reassuring for clients who need to work at speed or on tighter turnarounds.

For more information on Mackwell, visit www.mackwell.com.

The post David Lang-Smith joins Mackwell as UK & Europe Sales and Marketing Director appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

Anna proudly presented her topic Light Beyond Earth: Illuminating Life on Exoplanets. Her research explores how exoplanets set the scene for discovering unusual lighting effects and consequent challenges to the human circadian rhythm. This study proposes the creation of a futuristic ‘Exoplanet Lighting Design Guide’, initially focusing on the closest exoplanet to Earth: Proxima Centauri b.

Anna shares her inspiration behind this unique topic. She explains: “In summer 2022, the first images from the James Webb telescope were released, which showed aspects of space in super high definition, featuring glistening stars and an array of ethereal colours. This photographic publication was the catalyst for me to research light in space and I started looking deeper into astronomy imagery.

As lighting effects depend on the relationship between planets and their stars, this led me to look at the appearance of light on various exoplanets. In early 2023, I decided to submit a proposal for the Young Lighter competition and refined the study to focus upon the closest exoplanet to Earth: Proxima Centauri b.”

She also reveals how she began researching such a new and unexplored topic. When asked about her starting point, she explains: “I read articles, watched documentaries, listened to podcasts, and delved through the NASA website, which is full of helpful information and provides the latest research. I found information specific to Proxima Centauri b, and filtered out the aspects related to light. I considered how humans would live on the exoplanet and the unique challenges and opportunities of both natural and artificial lighting. Throughout each competition stage, I considered how the information could be presented through a strong visual image, drawing diagrams, maps and concept imagery to communicate the information in a clear and appealing way.”

There were several points of interest discovered while researching this topic. Anna explains: “I found it surprising how similar the characteristics of Proxima Centauri b are to Earth. Where the two planets differ, the extreme conditions are fascinating. The exoplanet’s special feature of perpetual sunset was the key characteristic which acted as a visual backdrop throughout my narrative. As no one has yet travelled to Proxima Centauri b, there are many aspects of life there which are still unknown. Setting my presentation in the future (2100) enabled me to create a pretext using the most likely scenarios, giving a basis to the guide and parameters for the light studies.”

To structure her topic, Anna informs us of the key points she wanted to convey: “Due to the visual appeal of space, I knew I wanted my research to convey an illustrated story. I used the three chapters of 1. Climate Catastrophe; 2. Light Beyond Earth; and 3. Illuminating Life on Exoplanets to narrate the journey from Earth to Proxima Centauri b. This structure linked back to current Earth climate research to provide justification for the guide, conveying the distinctive exoplanetary lighting conditions and providing bespoke lighting guidance. Whilst designing for life on Proxima Centauri b, I considered the three ecologies of mental, social and environmental. Through my presentation, I wanted to evoke interest in space and the concept of light beyond Earth. I hoped to encourage new ways of thinking about light and how to design for unusual contexts, pushing the boundaries of standard lighting design to prepare us for the future.”

Discussing what we can expect from the future of this topic, she said: “As a future Exoplanet Lighting Design Guide would require input from designers across the world, I would like to discuss the topic amongst international audiences. It would be great to collaborate with astrophysicists and bridge the gap between science and the arts, as a future in space will affect us all. As we learn more about exoplanets, the Exoplanet Lighting Design Guide can constantly expand to contain the latest scientific research. There are thought to be 59 potentially habitable exoplanets amongst an estimated total of 11 billion, so the opportunities for discovering and responding to unusual lighting effects are endless.”

Anna’s presentation ultimately looks to answer the question: What are the future lighting conditions humans may face, and how do we design for these unfamiliar contexts? Her illuminating research is relevant for the future of lighting and design and raises thought-provoking questions about light and space.

The post Michael Grubb Studio Lighting Designer reaches for the stars in SLL Young Lighter Final 2023 appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

Robe Deutschland GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Robe Lighting s.r.o., has taken over exclusive responsibility for the sales and service of all Avolites products on the German market as of 1^stNovember 2023.

Dieter Gross, CEO of Robe Germany, commented, “Following the acquisition of Avolites by Robe it was a logical step to hand over sales in the region to Robe’s German subsidiary. We respect Trendco’s excellent work over the decades and thank them for their harmonious cooperation during the handover period.”

Tillmann Schulz has been appointed Sales and Business Development Manager for Avolites at Robe Deutschland GmbH.

He is passionate about the Avolites brand, and notes, “Robe has been using Avolites control products internally for a long time and I am delighted to be representing these new, user-friendly solutions in the German market.”

In collaboration with Robe Germany’s product specialist and technical sales Martin Opitz and business development manager Jens Langner, Tillmann will also offer Avolites training and create further tutorial and learnership opportunities.

Technical support will be provided by the service department of Robe Deutschland GmbH in Neuching near Munich.

The entire Robe Deutschland team is excited about the addition of Avolites to the product range: “This is a great opportunity for us with an outstanding set of products, and we’ve appointed a hugely talented and enthusiastic individual in Tillmann and look forward to a great long-term working relationship,” stated Martin Lönner, COO of Robe Deutschland.

“Integrating Avolites’ strong products into the Robe lighting ecosystem enables us to respond comprehensively to ever-increasing demands for creative, intelligent lighting solutions,” adds Jens Langner.

With immediate effect, Tillmann will be the first point of contact for all matters relating to Avolites.

He is looking forward to this new collaboration and to showcasing current Avolites innovations like theD9 full visual control console, the T3 portable solution and the PRISM range of live production tools to a wide variety of lighting and visual designers all over Germany.

The post Robe Deutschland GmbH is distributing Avolites in Germany appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

Gustavo was awarded this designation by the International Association of Lighting Designers during the opening session of the IALD Enlighten Americas 2023 annual conference in Banff, Canada.

IALD Fellows are recognised for their achievements in lighting design and education and their service to the profession and the association. Those awarded with the designation have been professional members of IALD for at least 10 years and have made significant contributions to the IALD and demonstrated leadership in the profession through a robust body of work and advanced knowledge of lighting design.

Gustavo Avilés is known worldwide for his innovative and influential work in the field of architectural lighting. With a career spanning over forty years, Gustavo is the founding director of the multiple award-winning architectural lighting design studio Lighteam, a member of the National System of Creators (Sistema Nacional de Creadores), the National Academy of Architecture (Academia Nacional de Arquitectura), and a Core Member of The Lighting Detectives. He founded the Postgraduate Lighting Design Program at the National Autonomous University of México and was the IALD’s opening speaker for the 2015 International Year of Light conference at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

He has served on the IALD Board of Directors for two terms, been a member of the IALD Education Trust, a champion for the establishment of the IALD México Chapter, and a two-time winner of IALD International Lighting Design Awards, in 2011 for the Hotel Encanto project, and in 2014 for the Memorial to the Victims of Violence project.

Gustavo has made significant contributions to the way light is used in various environments, ranging from public spaces to private residences. His exceptional designs are characterized by their ability to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of spaces through the thoughtful application of light. The prestige and esteem of the IALD College of Fellows is deepened by his induction, and the Association is proud to bestow this new title.

Those interested in learning more about the IALD College of Fellows and its over 50 members are invited to visit iald.org/fellows.

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The courses are designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively navigate mental health challenges, both personally and professionally.

The online learning platform reflects the charity’s commitment to supporting the mental wellbeing of individuals within the electrical industry. This platform allows participants to access training programs from the convenience of their own mobile phones, enabling them to acquire essential skills for managing stress, promoting mental health awareness and offering assistance to those in need.

The training programs cover a comprehensive array of topics, catering to various needs and roles within the industry. Some of the standout courses available on the platform include:

• Managing Stress in the Workplace: Stress, a common response to challenges, can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health if left unchecked. This course equips participants with tools to identify sources of stress, understand its impact, and implement strategies to manage stress effectively. By creating a healthier work environment, participants learn to foster productivity and wellbeing among colleagues.
• Stress Awareness for Managers: Recognising that managers play a pivotal role in maintaining a positive work atmosphere, this extended course focuses on stress management for leadership positions. Managers gain insights into recognising signs of stress among team members, implementing strategies to reduce stress levels and fostering a supportive work environment that encourages open conversations about mental wellbeing.
• Mental Health Awareness: An introductory course aimed at raising awareness about mental health, this program educates participants about common mental health disorders, reduces stigma and equips individuals to provide basic support and guidance to those struggling with mental health challenges. This course advocates for creating mentally healthy workplaces and communities.
• Mental Health Awareness for Apprentices: Acknowledging the unique challenges faced by apprentices, this course addresses the significance of mental health in personal and professional development. Apprentices learn to identify signs of mental health struggles, access resources for stress management and engage in conversations that reduce stigma and promote mental well-being.
• Mental Health First Aid: As a crucial addition to the platform, this course trains participants to become qualified Mental Health First Aiders. Participants learn to recognise common mental health issues, provide initial assistance to those in crisis and guide individuals towards professional help and resources. By doing so, participants contribute to cultivating a culture of understanding and empathy around mental health.
• Suicide First Aid: This course imparts essential skills to identify individuals at risk of suicide and intervene effectively. Participants are equipped to engage in compassionate and non-judgmental conversations, provide immediate assistance and connect individuals with appropriate resources and professionals.
• Access to Well-Being Seminars (Monthly): In addition to the structured courses, the EIC offers a series of inspirational talks aimed at enhancing various aspects of wellbeing. These webinars provide a platform for participants to gain insights from expert speakers, learn practical strategies and connect with a community of individuals dedicated to personal growth and self-care.

The launch of the online learning platform is a leap forward in promoting mental health within the electrical industry. By offering a comprehensive range of training programs, the EIC aims to empower individuals at all levels with the knowledge and skills required to address mental health challenges effectively. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing these resources will undoubtedly contribute to creating a more supportive and mentally resilient community within the electrical sector.

If you are interested in accessing any of the training courses, you can sign up through the online platform here: https://eictrainingco.org/login/index.php.  For businesses looking to invest in training packages, contact the EIC directly training@eictradingco.org.

With these initiatives, the EIC hopes to pave the way for a brighter and mentally healthier future within the electrical industry.

The post The EIC Trading Company launches innovative online learning platform for mental wellbeing appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

Calum Shields, Procurement Manager at Stein Electrical and Mechanical Solutions, commented “The trek was tough and there were times when you have to really dig down and find extra strength but the motivation to support a greater cause kept me going. Throughout the challenge the organisation and support given to us all from the EIC was amazing.”

As individuals like Calum confront personal challenges on the trail, the EIC provides the larger framework and purpose behind these adventures.

Kate Adamczyk, Director of Marketing and Business Development at the EIC, said “Our Challenge for a Cause events stand out as an encouragement of genuine human connection and purpose. This isn’t merely a fundraising activity; it’s an experiential journey.”

Kate continues “The £15,800 raised is not just a figure, it’s a symbol of the enduring human spirit of our ability to come together and rally to support those in our industry. We are very grateful for those who took part and those who have donated. Without this amazing support, the EIC wouldn’t be able to do what we do”.

In an age of endless digital challenges and viral trends, the EIC ‘Challenge for a Cause’ events brings a tangible touch to fundraising. No matter your level of expertise, there’s a challenge waiting for you. And beyond the physical feat, you’ll be part of a grander mission of making a difference for our industry.

To sign up for or to learn more about the upcoming challenges, visit: www.electricalcharity.org/events

The post The Electrical Industries ‘Challenge for a Cause’: Trekking the Freedom Trail appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

Taking to the stage on Tuesday 21^st November, Amorós will present ‘Illuminating Boundaries: The Exploration and Creation of Art Through Light’, followed by a Q&A session with arc magazine’s editor, Matt Waring.

Amorós is a Peruvian-born American multimedia creative whose work explores community connections intersecting history, technology, and architecture. Her keen understanding of structure enables her to create monumental sculptures incorporating various elements such as video, lighting, and electronic components to create immersive environments and connect the viewer to their surroundings.

Technology complements the concepts of her work without defining it – a medium of expression. Describing her work as a “constant romance with the unknown”, Amorós first incorporated light into her practice following a fated trip to Iceland. While there, she saw the northern lights and realised the powerful ephemeral magic light held. She discusses light’s ability to transcend social and geographic boundaries “we all connect to light.”

Drawing upon critical cultural legacies and landscapes, Amorós is inspired by the communities she creates within. Installing and programming each piece on-site, direct interaction with the surrounding architecture is key to creating her work. “Ultimately, the piece connects the viewers, space, and light sculpture, merging them into one.” Grimanesa Amorós’ artwork ties the past, present, and future – pushing viewers to think beyond and challenging their initial perceptions.

Commenting on her involvement in the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to lighting specification, Amorós said: “LiGHT 23 will be where those who love light can unite and convene about the latest tech and how light is being used. Join me for this year’s LiGHT 23 to learn how light and art intermingle and how to live in ‘A constant Romance with the Unknown’. I am looking forward to seeing you all.”

[d]arc thoughts, in collaboration with lighting control specialist Lutron, will take place on the Gallery level, in a dedicated conference space. Running for two-days as part of the wider LiGHT 23 exhibition, talks and presentations will focus on trends and innovation within lighting, while being moderated by arc and darc magazine editors as well as guest editors. All talks are completely free to attend, and the full talks programme will be announced in coming weeks.

Photography: Chiara Cussatt.

The post Grimanesa Amorós announced as Headline Speaker at LiGHT 23 appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

Scaroni has been at the forefront of advocating for the European lighting industry’s interests. Her expertise and leadership have been instrumental in driving the advocacy efforts concerning the latest Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations for light sources. 

Before joining LightingEurope, Scaroni accumulated eight years of valuable experience in European Affairs at Enel, a multinational energy company. Her responsibilities included managing relationships with the European Parliament on all relevant topics such as climate, energy, and Corporate Social Responsibility. She studied in Rome and Paris, holding a master’s degree in law and specializing in European Affairs.

“I am honoured to take on the position of Secretary General for LightingEurope.” said Elena Scaroni. “My first thoughts go to my predecessor, Ourania Georgoutsakou and to the LightingEurope team, who have made LightingEurope a leading trade association in the field of sustainable products and quality of light. Lighting is now recognised as one of the main contributors to indoor environmental quality and LightingEurope as a key actor asking policy makers that rules should be better enforced.”

Elena Scaroni plans to work in full continuity with what has been achieved so far. “I am dedicated to advancing the lighting industry’s agenda based on the work done with our members. I look forward to working closely with the industry stakeholders from the whole lighting value chain and policymakers.”

“We are extremely happy and proud to appoint Elena Scaroni as the new Secretary General of LightingEurope,” said Maurice Maes, President of LightingEurope. “Her impressive contributions as Policy Director and her many years of experience in the lighting and energy sectors make her the ideal candidate for this position. We are confident that Elena’s leadership will drive LightingEurope forward, ensuring that the European lighting industry remains at the forefront of innovation and policy developments that support both the value of lighting and the industry’s sustainability ambitions.”

The post Elena Scaroni assumes the Role of Secretary General for LightingEurope appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.