2017
darc awards / decorative
1 8 M AY 2 0 1 7 / L O N D O N
Welcome... The very first darc awards / decorative carries on the baton of the darc awards concept after the impressive start made by the inaugural awards two years ago. Now, instead of a combined architectural and decorative lighting awards we have split the structure into two streams so we can dedicate more space to both of these important facets of design. The 2017 darc awards / decorative was launched in September 2016 following the success of darc awards / architectural and culminated in its own darc night / decorative on 18th May 2017 at Bloomsbury Ballroom in London. Many of you were there and many of you, I know, had a great time! If you are a designer this event is for you and changes the dynamic of traditional lighting awards where you have to buy a ticket or wait to be invited by a manufacturer - something that is out of the grasp of many junior designers and small practices. This was borne out by how many designers came to this year’s darc night / decorative, turning the usual attendance dynamic on its head. But without the voters the peer-to-peer concept of the awards would mean nothing and I’d like to thank all the independent designers that participated. But of course, without the entries the good people of design would have nothing to vote for! 200 entries from 30 different countries, purely for decorative lighting design projects and products, is beyond what we imagined. We look forward to your participation in the next darc awards / decorative and darc awards / architectural. And we look forward to welcoming you to darc night / architectural next September! Go to www.darcawards.com for further details. Paul James Director, darc awards
PROJECTS
LIVE
The Best Use of Decorative Lighting in a Residential Project
WINNER
House X, Singapore House X is a high end bungalow that sits atop a sloping hill of 2322sqm site area in Singapore, the Southwest vista oversees roofscapes and forestry on the other side of the valley. The Architects has injected extensive natural stone, rust manipulated steel for the facade, and recycled teak planks of old houses from Thailand, for the interior wall. In respond to the low carbon & maintenance requirement, we introduced an efficient and pure lighting scheme of how illumination are used with dual usage of feature enhancements and practicality. Decorative lighting were collectively selected during the design stages, to exhalt the overall lighting ambience and space. Entering through the folded expression portal of the main entry, that is articulated with illumination. An open to sky enclosed courtyard greets upon entering the space.The textured timber walls of the walkways are grazed with concealed luminaires, complemented to carry the vista towards the living room. The guest centric living room is a highly textured space of visual interest, intending with
both an expansive and intimate experience, fulfilled by the marrying of floor standing lights and Architecture lighting. As a counterpoint to the rich communal spaces, the bedrooms are an oasis of simplicity aided by hassle free controls of lighting scenes. At the walk-in wardrobe space, a generous sized bespoke circular mirror sets upon a concave geometric fitting, designed and engineered as a finer detail element to radiate an unobtrusive soft glow of functionality. One level below, are the family room and dinning space that connects outwards to the external terrace with a swimming pool. The brass finished stellar arrangements of diffused point lights, mounted on the ceiling, are a shared reminiscence of the featured marble wall’s intriguing grains. They are also imagined with the idea of ‘connecting’, as part of the values of a family. Linear arranged, contrasting black suspending glare-less pendants above the dinning table, are well set to reinforce both functionality and intimacy, during meals while enjoying the
expansive view of nature. The rear exterior lighting are meant to exalts it’s masculine geometrical shape and provide illumination at the balconies. The overall sustainable and experiential illumination made possible, is the result of the constant communication and collaboration between the client, consultants and contractors; exceeding the most stringent energy efficiency policy by the Building Construction authority of Singapore.
Project: House X Location: Singapore Interior Design: Redbean Architects, Singapore Lighting Design: Limelight atelier, Singapore Decorative Lighting Suppliers: Bover, Astro, Flos, Soraa
www.darcawards.com/decorative
SECOND PLACE Proyecto Siqueiros, Coahuila, Mexico Project: Proyecto Siqueiros Location: Coahuila, Mexico Lighting Design: Toyka Arquitectura, Mexico Decorative Lighting Suppliers: Vibia, LEDS-C4, Brillante
THIRD PLACE Project T, Waasmunster, Belgium Project: Project T Location: Waasmunster, Belgium Architect: Vincent van Duysen, Belgium Decorative Lighting Suppliers: Tekna
PROJECTS
WORK
The Best Use of Decorative Lighting in a Workplace Project
WINNER
Feltrinelli Foundation Building, Milan, Italy Italian lighting brand Artemide has worked closely with leading architects Herzog & De Meuron on the illumination of the new headquarters of the Feltrinelli Foundation at Porta Volta in Milan; a building designed by the renowned architecture firm. Spanning the building’s five floors, Artemide has installed lighting solutions designed to interact with the architecture and to satisfy the premises different uses. Artemide’s flexible and dynamic appliances define the spaces at different times of the day and ensure high technical performance and a desirable ambience. The Unterlinden combination, designed by Herzog & De Meuron for Artemide in 2014, uses last-generation technical products, including the Picto High Flux projectors, to provide elegant and adaptable lighting in the Foyer of the Feltrinelli Foundation, the bookstore, and the coffee shop on the ground floor. Artemide’s Ourea, in a special black-stemmed version, illuminates the expansive double-height space of the conference room.
In the offices on the third and fourth floors, the Algoritmo system is integrated into the architecture to provide even illumination, which is ideal for work spaces, and perfectly complements the Demetra task lights which are fitted to each work station. The area also features Pipe floor LED, an update of the Pipe appliance, the first project developed by Artemide in partnership with architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre De Meuron, which subsequently received a Compasso d’Oro ADI award in 2004. An installation of more than 100 Unterlinden appliances animates the space. A special version of Unterlinden table, specifically designed for the reading stations, predicts the evolution of this product family. Underlinden is a product that is highly appreciated for its minimalist look and considered materiality, paired with high lighting value; it is an ideal model with the potential to develop into multiple versions. Artemide’s partnership with design firm Herzog & De Meuron on the Feltrinelli Foundation is
just one of many of its credible collaborations. Artemide has the ability to establish design relations with international architects, top brands and cultural entities, and by utilising its technological and innovative skills, manages to succeed in understanding the major changes required in order to design the light of the future.
Project: Feltrinelli Foundation Building Location: Milan, Italy Client: Fondazione Feltrinelli Architect: Herzog & de Meuron, Switzerland Decorative Lighting Suppliers: Artemide
www.darcawards.com/decorative
SECOND PLACE LiveWire, London, UK Project: LiveWire Location: London, UK Client: La Salle Lighting Design: Acrylicize Decorative Lighting Suppliers: Acrylicize
THIRD PLACE King – Kungsgatan 36, Stockholm, Sweden Project: King – Kungsgatan 36 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Client: King Interior Design: Adolfsson & Partners, Sweden Lighting Design: ÅF Lighting, Sweden Decorative Lighting Suppliers: iGuzzini, Moooi, Muuto
The Concurrency for Project East, Hong Kong Project: The Concurrency for Project East Location: Hong Kong Client: Gaw Capital Partners Interior Design: MVRDV (Winy Maas), Netherlands Decorative Lighting Suppliers: Lasvit
PROJECTS
REST
The Best Use of Decorative Lighting in a Hotel Project
WINNER
Marriott Charlotte City Centre, Charlotte, USA Marriott International commissioned Rockwell Group, a New York based architectural firm to reimagine its city centre hotel, developing it into an “innovation lab” to test new features aimed at the next generation of travellers. With kiosk style check-in’s, phone activated room locks and “like” buttons for guests to vote on their favourite new features, Marriott is aiming the renovation at a younger demographic, who are used to ordering Ubers, flights and food all from their phones. As part of the renovation, Rockwell Group commissioned LUUM, a London based lighting studio, to create a contemporary focal point for the hotels main lobby. With a vast 11 meter high atrium above the hotels busy bar area, LUUM needed to deliver a lighting sculpture that commanded the attention of the professional millennial.
The design selected was a customised version of Luum’s “Finale” lighting installation. Capturing a snapshot in time, like the explosion of a firework, the feature reflects the energy of the hotels dynamic crowd. Suspended high above the lobby floor, one hundred delicately curved LED lit glass ribs frame the formal structure of each of the monumental four meter diameter rings. The challenge came during the installation, as each ring, weighing in at over 250kg, needed to be assembled at ground level and interlocked before being raised into place below the atrium’s glass ceiling.
Project: Marriott Charlotte City Centre Location: Charlotte, USA Client: Marriott Interior Design: Rockwell Group, USA Lighting Suppliers: LUUM
www.darcawards.com/decorative
SECOND PLACE Mandala No.1, Perth, Australia Project: Mandala No.1 Location: Perth, Australia Client: Crown Towers Architect: Bates Smart, Australia Decorative Lighting Suppliers: willowlamp
THIRD PLACE Watergate Hotel, Washington, USA Project: Watergate Hotel Location: Washington DC, USA Client: Watergate Hotel Architect: Ron Arad Architects, UK; BBGM, USA Interior Design: Ron Arad Architects, UK Lighting Design: CM KLING + ASSOCIATES, USA; Ron Arad Architects, UK Lighting Suppliers: Custom fabrication by Realize
PROJECTS
PLAY
The Best Use of Decorative Lighting in a Leisure Project
WINNER
Komodo, Miami, USA When a restaurateur and a nightlife powerhouse wanted to open up an Asian restaurant in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, the duo tapped a New York City-based innovation studio to fulfill their vision. Mirroring the menu’s culinary journey along Marco Polo’s trail, the design team transformed the three-story space into a lush garden oasis. Upon entering the multi-level dining room, guests have the option to dine in several different settings. With the indoor and outdoor lines strategically blurred, the restaurant’s garden elements flow seamlessly throughout the space. Red, sculptural tree mushrooms with oversized fins climb the interior walls, creating interplay of light and shadow. Custom bamboo reeds are dramatically lit from the inside, forming a dappling canopy effect on the ceiling. Outdoor materials such as teak are used throughout the interior to continue the theme. The Southeast Asian-inspired exterior floating bird’s nests give a private, elevated dining experience and create a playful tree-house feel
as well as affording guests provocative views. The dining and lounge pods are perched above the exterior garden and ascend around the restaurant. Whether guests are seated inside or outside, the restaurant’s warm and welcoming environment stimulates the senses while taking guests on an exotic journey through a fantastical forest. On the second floor, guests enter through tufted teal doors into the private lounge area. Reminiscent of a Chinatown Lounge, graphic manga-esque wall art smiles down on teal and red banquettes. The rotating art program and dynamic video screens reflect off the black polished metal ceiling, adding a whimsical touch to the intimate space. From cozy corners and dining under banana leaves to bottle service and celebrity drop-ins, this spacious multi-level eatery and lounge transports guests to a tropical getaway with a multiplicity of dining and entertainment experiences.
Project: Komodo Location: Miami, USA Client: David Grutman & China Grill Hospitality Interior Design: ICRAVE, USA Lighting Design: ICRAVE LICHT, USA Decorative Lighting Suppliers: Amunael, Spike, Selamat
www.darcawards.com/decorative
SECOND PLACE Gold on 27 Lounge, Abu Dhabi, UAE Project: Gold on 27 Lounge Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Client: Jumeirah Architect: AK Design, UAE Interior Design: Keane, UAE Lighting Design: Delta Lighting Solutions, UAE Decorative Lighting Suppliers: Preciosa, Sharon Marston
THIRD PLACE Ericson Globe Premium Lounge, Stockholm, Sweden Project: Ericson Globe Premium Lounge Location: Stockholm, Sweden Client: SGA Fastigheter Interior Design: Input Interiör, Sweden Lighting Design: Sweco Architects, Sweden Decorative Lighting Suppliers: Modular, Louis Poulsen, Luceplan, Sattler, ateljé lyktan, Kamic, Più Piano
PROJECTS
SHOP
The Best Use of Decorative Lighting in a Retail Project
WINNER
Sunset Walk – Centre MK, Milton Keynes, UK With the increase in destination shopping malls, competition is high. Having the right shops is only half the attraction; consumers want the overall experience to be one of visual stimulation and luxury. This was the premise behind the refurbishment of Sunset Walk at Centre MK, Milton Keynes. It was important for the final lighting scheme to provide a touch of glamour, elevating the retail experience beyond standard shopping centre expectations. The scheme intended to enhance the appearance and appreciation of the refurbished zone, making it a destination within the centre, LDI paid special attention to entrance atriums and decorative elements, to provide a strong visual presence to entice shoppers. Gold finished geometric ‘kites’ were proposed by the architect to emphasize the large volume entrance atriums, and to bring identity and presence from the adjacent roads. These structures are uplit from bespoke track spotlights, providing high contrast 2700K lighting, enhancing the rich gold finish and
contrasting with the 3000K general illumination. An array of large Moooi Raimond pendants were also used to provide sparkle and reflection against the gold finish of the ‘kites’ and polished beaten metal ceiling panels. The ‘kites’ lead the visitor from the high ceiling atrium through to the lower ceiling mall, where the golden tone of the ‘kite’ is echoed in the bespoke mirrored gold hexagonal ceiling lights. A total of 960 hexagon lights were installed throughout the mall, to lead the customer through the newly refurbished areas, while providing uplight and downlight along with visual interest to the space. The hexagons were developed by LDI in conjunction with Mike Stoane Lighting, and come in three styles, 180mm deep uplighting only, 80mm deep uplighting only and 180mm uplighting and downlighting. Hexagons are swathed in a seemingly random pattern throughout the mall circulation, providing an interesting sculpted landscape of mirrored gold and light to the ceiling. The hexagons ensure the ceiling plane is bright and fresh during the day, in comparison
to daylight. LED within the hexagons is 18.5W per/m, 3000K, 90CRI, providing 2300lm up or down, per fitting depending on style. Uplighting and downlighting are independently controllable helping balance the scheme.
Project: Sunset Walk – Centre MK Location: Milton Keynes, UK Client: Hermes Investment Management Architect: Rawls & Co, UK Lighting Design: Lighting Design International, UK Decorative Lighting Suppliers: Mike Stoane Lighting, Moooi
www.darcawards.com/decorative
SECOND PLACE C.P. Hart Showroom Waterloo, London, UK Project: C.P. Hart Showroom Waterloo Location: London, UK Client: C.P. Hart Interior Design: Morrow + Lorraine, UK Lighting Design: StudioFractal, UK Decorative Lighting Suppliers: UFO, Flos, iGuzzini, Made
THIRD PLACE Charlotte Tilbury, White City Westfield, London, UK Project: Charlotte Tilbury Location: White City Westfield, London, UK Client: Charlotte Tilbury Lighting Design: Nulty, UK Decorative Lighting Suppliers: Applelec, Xicato, Prop Studios
PRODUCTS
BESPOKE
The Best Decorative Bespoke Fixture
WINNER
Zephyr – George Singer George Singer comments: “I was asked by the London-based interior design company, RPW, ‘Can you design and make a lighting sculpture that celebrates and reflects the beauty and energy of St Andrews Bay for the atrium of the Fairmont Hotel?’ The installation had to be the full length of the hotel atrium which is 60 meters long. In parts it also needed to be the full width of 8 meters, and in the middle had to drop from 10 meters to 5 meters. The Zephyr installation is designed to reflect the surrounding nature: the crashing waves, the long grasses blowing in the wind, the enormous cloud formations, the rolling hills, the murmurations of starlings, shoals of fish and the blossom trees, and the sheer energy and beauty of St Andrew’s Bay. We wanted to create an installation that reflected and encapsulated all of these things. The form for the Zephyr installation was designed in collaboration with the Berlinbased computer code-writing company, onformative. Using this smart computer
technology, onformative and I were able to design a truly organic form, full of twists, turns, and undulations which would be impossible to design by eye. By using three-dimensional, simulated fluid dynamics we had a tool we could use in order to position the 20,000 steel disks in their unique positions to create the aesthetic required for Zephyr. The stainless steel disks I designed provided lots of advantages- they are very light, they are very thin (so no dust can settle), and they can be silk-screen printed. I collaborated very carefully with RPW Design to choose colours which very delicately complimented the warm and natural colour palette of the hotel atrium. The satin finish also allowed them to beautifully reflect the LED light which is washed onto the installation from spot lights throughout the atrium. The lighting scheme was designed in collaboration with the London-based company, DPA Lighting. Fabrication of the Zephyr installation took three months and was carried out by George Singer and a carefully-selected group of London-
based product designers. The installation was carried out by George Singer and designer, Guy Brown, and was completed in just three weeks. The whole project was filmed from start to finish by film maker, Yago Abella. We also employed a local Scottish drone photographer to take the aerial shots of the hotel and coastline, and I am also proud to say that the interior designers themselves were given the opportunity to place a few disks on wires. It was a wonderful project to work on and I’m very proud to admit that I’m a quarter Scottish myself.”
Product: Zephyr Manufacturer: George Singer
www.darcawards.com/decorative
SECOND PLACE Ferro Vitro – TM Lighting & Cox London Product: Ferro Vitro Manufacturer: TM Lighting & Cox London
THIRD PLACE Neurons for Prince Mahidol Hall – Lasvit Product: Nueurons Manufacturer: Lasvit
PRODUCTS
CEILING
The Best Decorative Pendant / Chandelier
WINNER
Nebula – INK Lighting INK’s ‘Nebula’ kinetic chandeliers are inspired by the mathematical patterns found throughout nature, evoking distant celestial bodies and (in their spiralling motion) the DNA helix. They thus stretch our imagination from the most macro to the most microscopic of forms, searing onto our mind’s eye images which are both otherworldly, yet deeply natural. We also sought to tap into the childlike sense of wonder and discovery that comes from exploration and experimentation. INK’s chandeliers were therefore conceived to be uniquely interactive, allowing clients to explore their mellifluous rotations and shades of luminosity, thanks to a proprietary smartphone app and bespoke Bluetooth-connected motor. Whilst their fluid movement is their most distinguishing feature, our Nebula lights are equally compelling when static; calmly filling their surroundings with a comforting warm glow, held delicately in place by the high-polish brass arms of the chandeliers’ elliptical and spherical structures. The Nebula chandeliers were designed by Ivan
Black (a renowned sculptor and co-founder of INK) who has been successfully exploring nature’s mathematical patterns through his kinetic artwork for over 2 decades. Built entirely in the UK, using a range of specialist suppliers from across the country, a number of components have been designed from scratch, or have re-purposed and reimagined technologies proven in other domains. As such, two years of prototyping work preceded our launch, as we explored the merits of contemporary technology (3D printing, wireless communication protocols and digital user interface design) and traditional manufacturing techniques that have been established for many decades. The result is a product which surprises us with unexpected juxtapositions. It is manmade, built from metal and wire, but adopts deeply natural forms. It is highly precise and incandescent, yet also soft and alluvial. It is cold-headed in its adherence to mathematical formulae, but inspires an emotional reaction.
Product: Nebula Manufacturer: INK Lighting
www.darcawards.com/decorative
SECOND PLACE Lederam Manta S1 – Catellani & Smith Product: Lederam Manta S1 Manufacturer: Catellani & Smith
THIRD PLACE U-Light – Axo Light Product: U-Light Manufacturer: Axo Light
PRODUCTS
WALL
The Best Decorative Wall Fixture
WINNER
Alphabet of Light – Artemide Alphabet of Light is a language of light. It is not only the design of an object but the development of a concept using light to communicate. BIG’s inspiration derived from an abacus of geometric elements which can be connected together in order to design a new font that translates into light – am alphabet used as a tool to express thoughts or to create shapes within spaces. The base modules, either straight or curved, with their precise geometric proportions can be combined to build countless structures. It is an elementary principle generating an open system. Few base modules linked with joints make up the individual letters of a new graphic alphabet but also allow the user to create simple and linear forms or more intricate elements such as graphic symbols. This idea is realised through the optoelectronic skills of Artemide who has defined an innovative manufacturing principle in order to produce a continuous, comfortable light. Technological complexity is transferred into
elementary gestures; the individual parts are linked with electromagnetic joints that are concealed, without shadows or discontinuities. Connections are made easy and ensure maximum composition and configuration freedom.
Product: Alphabet of Light Manufacturer: Artemide Designer: BIG Architects
www.darcawards.com/decorative
SECOND PLACE FATUA Wall Rechargeable – Lam32 Product: FATUA Wall Rechargeable Manufacturer: Lam32 Designer: Be.emanuelgargano
THIRD PLACE YOYWall – innermost Product: YOYWall Manufacturer: innermost
PRODUCTS
FLOOR
The Best Decorative Floor Standing Fixture
WINNER
Mito – Rakumba Lighting Conceived as a collaboration between designer Tom Fereday and Rakumba Lighting, the Mito lighting series was designed to celebrate the natural beauty and character of raw materials. Minimal in design, Mito juxtaposes precision manufacturing techniques with natural hand finished timbers and stones to create a truly sculptural light. Warm, indirect light flows across domed forms carefully crafted from natural materials, and can be used to create flexible accent lighting effects through rotating the shades. Modular in design, the Mito series may be configured at any angle and comes in a variety of both wall sconce and floor lamp configurations. Design: Tom Fereday Style: floor lamp & wall sconce Material: Nero Marquina, Carrara marble, American ash, stained American ash, steel, aluminium Light source: integrated Tridonic led per disk // 3.9w // 400lm (module) // 3000k // cri90 // 100240v driver
Dimming: wall sconce: non dim / switch-dim / Dali Floor lamp: switch-dim Lamp cordset: 2m black textile flex // inline switch dimmer // driver & plug Tom Fereday develops products based on the principle of honest design – celebrating the manufacturing processes behind furniture and products, and designing from the inside out. He strives to create enduring designs that are meaningful to people and their environment. Rakumba started making beauty in 1968. Our team of Industrial Designers is Australian-based and internationally present. Our inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere – our passions span far and wide. The intersection between design and craft is important to us. Our attention to detail and pursuit for perfection is what matters. We care about what we create. It’s not a philosophy, it’s pride.
Product: Mito Manufacturer: Rakumba Lighting Designer: Tom Fereday
www.darcawards.com/decorative
SECOND PLACE Avveni Concrete – Sattler Product: Avveni Concrete Manufacturer: Sattler
THIRD PLACE Effimera – Prandina Product: Effimera Manufacturer: Prandina
PRODUCTS
TABLE
The Best Decorative Table Standing Fixture
WINNER CADO – Lam32
This design is a graphic gesture that, by becoming material, seems to defy gravity: a table lamp epitomizing precarious balance, its carbon-steel structure looks as if it’s supported by the very light it emanates. “Venturing back… The light of my youth was more intense, much more intense than today. My enthusiasm was a flaring candle, burning at both ends in the name of art. Discovering and exploring it meant making marks, signs, pencil lines, I, too, felt drawn, de-signed, de-marked. The only way to overcome everyday habit, ordinary life, was to soar into the extraordinary, rend the veil: beyond the physical, beyond the mechanical, beyond pleasure, beyond the pain of scraped knees. Rising and falling back, becoming weightless, thinking our thoughts don’t fall because light doesn’t fall, if anything, it disappears and reappears. Art is a trick, a way of escaping, albeit paying with and suffering from all that is given, imposed by who- knows-whom… If only we could become light, reflect without falling, and finally accept the bright and
fragile form of our balance… our precarious equilibrium.” Technical data: Light source LED 1W (125lm) 220/240Vac 50/60Hz Supplied with USB cable and plug Dimmer Touch IP20 Certification: Class II Finish: matt white / matt black Structure materials: Carbon Fiber
Product: CADO Manufacturer: Lam32 Designer: Be.emanuelgargano
www.darcawards.com/decorative
SECOND PLACE Tall Poppy – Neoz Lighting Product: Tall Poppy Manufacturer: Neoz Lighting
THIRD PLACE Solid Table Light – Terence Woodgate Product: Solid Table Light Manufacturer: Terence Woodgate
PRODUCTS
EXTERIOR
The Best Decorative Exterior Fixture
WINNER
Munich Reeds – Lichtlauf Initially designed for a courtyard in a high-end residential project, Munich Reeds provides gentle light and soft moods for gardens, private parks, along walkways or terraces. The conical shape of acrylic rods are made by hand, and they are matted with a soft gradient from the bottom to the top. Both versions (indoor and outdoor) are illuminated with a LED unit hidden in the bottom of the luminaire. The glare-free light is very pleasant, and the rods are soft enough to move in the wind like glowing reeds.
Product: Munich Reeds Manufacturer: Lichtlauf Designer: Gerd PfarrĂŠ + Christoph Matthias
www.darcawards.com/decorative
SECOND PLACE Carina – OKAPI Product: Carina Manufacturer: OKAPI
THIRD PLACE Original 1227 Outdoor Giant Collection – Anglepoise Product: Original 1227 Outdoor Giant Collection Manufacturer: Anglepoise
PRODUCTS
SOURCE
The Best Lamp for Decorative Fixtures
WINNER
Plumen 003 – Plumen Five years in the making, the Plumen 003 is a highly engineered lamp that combines real world efficiency with exceptional looks and light quality in one luxurious package. It is a new, patented format of LED bulb that emits two types of light from a single source: a warm and ambient light to the sides and a focused downward spot beneath. The approach creates an accent light and spot in one bulb. This allows you to control the atmosphere of the room (home, bar, restaurant, hotel) but also be able to illuminate a task, whether you’re eating, drinking, working, reading or writing. Like its predecessors, the Original 001 and the 002 LED, the 003 is a work of art in its own right. But our quest for beauty didn’t stop with the physical appearance of the bulb. We also needed to consider how it would interact with and improve its surroundings. As such, Plumen’s engineering team developed a patented method for distributing the light exactly where it is required while at the same time nuancing the light’s colour and texture. By floating the gold elements on transparent,
optical supports, we eliminated shadows as the light was channelled and conditioned with precision. The design means the light of the LED is warmed as it reflects from the gold elements, gently illuminating faces and surroundings with a flattering glow. Each of the five parts was faceted by jeweller Marie-Laure Giroux to create a warm, luxurious light that feels like it has come from an intricately cut gem or an ornately crafted precious metal. The relationship is symbiotic, as while the gold elements warm the light, the light brings the facets to life by making them sparkle like a precious jewel. Through the centre comes a clean, warm white spotlight, illuminating the surface below. The central structure sits on a specially engineered plinth, which draws away the heat of the LED to ensure that the 003 is every bit as efficient and long living as it is visually pleasing. The bulb is a standalone piece which means it does not require a lamp shade, adding significant energy efficiency. The story of the 003 pays homage to Poul
Henningsen’s PH lamp, which encountered similar challenges and consequent inspirations when it was designed back in 1925. Like Plumen, Henningsen was seeking to soften the transition between two lighting technologies: in his case, the move from kerosene lamps to the bare bulbs born out at the dawn of electricity; in our’s, the rise of harsh LED lighting to replace incandescent bulbs. As such, we settled on a similar method: diffusing and reflecting the light within a gold chamber in order to reduce glare and increase the light’s temperature. The 003 difference is that it offers both indirect light on side views and direct light below, and of course that much needed efficiency.
Product: Plumen 003 Manufacturer: Plumen
www.darcawards.com/decorative
SECOND PLACE Voronoi – Tala Product: Voronoi Manufacturer: Tala
THIRD PLACE Smoked 125mm Globe lamp – Enigma Lighting Product: Smoked 125mm Globe lamp Manufacturer: Enigma Lighting
DARC AWARD
www.darcawards.com/decorative
Best of the Best
WINNER
House X, Singapore House X is a high end bungalow that sits atop a sloping hill of 2322sqm site area in Singapore, the Southwest vista oversees roofscapes and forestry on the other side of the valley. The Architects has injected extensive natural stone, rust manipulated steel for the facade, and recycled teak planks of old houses from Thailand, for the interior wall. In respond to the low carbon & maintenance requirement, we introduced an efficient and pure lighting scheme of how illumination are used with dual usage of feature enhancements and practicality. Decorative lighting were collectively selected during the design stages, to exhalt the overall lighting ambience and space. Entering through the folded expression portal of the main entry, that is articulated with illumination. An open to sky enclosed courtyard greets upon entering the space.The textured timber walls of the walkways are grazed with concealed luminaires, complemented to carry the vista towards the living room. The guest centric living room is a highly textured space of visual interest, intending with
both an expansive and intimate experience, fulfilled by the marrying of floor standing lights and Architecture lighting. As a counterpoint to the rich communal spaces, the bedrooms are an oasis of simplicity aided by hassle free controls of lighting scenes. At the walk-in wardrobe space, a generous sized bespoke circular mirror sets upon a concave geometric fitting, designed and engineered as a finer detail element to radiate an unobtrusive soft glow of functionality. One level below, are the family room and dinning space that connects outwards to the external terrace with a swimming pool. The brass finished stellar arrangements of diffused point lights, mounted on the ceiling, are a shared reminiscence of the featured marble wall’s intriguing grains. They are also imagined with the idea of ‘connecting’, as part of the values of a family. Linear arranged, contrasting black suspending glare-less pendants above the dinning table, are well set to reinforce both functionality and intimacy, during meals while enjoying the
expansive view of nature. The rear exterior lighting are meant to exalts it’s masculine geometrical shape and provide illumination at the balconies. The overall sustainable and experiential illumination made possible, is the result of the constant communication and collaboration between the client, consultants and contractors; exceeding the most stringent energy efficiency policy by the Building Construction authority of Singapore.
Project: House X Location: Singapore Interior Design: Redbean Architects, Singapore Lighting Design: Limelight atelier, Singapore Decorative Lighting Suppliers: Bover, Astro, Flos, Soraa
organised by
in collaboration with
with thanks to our manufacturer partners
14 SEPT EMBE R 2017 / LOND ON
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