6 minute read
Lighting as Emotion
iGuzzini's Trick eᵐ with Dean Skira
By Randy Reid
Trick eᵐ's main function is not to create general lighting or meet specific mathematical requirements to illuminate space – it is rather something you can play with. And this is precisely the idea behind it. Trick eᵐ evolves this idea to generate amazement and create emotions in movement through light.
-Dean Skira
Most lighting products are chosen based on need. A designer looks at plans and drawings and decides which fixture is best for which applications. The design has always been about utility and function.
Along comes a product that is so unique and clever that its emphasis is more on emotion than on utility. The newly released iGuzzini Trick eᵐ allows designers more freedom than ever to integrate light as a key element of architectural expression.
During my recent holiday in Croatia, I had the privilege of experiencing this innovative product designed by the world-renowned Dean Skira. I was humbled and honored when Dean and his wife, Sonja, graciously welcomed my wife Lori and me into their stunning home for a personal demonstration of the Trick eᵐ.
Nestled amid the ancient splendor of Pula, Dean’s lavish residence stands as a harmonious blend of modern luxury and timeless history, elegantly built on pillars over Roman ruins with sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Every corner of his home gleams with innovation, featuring not just the finest lighting technology but the most cutting-edge advancements in every aspect, from HVAC systems to automated blinds and shades, even down to his state-of-the-art indoor grill. The house itself is a testament to sophistication, deserving more than a mere mention—an entire article early next year will be devoted to capturing its true beauty and exquisite refinement.
Trick eᵐ by iGuzzini: Revolutionizing Architectural Lighting
The product’s release is September immediately piqued my curiosity. I don’t recall another luminaire with such an unusual name, but after seeing the demonstration, I realized the name is quite fitting.
As Dean energized the fixture, he explained that it is much more than illumination, saying, “It’s about creating experiences and manipulating light in ways that emotionally engage and enhance architectural design.”
An Overview of Trick eᵐ's Innovations
Rather than being a simple light source, Trick eᵐ aims to combine light, architecture, and emotion, transforming spaces with the play of light and shadow.
At the heart of Trick eᵐ is its DMX control system, which allows users to fine-tune and manipulate individual light beams with pinpoint accuracy. Whether it’s lighting up a museum exhibit, highlighting architectural features on a building’s façade, or setting the mood in public spaces, Trick eᵐ gives designers an unprecedented level of control. This system isn't about flooding spaces with light (thank goodness)—it's about sculpting light to create visual impact and emotional resonance.
This level of control is ideal for dynamic environments where lighting needs to be adjusted to suit different scenes or moods. For example, retail spaces may use Trick eᵐ in a way that draws attention subtly yet effectively, while outdoor lighting designs can leverage its capabilities to create dramatic effects on building façades or in landscape settings.
While Dean and I were discussing the luminaire, he began changing the patterns using his phone. Meanwhile, our wives were engaged in another conversation. When Lori saw the demonstration, she noticed the light but had no idea of the location of the source. She was stunned when she realized the source was right in front of her.
Trick eᵐ also features multiple independent optics, allowing lighting designers to craft a wide range of light effects. These include the creation of narrow light blades, which can add texture to walls or highlight specific architectural features. As Dean demonstrated, the optics create a soft, even distribution of light across surfaces. He explained that the system offers both 180° and 360° lighting options, making it versatile enough to work in different settings, from close-up installations to large-scale environments.
Trick eᵐ will be available in the North American market starting in 2025, as iGuzzini is currently obtaining UL certification.
Versatility for Indoor and Outdoor Use
One of the standout features of Trick eᵐ is its versatility—it can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings. Its IP66 weather-resistant design ensures that it can withstand various environmental conditions, making it a great choice for exterior lighting applications. Trick eᵐ is built to perform in diverse environments.
This dual functionality means that designers can maintain consistent lighting themes across interior and exterior spaces. Trick eᵐ can be seamlessly integrated into an entire architectural lighting plan, adding cohesion between the building's interior design and its outdoor aesthetic.
This level of customization is one of the key reasons why Trick eᵐ is suitable for a wide range of projects. Whether the goal is to create bold statements or subtle nuances, the available optics ensure that every lighting concept can be realized with precision.
Ideal Projects for Trick eᵐ
Trick eᵐ is ideally suited for architectural projects where lighting plays a central role in defining the space. These include cultural spaces like museums and galleries to create atmospheres. Public spaces, both indoor and outdoor, also benefit from Trick eᵐ's dynamic lighting capabilities.
Retail environments are another ideal application for Trick eᵐ, as the system allows retailers to spotlight products. In the hospitality sector, Trick eᵐ can be used to create memorable atmospheres in hotels, restaurants, or event spaces, where lighting design is key to enhancing the guest experience.
The primary concept behind the original Trick and Trick eᵐ fixtures is to generate a precise, linear beam of light from a compact, round surface-mounted fixture. The term 'Graphic Light' was introduced following the creation of Trick, highlighting its unique visual impact. The key distinction between Trick and Trick eᵐ lies in the latter’s dynamic capabilities, which allow users to experience the movement of light across surfaces, all originating from the same minimal, round fixture.
iGuzzini’s Trick eᵐ is much more than a lighting system—it is a tool for designers and architects to push the boundaries of traditional lighting and transform spaces. With its advanced DMX control, versatile optics, and suitability for both indoor and outdoor environments, Trick eᵐ represents a new frontier in architectural lighting. The ability to sculpt light with such precision opens up new creative possibilities, allowing lighting designers to make lighting an integral part of architectural storytelling.
For more information, visit iGuzzini Trick eᵐ.
