Roundtable: Lighting design

Q. What are the latest trends in hospitality lighting in the Middle East?

Fakhruddin golwala: There has been a shift towards whole fixture solutions that utilise energy efficient LED technology in recent months and this is bringing about important cost and energy savings in the hospitality industry. We are also seeing a growth in smart control technology. By adding lighting control to a scheme, end users can not only benefit from increased energy efficiency but this new technology can also collect and analyse valuable occupancy data. For example, with access to real-time data on the occupancy of a hotel, hotel owners can see which rooms are being used and set housekeeper schedules accordingly. Lights can also be turned off in unused hallways saving yet more energy and money.

Vadim horna: Kinetic and dynamically-lit lighting installations, bringing unique experiences and beauty to a given space.

Martin FRYZELKA: Designers and architects are testing new solutions and possibilities that can take the adventure of decorative lighting to another level. These bright and innovative ideas often lead to unconventional design, methods, and technologies that go far beyond the predictable and ordinary. Current trends in the lighting field are also oriented towards increasingly comfortable solutions that are interactive towards the user. They have to conform to the aesthetic and functional needs of the customer who seeks modern and timeless design.

Q. What is your most requested product or service?

Fakhruddin: We see a growing trend of vintage style lighting, and the Sylvania brand with the ToLEDo Retro combines the efficiency and low running costs of LED technology, with the design and aesthetics of a traditional incandescent light bulb is popular. This creates an exposed filament bulb that evokes memories of traditional lighting, while helping meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Lighting control is having a big impact and our ‘Organic Response’ enabled luminaires are proving extremely popular. The solution requires no additional wiring because the technology is integrated within the luminaire — it’s a ‘plug and play’ solution. The luminaires have a sensor node built-in, which automatically detects which luminaires are next to each other and commission themselves automatically, communicating with each other so that if a person is moving through a space, the lighting levels seamlessly rise in front of them and fall behind them. LED technology has radically improved energy efficiency but end users still want the same shape and style as their old lamps because of which the Sylvania RefLED ES50 V2 Pureform lamp has achieved success. It matches the shape and size of a halogen lamp and is suitable for dimming. It is available in 2700K, 3000K and 4000K colour temperatures with choice of light colour.

Vadim: The list of Lasvit’s art pieces includes hand-blown bespoke installations in luxurious hotels, public spaces and private residences, as well as collections of design lighting. At Milan Design Week held in Milan in April, Lasvit launched a new line of glassware and glass objects, quickly becoming very popular.

Martin: The bespoke manufactured objects and installations as they are not only a mere source of light, but also a significant source of atmosphere and create the first impression. Ideas and projects need to be approached individually in order to create the desired impact for interiors varying in style and function. We are able to achieve completely unique and unlimited technologies and services, ranging from design to maintenance.

Q. What’s the main challenge for hoteliers when it comes to lighting, and how do you help overcome this?

Fakhruddin: Lighting needs to complement the architecture of the venue, interior design, furnishings and even artwork. Lighting plays an important role in creating the right environment. For example, lighting in the reception area will help create a good impression when guests enter the hotel. So, high-impact architectural accent lighting, which focuses on key features such as the reception desk, lounge area and atria can create an impressive entrance and make guests feel welcome. Alternatively, bedrooms are a place for guests to relax and unwind so warm, white lighting is essential to help guests feel comfortable.

Vadim: Hotel operators look for ‘statement pieces’ that both adorn the space and add value to their project, attracting their guests. We always strive to create a unique piece reflecting clients’ needs and overall design language of the building. Our designers always research about the project’s background. What we aspire to do with each creation is to interpret our client’s desires. We strive to capture elements of influence from the surrounding environments, which enables us to produce an installation that will integrate seamlessly into the space.

Martin: Choosing the appropriate lighting setup is as essential as the choice of interior design. In our team, we have lighting consultants who keep in mind the overall tone of the interior. Manufactured objects and installations are not only a mere source of light, but also a significant source of interior mood so that ideas and projects need to be approached individually in order to create the desired impact for interiors varying in style and function.

Q. How has the industry evolved in the Middle East, and how open are owners to adopting trends from other parts of the world?

Fakhruddin: There have been a number of government-prescribed directives as part of green initiatives, which are designed to encourage sustainable development, making end users select energy-efficient lighting solutions. However, there is lack of knowledge and expertise within the FM community and with local operators.

Vadim: Clients in the UAE are keen to follow the latest trends, they like to push the envelope and seek extraordinarily unique products.

Martin: In the light of the current situation, differentiating properties from one another is the key in attracting guests to book rooms and just adopting trends and forms is not enough. The Middle East occupies more of a ‘trend setter’ position than just adopting trends from the world. Owners themselves definitely take inspiration from their travels but don’t just simply copy and paste. The trend is to take inspiration but integrate local specificity.

Q. Is costing a concern you find yourself having to contend with, as everyone out there is looking for a ‘better deal’?

Fakhruddin: In recent times, we have seen a number of new manufacturers and suppliers enter the lighting industry. This is mainly due to the shift in the industry’s dynamics and a move away from conventional to LED lighting. However, operators and clients should not be carried away by illusive or misleading information and offers by fly-by-night companies.

Vadim: Our installations permanently increase the value of the spaces they fill. We don’t manufacture products, we create art objects enhancing the space — and clients in the region are keen to invest in art.

Martin: Of course costing plays an important role but we always do it with the overall design intent and final interior atmosphere in mind. Naturally we have to deal with the value and cutting costs approach that can lead up to inadequate lighting projects — in these cases we make it a point to communicate the reason behind those installations. We try to prevent poor solutions and decisions during our mock ups and meetings, where we describe the proposed drafts into the details as well as to understand the ideas of our clients.

Q. Is there a healthy synchronisation between owner, operator, contractor and supplier?

Fakhruddin: For the majority of projects, specifically in the Middle East region, there is a lack of coordination and less priority given to lighting. This is where suppliers like us can share knowledge and provide suggestions on lighting schemes.

Vadim: With a commercial project, the installation is among a wider audience, so its appeal must be correspondingly universal. For us, from project conceptualisation, we work closely with our clients, whether residentially or commercially. We must uncover the story that connects the final installation to the client and the environment within which it will reside. We keep clients involved through every step of the creative process. They are invited to production facilities in the Czech Republic during the production process, to fine-tune both design and production.

Martin: We need to work together to create an innovative and distinctive concept and to present the reasons for the way we do things. Close cooperation is necessary while ensuring the success of hospitality projects. We need not only present the solution we suggest but also perceive all the needs, doubts and intention of the owner, operator and contractor. We can find the right lighting solution only if we don’t underestimate the process of synchronisation.