LIGHTFAIR International (LFI) 2019, held in Philadelphia, made it clear that it’s not just about light bulbs anymore for the lighting industry. I was briefed on things like asset tracking, disinfection, IoT connectivity and so much more—all of which can be incorporated through a building’s lighting system.
Lighting controls specifically were a major highlight, as they have been in recent past years, with many companies rolling out platforms and mobile applications to help facilities managers control their buildings’ lighting remotely and more efficiently.
Last year, BUILDINGS highlighted human-centric lighting as a trend, and that was again of interest this year—the idea of designing lighting for occupants’ wellbeing.
The trends I highlight below come from multiple new products I was introduced to on the show floor by different exhibitors.
The industry today is about much more than just what kind of lightbulb you choose.
1. Glare-Free Illumination
When we experience glare, it can be uncomfortable and sometimes even disabling. Reduced glare or even no-glare fixtures can create more productive and comfortable workspace. I saw such products from TCP and Amerlux, particularly a fixture from its forthcoming, tentatively named Comfort Series.
“You can look right into it—there’s no glare at all,” says Vic Rispoli, executive director of global accounts for Amerlux.
2. Color
(Photos: Tivoli Lighting)
In an office setting, different color temperatures can set atmosphere and change the look and feel of a space for certain occasions.
“Color is a huge trend, as far as what you can do with it, how many color temperatures you offer—it’s very important,” says Lesley Matt, vice president of marketing and products for TCP. “Also, how the light affects color on the surface.”
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3. Acoustic Elements
We’ve seen acoustic panels and wallcoverings help reduce noise in open workspaces. At LFI, lighting fixtures incorporated with acoustic elements were on display.
I saw fixtures with acoustic elements at Hubbell Lighting, and Eaton Lighting unveiled an entire line of fixtures with felt acoustic panels in partnership with FilzFelt.
LFI 2019, in my experience, focused heavily on lighting controls encroaching mass appeal in the next two to five years, as well as lighting a space with the occupants’ wellbeing in mind. And, as Director of Editorial Services Valerie Dennis Craven noted last year, the new lighting products I saw continue to showcase an additive experience on top of the functional.
The industry today is about much more than just what kind of lightbulb you choose.
More LIGHTFAIR 2019 coverage:
