Sachin Bhargava, an Electrical Engineer, and Pooja Bhargava, a NIFT Delhi Post Graduate with a MA in lighting design from Wismar, Germany, have combined their expertise to establish a lighting control, and technology centre named Studio Johns in the vibrant city of Jaipur, India. With a background in architectural lighting products and extensive training from leading lighting companies, they offer comprehensive services in design, supply, and experiential lighting solutions. Studio Johns provides personalized guidance to stakeholders, contractors, and architects, empowering them to make informed decisions and create impactful lighting designs for their projects. 

In an exclusive Interview Sachin and Pooja Bhargava speak about their journey, their challenging projects and more …

Studio Johns is one of the most reputed companies in the industry. Can you take our readers through your journey so far…?

Studio Johns, is a technology, engineering and lighting design company. It is co-founded by Sachin Bhargava and Pooja Bhargava. Sachin Bhargava, an electrical Engineer is the technology and engineering mind, whereas Pooja is a creative soul. She is a NIFT- Delhi graduate and Master in Lighting Design (Architectural Lighting & design Management) from Wismar, Germany.

We started the company in 2002. One day world renowned architect Dr Anoop Baratria called us in his office in 2016 and asked us, if we would be interested in lighting the world’s first heritage walkway in Amritsar. We, immediately grabbed the opportunity and there was on looking back.

Today, we boast an experienced team to ensure good design, better installations and best results.

Can you mention some of the landmark projects you worked on, which have been a turning point in your career in terms of experimenting with new lighting techniques/designs or introducing innovative concepts?

In, 2016 we designed, supplied and commissioned the world’s longest heritage walkway- 1km heritage walk in Amritsar. It is from Town Hall to Jaliawalabagh to Darbar Sahab) Golden Temple. 

In 2022, we designed and completed India’s first outdoor museum on ‘Constitution of India’ in the beautiful Pink City- Jaipur. In 2023, Architectural lighting of 3KM of world’s longest heritage riverfront on either side of Chambal Riverfront.

Both the public places projects have been ahead in terms of lighting and have been carefully lit up without the use of flood, making each facade low voltage consumption, darkness friendly, well-planned, and better installed

What are your views on the importance of Lighting Design in a project?

Lighting Design is a subject poorly implemented in India as the awareness is still low within communities and stakeholders. With LED’s becoming cheaper and powerful, we must stop the misuse of selection/over selection while choosing LED fixtures. Let’s not look at wattage but lumens output from a fixture while selecting.

Secondly, public places should not be flooded/over lit up. We are losing the night view of skies from the city because of over lighting. Not everything needs to be switched ON every day and every night hour. Automation should be used to plan the timings of these facades. 

Thirdly, I feel there should be a guideline for lighting up the facades in the city. The facade belongs to the city. The city needs to have a theme ‘vision’. Lighting designer should align their designs to the theme/vision of the city.

Every government project should have a lighting designer on board before executing a project.

What is the biggest innovation in the lighting sector? How has it revolutionized the entire industry?

Well, innovation is a continuous process. We see the changes every month in LEDs, allowing the fixtures to be super small yet powerful. There is a lot of growth in linear fixtures as they are futuristic design. Controls have become wireless and the entire package of lighting and control have a lot to offer in terms of innovative design.

As a Lighting Designer, which lighting control brands do you prefer?   

So, for us each project and application have a futuristic, easy to use brand. For example, when we do-residences, we love to play with KNX using JUNG switches, wireless using CASAMBI. In case of large project installation like a public place we use Schneider/ABB for KNX, CASAMBI for wireless and MADRIX for DMX.

What are your views on the Smart lighting industry? According to you, in which sector (hospitality, commercial, residential), is traditional lighting getting rapidly replaced by smart lighting?

Smart lighting is the need of the hour. It finds usage in every sector, every application on every day basis. With power becoming expensive, sustainability becoming a challenge it is the need of the hour for government to act and Implement/mandate specifications for complete and holistic implementation of Smart Lighting Controls at least in public places in India.

If we have to live with “Ease of living” becoming a norm in India by 2047, there needs to be documents prepared, vision boards made by the government for SMART LIGHTNING.

For the second part of the question, larger spaces, bigger installations will always be more beneficial and viable financially if smart lighting is implemented.

Unfortunately, I don’t see much happening on the ground level as the tender are not prepared with guidelines in mind.

How do you foresee the Smart Lighting Industry 5 years down the line in India?

Five years down the line…

• The ‘Make in India’ initiatives will be present. There will be at least +30 more companies into manufacturing.
• Complete manufacturing, including diffusers and chips will start within the country.
• Indian lighting standards, city vision documents/guidelines would be laid out.
• BSR of government bodies will be more elaborate smart and sustainable in terms of specifications.
• Every electrical circuit will have some sort of automation.
• Applications will increase, light business will increase but quantitative installation per square feet will reduce and become meaningful.

Human Centric Lighting (HCL) is a futuristic trend in the lighting industry with health and mental wellness being the top benefits. What are your views on the same?  

All living things responded to light in a different way. Human Centric Light will find application in most of the environment spaces working in 24 hours of day. I feel, it will enhance productivity and have better mental and health impact on living things.

However, controls, AI and overall space and location will also play an equal and dynamic role while designing futures spaces.

As the smart lighting market is fragmented into various segments – such as type, applications, end-users, and distribution channel, how does Studio Johns provide the best lighting solutions that suit consumer needs?

Unlike a lot of others, we are a team of engineers, First and designer Second. So, to say that our stress on controls, drawings, implementation, commissioning is far more time-consuming because of a vast experience in controls, education in lighting design and a complete team to ensure end-to-end feel that our designs have far more impact than those who only design.

Our designs always have comprehensive technical parameters to match heritage, modern/ facade goals.  Our team is well-trained with manufacturer’s design, files and renders.

I began with saying we are technology, engineering and lighting company. We are in continuous hunt and in huger to adopt technologies, use AI, Controls Media as to opt for designs out of the box to create, showcase mesmerising experiences. 

So, we are leading and growing every year. We want to be recognised for meaningful designs.

We love to add emotions and culture into installations. We want to design to have foot prints in every state of India and beyond.

Finally, we want to make an impact and contribution in the making of “Developed Bharat” ensuring and preserving our culture & heritage in the coming years.

What we show as render is what we deliver.

From Street light poles, bollards to Architectural Lighting, we do all AutoCAD, renders, Dialux, 3-D, VR in house.

Tell us about the user experience with IoT and AI automation systems as the future of Smart Lighting 

The idea of showcasing, IOT and AI at the booth was to make people experience the power and usage of AI and understand futuristic concept. AI is a game changer and opens a pandora box to unlimited application and usage.

Future belongs to control and engineering, lighting will only be a product to be consumed in these applications. The mind-blowing application we display with immersiveness and instructiveness were a true delight to the user. And this is just, beginning…

As I said earlier lighting and controls go hand-in-hand. It’s like a marriage, good design smart system will only work if both lights and controls are smart and understand each other.

Although, I see a lot of crossing in this domain, these days, where light suppliers are also in control integration. So, both roles are equally important and are depending on each other.

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The KNX IO 546.1 secure (1D1O) is a cutting-edge dimming actuator that combines compact design with top-tier security features. This device is not just the smallest in its class but also ensures the utmost in security for your KNX smart home system.

Equipped with 1 dimming output for active electronic ballasts featuring a 0/1-10V interface, and an additional bi-stable relay output, this dimming actuator is versatile and suitable for various applications, such as controlling LED panels or strips. Its configurations allow for channel control through switching, relative dimming, and dimming value adjustments.

The KNX IO 546.1 secure (1D1O) boasts integrated comfort functions, including scenes, slumber fading, staircase lighting, and a sequencer. For added security, the device also optionally supports KNX Security, ensuring the protection of your smart home system.

In addition to its dimming capabilities, the switching actuator offers universal outputs with functions such as scene control, timers, staircase lighting, and compatibility with heating valves using PWM for thermoelectric valve drives. The device features two push buttons and three LEDs, enabling local operation and providing a visual representation of the device state.

Furthermore, the KNX IO 546.1 secure (1D1O) includes 16 independent functions for logic or timer control, adding to its flexibility and adaptability. Weinzierl’s range of products, including this innovative dimming actuator, is available for purchase in India through Entelechy Systems.

For more information: www.weinzierl.de

The post Weinzierl KNX IO 546.1 Secure (1D1O) The Smallest Dimming Actuator appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

URC has launched its new all-in-one, combined lighting solution – branded URC Lighting LT-3300. This next generation of smart lighting allows installers to select either dimmers or switch configurations and easily program to create unique atmospheres for entertaining or quiet family events.

URC Lighting’s advanced benefits also include auto load detection, which eliminates the need to configure neutral or non-neutral installs (unless used as an accessory device). A built-in configuration button also provides simple touch scene control and a trailing-edge, colourful, customisable LED bar provides visual notifications. Further, sync can be performed across URC Lighting devices for multi-way lighting feedback.

When combined with URC’s Total Control system, residential customers can take advantage of premium lighting and integration. With eight popular colours, URC Lighting complements any designer environment. Easy colour change kits or colour paddles allow URC Lighting to create uniquely lit environments.

Homeowners can seamlessly launch customized scenes, receive notifications about their systems, and control intuitive lighting programs. Through URC’s Total Control System, URC Lighting is networked to provide complete integration, allowing scenes like Good Morning, Dinner Party, and Good Night to launch highly customized lighting sequences. URC Lighting devices display notifications for programmed triggers via a LED light. With a simple touch, URC Lighting enables smart control and automation across the Total Control system.

For More information: www.urc-automation.com

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Lirio Lopez Lighting Design Consultants is one of the most reputed companies in the industry. Can you take our readers through your journey so far…

The firm was founded in 1960 by Mr. Lirio Lopez as an electrical consultancy practice, one of the first private independent consultancy firms at that time. Thanks to the encouragement and patronage of Architect A.P. Kanvinde, the practice grew over time. The firm was involved with many of the key post-modern institutional buildings of India in the 60s and 70s. There were many experiences that lead to the development and learning on both the technical and administrative fronts. In the 80s the firm was bolstered when Lyle joined as a partner after his engineering and 10 odd years of experience executing electrical contracts. I joined in ’91 after completing my engineering in Electronics and Communication and extended the consultancy services to other “wired” services in the burgeoning digital and electronic security realms.

India in the 90s had a lot of projects in which the services of foreign architectural lighting designers were contracted, and we had to integrate their designs into our services scope of design. It was a wonderful experience working alongside lighting designers Tino Kwan and Bo Steiber and some amazing interior designers and architects from Europe and South East Asia. We were then fortunate to get awarded the project of lighting Pablo Picasso’s paintings that were to be displayed in Delhi and Mumbai. That interaction of light and art was the trigger to explore lighting design as a profession. Our first Lighting Design project was Geoffrey’s Pub in Ansal Plaza in 2000 and there has been no going back since then! I chose to do a Masters in Architectural Lighting Design from Wismar, Germany, to learn more globally to apply locally and since 2000 we have successfully completed over 250 lighting design projects in almost every state in India and a few countries abroad across a variety of building typologies.

Can you mention some of the landmark projects you worked on, which have been a turning point in your career in terms of experimenting with new lighting techniques/designs or introducing innovative concepts?

There have been many projects that yielded rich learning curves and that’s what has driven our interest in pursuing lighting design despite the odds! In early 2001 we implemented a “dynamic rainbow” across the ceiling of a fine dining restaurant in Delhi using Colour Kinetics RGB LED and an addressable control system from Leax. We convinced a popular jewellery chain to use multi-point, high CRI LEDs to light their silver and gold ornaments in 2004 (they still follow our specifications to light their stores today!). Lighting the largest free-standing bamboo structure for the India Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo in 2010 was both challenging and rewarding. However, increasingly over the recent years, we have looked beyond technology into aspects of human perception and sustainability delving into the role that context plays in design and how to work more with shadow and darkness.

Sir, you are a member of IALD and you have also presented many case papers at international summits. What are your views on the importance of Lighting Design in a project?

It is important. Extremely important! But one has to be careful to debunk a lot of marketing “research” to get to the core of understanding the role of natural or artificial light in the built environment. To begin with, we must acknowledge that good design is centered around humans but as part of a larger eco-system involving all the other inhabitants of this beautiful planet. We must then understand that as humans we have been ”designed” to work with the Sun as our primary source of light and energy and as we move indoors for longer spans of time in a normal working day, our artificially lit interior places need to be carefully planned to minimize the detrimental effects of the differences in energy spectrum and colour rendering while also ensuring that we use products with low embodied energy and properties that support a circular economy. At night the strategies to light our cities and habitations should focus on allowing a proper period of rest for all the planet’s inhabitants while still allowing people to congregate, communicate and celebrate life. As lighting designers, we are responsible for understanding all these requirements and then balancing the science of light sources, their control, and understanding how they affect us while creating spaces that are still attractive, memorable and safe. We have to work closely with other design stakeholders – architects, interior designers, landscape architects, engineers and clients – to integrate these critical aspects of lighting design seamlessly into the built form.

What is the biggest innovation in the lighting sector? How has it revolutionized the entire industry?

LED as a source of light has definitely caused the biggest change. Starting with their performance efficiencies which have led to significantly lower energy requirements for lighting, their small form factor and very fast switching have changed the way we design spaces, while their integrated electronics allow easier use of colour. These properties have ensured that LEDs have rapidly replaced the traditional light sources – incandescent, fluorescent, and halides – in almost all sectors. However, there are still technical and functional issues that must be addressed and improved in the future e.g. colour consistency, thermal management, and delivering a full spectrum of light.

As a Lighting Designer, which lighting control brands do you prefer?   

The selection of lighting controls depends on a lot of things today. The keypads, with their choices of material and variety of aesthetic or ergonomic designs, and choices of wired and wireless controls all play a significant role in selection. Technical compatibility across a range of drivers and control protocols is another key decider. Sometimes it is essential to integrate products with good retrofit solutions. Budget is always a key decider and very often the clients themselves have their preferences based on past experiences.

So, depending on the importance given to these various factors, we have used a variety of lighting control brands for different projects – Lutron, Dynalite (Signify), Rako and Zen Control being the most common selection.

What are your views on the Smart lighting industry? According to you, in which sector (hospitality, commercial, residential), is traditional lighting getting rapidly replaced by smart lighting? How do you foresee the Smart Lighting Industry 5 years down the line?

Well for one, it needs a better definition! “Smart” has come to mean a lot of things, but unfortunately, we end up doing a lot of dumb things initially thinking that they are smart! Good quality products that can be sensibly controlled are a definite need. However, the first aspect that needs addressing would be the user interface and we must first clearly understand the types of users and the desired user experience and design interfaces to meet these requirements in the simplest possible way. Typically, people want less complicated gadgets, simple to set up as well as to use. Secondly, we need to have product lines that can be smoothly integrated from the point of control right up to the light source. This necessitates “smart” coordination between the various manufacturers of individual components – the luminaire, the driver, the controller, and the user interface. Thirdly, with rapid technology changes, the system should be such that it is easily upgradable without having to change hardware components or wiring.

I think all sectors benefit from sensibly designed automation systems for a variety of reasons. The benefits for hospitality and residential sectors are flexibility in operation, and modulation of the space with different pre-set light scenes that create unique, memorable user experiences. In commercial spaces, the benefits of energy conservation and feedback for maintenance are key benefits.

I believe constant innovation and user focussed product developments augur well for the future of sensible lighting automation.

Human Centric Lighting (HCL) is a futuristic trend in the lighting industry with health and mental wellness being the top benefits. What are your views on the same?  

For a species that depends so much on light, we have compromised our physiological needs a lot in our bid to be more “productive”. We need to spread awareness and integrate ideas from properly researched studies that allow us to improve our health and wellness. We have only recently begun to understand the impact of various spectra of light on the functioning of our bodies. These findings coupled with other equally important parameters, for example, the selection of foods we consume or exercise regimens we follow, have proven benefits in healthier bodies and minds.

When designing our buildings, the integration of daylight and views into the external environments is critical. For spaces that require to be artificially lit we should involve our clients in design decisions about dynamic control of light while also ensuring a proper spectrum of light, good colour rendering, and sensible controls that allow flexibility without being too complicated. More than anything else, a clear understanding of the people that use the spaces we design and their requirements and designing holistically with the other design stakeholders to meet those requirements would be the best trend to adopt.

As the smart lighting market is fragmented into various segments – such as type, applications, end-users, and distribution channel, how does Lirio Lopez Lighting Design Consultants provide the best lighting solutions which suit consumer needs?

As described above, we believe the first step in a good design practice is understanding one’s clients and their needs. Those requirements then need to feature in the design dialogue with the architects or other designers. Being aware of the technology and being familiar with the products that are available to meet those needs must be part of the daily process of research. We believe technology should not be the primary driver in design solutions but the base layer from which we pick according to need. We encourage design debates in our design process and constantly invite manufacturers to present new products to the team. Site progress reviews and trouble-shooting experiences are shared so that the learning is accelerated. We firmly believe that our profession needs constant learning and each project is a treasure trove of learning and deploying knowledge.

How important is collaboration with a system integrator while doing a lighting project?

Extremely important! In the construction world of today working seamlessly together as a team across design and execution is key to delivering a good project. Working with professional, knowledgeable system integrators that run their practices with integrity cannot be underestimated.

The post Linus Lopez Provides Insights on Intelligent Lighting Solutions appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Govee, a global brand in smart lighting and RGBIC technology, announced the availability of a new generation of LED Strip Lights, dubbed the Govee LED Strip Light M1. The latest iteration provides a one-of-a-kind way to light up spaces through upgraded RGBIC+ technology, that increases beads per meter for advanced luminosity and better-segmented control, intuitive music syncing, and an abundance of customizable colours. The LED Strip Light M1 was created to tap into multiple senses, leveraging audio-enabled visuals to take your home entertainment system to the next level.

Building off its predecessor, the LED Strip Light M1 includes the latest RGBIC+ technology with ten segments at 60 light beads per metre (versus four segments of 24 LED beads per metre). This increase gives consumers the highest lumens available in a five-meter colour light strip, providing larger wall washing.

With a pre-installed control box mic and a custom algorithm, the LED Strip Light M1 can recognize audio in the surrounding environment and sync the lights to match the beat in one of 11 different music modes. Users can also experience DreamView mode, aligning the strip light’s effects with other Govee smart lights in your entertainment ecosystem. This provides for a truly immersive experience, whether you are enjoying a virtual concert, watching sports, or meditating at home.

With over 16 million rich colour options, including an extra warm white courtesy of its RGBIC+ technology, users can customise their environments regardless of what they are watching or listening to. Subdivision controls and multiple modes of lighting effects also allow for unique settings such as fading, twinkle, stream, flow, and more. Users can double the fun by extending the strip light from five meters to 10 to cover a large area as well.

Like with all Govee products, the power of personalization is put into the users’ hands through the Govee Home App. Users can easily control the strip light and select colours, brightness, effects, modes, and more through the App, as well as tap into the wider Govee community of over 11 million App users. In addition, the strip light can be used hands-free and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

For More Information Visit: Govee LED Strip Light M1 Product Page

Also Read A First Of Its Kind: Deep Lighting And Music Integration By Philips Hue + Spotify.

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From halogen bulbs to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) to Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), to the latest being the Intelligent lighting technology that enables its users to control lighting through connected devices such as smartphones or remote controls — the lighting industry has come a long way with numerous transformations and technical up-gradations over the years. 

Now, with evolving technology and the changing trends in the lighting domain, the natural progression for the professionals and lighting industry at large is seen shifting towards energy-efficient and wellness options imbued with hi-tech features. Whether commercial, residential, hospitality, or health care segments there is a growing demand for Human Centric Lighting.

Human Centric Lighting (HCL) is a futuristic trend in the lighting industry with health and mental wellness being the top benefits. Human Centric Lighting is also known as Circadian Rhythm Lighting, as it regulates a high level of energy throughout the day followed by a good night’s sleep, which ultimately leads to enhanced productivity, health and wellbeing. This plays a very important role in an individual’s life – where all these factors contribute to overall healthy wellbeing and productivity at the workplace. 

The latest range available in the market from various national and international brands are designed to establish a perfect synchronization between mind, body and light to craft productive workplaces. These light fixtures operate parallelly with the body’s internal biological clock, called the circadian rhythm. 

How does HCL Affect Human Health? 

So, what do we know about how HCL affects human health? Studies have shown that poor lighting can have negative health effects — especially on our circadian rhythm. Also known as our sleep/wake cycle, circadian rhythm is a 24-hour internal clock that “is running in the background of your brain and cycles between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals,” according to the National Sleep Foundation.

Circadian rhythm responds to lightness and darkness. Too much or too little exposure to certain types of light can then affect:

• Behavior
• How well we sleep at night
• Overall personal health

Expert’s View on HCL

Smart Home World spoke to the experts from the industry to know their insights:  

Mr. Sachin Motwani, Founder Osum Smart Solution

“In recent years, there has been an emerging need to develop applications that are trying to meet people’s emotional needs through the control of colour temperature, illuminance levels, and light direction. HCL is the process by which the correct control of the lighting can improve the emotional wellbeing, comfort, health, and productivity of people in the environment. We have used HCL in our corporate office in Mumbai. We have adopted a very holistic approach that includes all aspects of how lighting affects occupant wellbeing, productivity and comfort in the built environment before installing it; and our employees are enjoying the benefits.” 

Mr. Rajesh Uttamchandani, Director, Syska Group 

“The growing significance of smart building projects in India is driving the industry growth. The market statistics will be supported by the increasing focus on revamping with newer technologies for commercial and residential spaces. The software which supports HCL will be new cyberpunk in the future and the hardware segment will witness a steady growth rate owing to the demand for low energy consuming and long-lasting LED fixtures, accelerating the market growth. Increased attention on contrive advanced lighting technologies in commercial and industrial settings will propel the demand for HCL in the industrial segment. The presence of several leading market players coupled with the increasing adoption of these lighting systems in elderly care and various institutions will augment the industry trends. The industry trends will be boosted by the presence of numerous major market players as well as the increasing use of these lighting systems in elderly care and other organisations.” 

Jubin Thomas, Territory Sales Manager of Hospitality Segment- India & Subcontinent region at Lutron Electronics 

 “I think the HCL market is huge and will continue to grow due to people’s pursuit for a better quality of life. HCL has so many benefits and it’s already now a key consideration of any architectural and design plan. HCL can be applied in all built environments but now it’s more common to see its adoption in commercial spaces such as offices and hotels due to larger economic returns. Even college campuses and hospitals where occupants’ health and well-being are top priority HCL are preferred. HCL can help create a more comfortable, welcoming, and engaging environment for people. It can enhance health, well-being and productivity. For property owners and corporates, HCL can help attract and retain tenants and employees. It can also support sustainability by reducing energy consumption and maximizing access to daylight and window views, which in turn helps to meet WELL and LEED standards.” 

Architect and Developer Ajay Nahar, MD Nahar Projects

“When it comes to the residential segment HCL is a perfect choice. We have integrated this concept into one of our esteemed project Nahar Excalibur. We have used the recent technology which allowed homeowners to control the intensity and colour temperature of their LEDs through an app on their phone. HCL solutions offer many advantages that go beyond simulated natural light, offering endless possibilities for customizations that fit each homeowner’s preferences. Especially in luxury apartments, curated content provides alternate or additional settings that illuminate specific activities and moods, enabling lighting ambience to fit any homeowner’s lifestyle. Regardless of an individual’s decorating style, HCL allows individuals to easily control the comfort, usability and desirability of their living spaces. HCL is tailored to each person and changes as the user’s needs and wants change. No matter which time of the day, users can adjust the light settings to suit their preferred brightness levels and colour temperatures. With HCL, the home environment is no longer a stagnant indoor space. Instead, it becomes a dynamic setting that brims with life. 

Scope of using HCL

HCL can be used in several segments like healthcare, workplaces, education, retail, industrial, and residential segments. 

Healthcare

Research has proved that there is evidence of improved recovery rates and enhanced medicated efficiency and also stimulation by light and colours despite outdoor conditions. Philips HealWell is a commercial solution for patient room lighting that is creating a more effective healing environment using the natural power of light by adjusting lighting automatically with a human circadian rhythm which helps hospital patients to sleep better and heal faster. There is, for example, LED ceiling module and LED cove lighting, which simulate daylight and help patients to recover faster by supporting their circadian rhythms.

Workplaces

Some of the health disorders are linked to abnormal amounts of blue-rich light during working hours of the day, taking into consideration 5 days working week, steps need to be taken to get natural light. By simulating natural light in workspaces, it is possible to improve concentration and energy, but it can also increase employee’s motivation and commitment and improve work performance, awareness, and satisfaction. Osum provides a wide range of customized solutions for commercial spaces. 

Education

Research has shown that ambient lighting can have a positive impact on children’ chronobiological system, moods, and academic performance. By adjusting lights, it is possible to increase concentration as well as decrease fatigue in classrooms. In the light study conducted by Transfer Center for Neuroscience and Learning in collaboration with Osram, students with the biologically optimized lighting had fewer errors in the concentration test. Contributing to the positive results was the fact that biologically optimized light provides stimulation to the body as if the person was outdoors. Therefore, this light can counteract social jetlag—tiredness in the mornings frequently observed in young people, notably.

Residential 

In the area of residential solutions, a potential cause of health disorders is mostly excessive exposure to blue light, especially during the night hours. Smart lights are trying to help people eliminate this kind of light by simulating natural light. 

HCL can also help with biorhythm balancing in night shift workers. Output and error rate of monotonous work can be improved. It can influence the performance of the workers by way of several mechanisms—visual performance, visual comfort, visual ambiance, interpersonal relationships, biological clock, stimulation, job satisfaction and problem-solving.

Indian Market  Overview 

HCL is in its nascent stage in India, the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative has been instrumental in stimulating the smart HCL systems demand in India and is aimed at enhancing vision, well-being and performance by serving in-depth knowledge to evoke particular human biological responses.

“The human-centric lighting market is also fueled by advancements in materials, manufacturing processes, and technologies to improve product functionality and energy efficiency. The lighting fixtures made up of 100 per cent recycled materials, such as discarded plastic bottles and recycled cement and paper, are gaining more attention in the market. Governments across the globe are also focusing on initiating various lighting projects, which aid in the growth of lighting fixtures. High investments by industry players in launching new products coupled with commercial and healthcare sector initiatives toward the adoption of human-centric lighting systems will contribute to the market revenues.” says Ar. Ajay Nahar, MD Nahar Projects

Human centric lighting has been segmented on the basis of component, application and regional and country level. Based on the component, the HCL is classified into software, hardware, and services. On the basis of application, the HCL market has been segmented into commercials, office spaces, healthcare, residential, industrial, educational, and others. The prominent factors that have been impacting human centric lighting market growth are: People are becoming more health conscious; Development of smart lighting system and usage of LED lighting solutions.”says Mr. Rajesh Uttamchandani, Director, Syska Group 

Brand Offering

Lutron offers a whole range of light control solutions for commercial and residential applications. “Speaking of commercial use, we have standalone modules for small spaces. For existing spaces and buildings, we have Vive wireless lighting control system. For spaces requiring dynamic and quality light, we have the Athena system. For the entire building or even campus, we have  Quantum total light and energy management system. Regarding residential use, we have a HomeWorks system for luxury houses and villas which can control hundreds of lighting circuits and devices with customizable wall controls. For apartments or condominiums, we have RA2 Select smart lighting control system. Both systems offer a free Lutron app to allow control via mobile devices or even voice control via Apple Siri, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.” Jubin Thomas, Territory Sales Manager of Hospitality Segment- India & Subcontinent region at Lutron Electronics 

Similarly, Wipro Lighting offers a range of LED luminaire options with an added feature of human-centric lighting technology that works in a harmony with the earth’s natural lighting cycle and can be programmed to imitate the natural sunlight and can be delivered over three different technologies PoE, DALI, Bluetooth. 

Philips HUE supported by ZigBee or dimmable DALI (digital addressable lighting interface) version from Osram can be considered as a similar concept which has the ability to tune any lighting product based on intensity and colour combinations. Also, Indian companies like Luminous Power, Syska, Legrand, Dominto Dyna from Bajaj Electric, Osum provide affordable HCL solutions at a fraction of the overall cost without installation of separate ambient lights. Crompton offers the widest range of HCL solutions for all types of Office Light fixtures i.e., Linear 2*2, Downlights, Cove Lighting etc. 

The latest Crestron Home OS update 3.13 features a complete slate of new features, including the addition of Circadian Rhythm settings — the ability to “auto-tune” lights to mimic aspects of natural light throughout the course of the day. This update allows everyone who currently utilizes Crestron dimmers to adjust light intensity in this “bio-centric” manner immediately. As Crestron’s tunable LED light fixtures (and those manufactured by its partners) are released, every aspect (including color) of the Circadian Rhythm feature will be available in the new fixtures via this update.

Selection Parameters (box)

Before you decide to invest in this technology, lighting experts say to consider these points when it comes to installing or retrofitting lighting systems that are described as human-centric.

• Select a system that’s flexible. 

• Select a system with a wide range of capabilities.

• Make sure controls are easy to use.

Growth Drivers

Human Centric Lighting Market size exceeded USD 1 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at around 25% CAGR between 2021 and 2027. Growing popularity of new lighting innovations and initiatives toward replacing conventional lights is likely to drive industry growth.

The emergence of advanced lighting technologies including LEDs, smart bulbs, controllers, and intelligent & tunable fixtures is promoting the implementation of smart & controllable light systems, enhancing the market share. Due to the addition of sensors and wireless controllers, light fixtures are becoming more intelligent by allowing users to control illumination through smartphones, controller devices, and computer panels. Growing construction activities will augment the market demand and Increasing adoption in the commercial segment is fueling the market

Commercial application held above 45% share in the human centric lighting market in 2020. Commercial applications including business enterprises, offices, banks, retail stores, malls, and restaurants will expand at a high CAGR through 2027 on account of the infrastructure transformation initiatives.

The deployment of human centric lighting in commercial settings aids in the improvement of the occupant’s mood, concentration, and provides natural light effects, boosting the industry statistics. Employers and retailers across the globe are focused on enhancing the work & store environments to promote human wellbeing and gain cost & productivity benefits, supporting the market demand for human centric lighting systems. 

Challenges Faced and Solution 

However, high installation and maintenance cost is a major restraint to the global market growth. In addition, the rising adoption of wireless technology for lighting systems is expected to create opportunities for the human centric lighting industry. Wireless technology enables easy access to the lighting system and also proves to be a cost-effective solution. Smart lighting platforms under wireless technology help maintain lighting temperature and luminance. Attributed to this, the demand for wireless technology in lighting systems is creating huge opportunities for the human centric lighting market. HCL requires thoughtful planning and execution as it’s a holistic solution. Lighting designers should be brought in at the beginning of the building process. The right types of lighting fixtures, lighting controls and automated shades should be specified with the provisions for all the wirings and power supply. 

Conclusion

HCL will assist businesses in reducing expenses and maximizing revenue thanks to the expanded innovative solutions that these technologies offer. Modern businesses are entering a new era of opportunity and growth and any business’s ultimate goal is to maximize income while lowering expenditures. Most industries benefit from HCL and this trend will continue in the following year.

This new concept of lighting installation may enhance the project capital investment by a fraction but definitely reduce the operational expenses with an increase in environmental impacts. HCL system will work well in the workplace relating to academics, research, or places where light is an important parameter to be taken into consideration. This new concept of lighting arrangements will slowly but surely find a space in reputed places to
every household in times to come.

Smart Home World issue for August 2022 is out now. Read Now

Also Read: In Conversation with Mr. Kirtee Siingh, Principal of Kirtee & Associates, Lighting Designer & Consultant

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Fima Carlo Frattini is an Italian company that has existed for three generations. The continuous search for beauty and the spasmodic attention to every detail, from the choice of machinery, to the study of the components of a new product up to the development of its explanatory brochure, is what has always distinguished and characterized the brand. This well-known brand has launched a chic new rain showerhead – Cloud.

Cloud is the new showerhead designed by Meneghello Paolelli Associates.‎ As the name indicates: an asymmetrical and rounded shape evokes the impermanence of a cloud which is accompanied by LED light resulting in a relaxing colorful rain, offering exciting play of light for moments of total well-being.‎

Cloud is characterized by the presence of two different levels for sizes and shapes: the first is the head itself, and the second is a white plate that acts as a reflector of the strip led fixed in the upper part of the showerhead.‎

From this game project are born 2 versions from the ceiling, with a white, black, or chrome finish along with three types of installation:

• with steel cables to view
• with ceiling arm in two different length
• with wall arm

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Lighting Design & Automation by : Vinayak Diwan, Design Director of  Lightbook 

Todd Residence is a 28,000 sq. ft. home in Gurgaon and was a high-end luxury project with more emphasis on lighting intent. The lighting concept was visualized in early 2015 and every space was detailed out with opulent furniture, materials, flooring, false ceiling concepts, and building services. 

The Scope of Work
The scope of work was to devise overall lighting schemes for the interiors and the exterior façade of the project. And to create a design that weaves a lighting story in unison with the concept. 
The Todd residence stands four storeys tall, featuring a seemingly plain white façade with a powder-coated aluminum entertainment space cantilevered out of it. An interesting feature of the house is the front façade which comprises optical fibers integrated within the white wall. 
These optical fibers emulate twinkling lights, with different intensities, hereby achieving the look of converging with the sky. The lighting design has two presets. On the days of festivities, the house is lit with planter lights, optical fibers, illuminated art installations, otherwise linear wall washers were installed to accentuate the metallic façade on daily light settings for a more muted look. All the lighting scenes were configured on a keypad and also controlled on smartphones through Bluetooth by either the house manager or clients themselves. A general approach was to use lighting scenes to create interesting visuals in the home. Accenting desired elements and playing with the source and type of light was an underlying principle in most lighting concepts. 

A mindful collaboration with the PMC, interior designers, and MEP consultants resulted in the successful execution of the Todd residence. It was built on the principle of zero maintenance and versatility in spaces. The light specifications were also of versatile nature which could adapt to the ever-changing needs of the space and its functionality. 

The Client’s Vision
The requirements were to have a daylight-filled house with breakaway spaces for warmth, minimalistic design language for modern and chic living. Its design is inward-looking with innovative lighting concepts accenting every functional space through detailed planning through accent, task, and ambient light strategies. The client visualized versatility in spaces such that they transform with varying lighting settings. 

Automations Integrated  
All the LED downlights were of high CRI values with high lumen engines which made the space look visually sharper and vibrant in addition to all bespoke decorative ceiling installations for individual spaces. Tunable white LED strips and DMX controllers are installed in the ceiling to emulate daylight and also become warm white(2700K) with just a press on the keypad. 
To keep the source of light discreet and avoid direct light, recessed downlights are installed with mostly European brands which had an accessibility and service network in India for our esteemed clients. 
The interaction with system integrators began from the concept stage itself; Lightbook envisaged a very bespoke project for the client that involved numerous meetings with the integrators. Any guidance needed on the technicality of the back-end system was easily achieved and all the hardware worked seamlessly once installed. Lighting design and automation were coordinated in the early stages; hence there were no issues once the client handover was done.

Challenges Faced  
A pressing challenge was setting the tone for the grandeur and scale of the house. Modern contemporary houses have spaces that flow in synchrony, hence continuing a lighting concept from one space to the other was challenging to align the lighting requirements of different spaces. 
An appropriate plan was reached in support of the technical specifications. The advanced technology guided the plan through various spatial conflicts. 

Eventual Outcomes
Visual experiences in high-end residences are elevated by amalgamating lighting automation with various scenes for functional lighting. Artwork accentuation and clean-up preset for the housekeeping team should be integrated for a seamless and modern experience. Decorative and good-quality LED fixtures are imperative for good lighting ambiances. One must not take shortcuts as quality for a complete spatial story is dependent on good lighting intent and good products. 

Client’s Feedback 
The clients, including the architects, and interior designers were ecstatic at the project handover as it turned out to be an exceptional project for everyone. It was an award-winning project and compliments to the complete team on this great project showcase. 

 Final Takeaway
Residential projects are the most complicated with respect to lighting design. The overall planning is dependent on appropriate detailing and execution, in coordination with third parties. One should aim to make the design documentation simple and executable by the site team which was done successfully by our office. The fine-tuning of processes during the execution helps the project delivery to be seamless 

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A comprehensive software and firmware platform, Shimmer Industries, which automates numerous large-scale lighting projects’ development, deployment and design by decreasing a typical project lifecycle by thousands of hours, has recently announced that it is raising $2 million in seed funding, led by an early-stage VC, VoLo Earth Ventures, investing in the latest energy economy through innovative products and technologies.

Popular among the lighting designers, Stellar 3D Studio, Shimmer’s flagship product, is known for pioneering a “radical shift” in the way complex lighting systems are planned, prototyped, and deployed. A $105 billion industry, commercial lighting industry encompasses the rapidly growing smart lighting segment (18% CAGR thru 2030) pushed by a colossal upgrade cycle to meet the demand for new energy code compliance, along with smart infrastructure. Shimmer produces energy consumption models that span up to one million LEDs to ensure compliance with energy and green building regulations. It reduces energy usage by up to 85% and reduces carbon emissions simultaneously. The first Shimmer-designed commercial installation is expected to be revealed this fall at London’s iconic Southbank Tower. Other Shimmer-based projects are in the planning stage and development pipeline at leading architectural and lighting design firms worldwide.

“Shimmer redesigns light as software, connecting billions of lighting devices and providing a data platform that captures insights and helps building owners and managers cut their costs and energy consumption by up to 85% when compared to current systems”, states Kareem Dabbagh, Managing Partner, VoLo Earth Ventures.

“Our optimism about solving climate change comes from our belief in innovation. Conditions have never been clearer for backing energy breakthroughs like Shimmer that use the power of software to illuminate a sustainable future”, explains Joseph Goodman, PhD, Managing Partner, VoLo Earth Ventures.

“Our collaboration with VoLo Earth will accelerate our ability to deploy Shimmer-enabled environments at scale through the use of software automation to dramatically lower energy and operating costs. We are truly excited to be partners”, says Jean Koeppel, CEO, Shimmer.

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The pandemic has led to an inevitable surge in the adoption of digital technologies. The new normal has seen an intense growth of smart and energy-efficient LED lighting products and solutions across the country. With access to affordable data connectivity, there has been an increase in demand coming from tier 2 & 3 cities. Owing to the features such as voice command and contactless technology, smart products are no more considered luxury products but a necessity. “We at Syska conduct meticulous analysis of the smart LED lighting space, based on which we deliver products that satisfy the requirements of evolving consumer patterns”, says Mr Gurumukh Uttamchandani, Executive Director, Syska Group.

1. How, as a brand, does Syska stands out? 

Being the pioneers of the LED lighting system in India, it is our endeavour at Syska to offer consumers smart home products that usher convenience and luxury in their lives. Syska as a brand has always focused on having the first-mover advantage and takes into cognizance the fact that technology-led innovations will drive the consumption of products. Our portfolio of smart products includes the LED bulbs, consisting of 16 million colours, a smart table lamp, a huge portfolio extending from bulbs to tubes, panel lights, downlights, strip lights that can be controlled using voice commands, and the Syska Smart Home mobile app from anywhere across the globe. We also offer smart plugs that help transform any existing regular electrical device into a semi-smart appliance.

2. What are the benefits of Smart LED bulbs or how are LED bulbs more energy efficient than CFL?

The two most important things to focus on in the world currently is curbing the impact of the pandemic and the increasing need to preserve the environment by conserving energy resources. LED lights are the most efficient form of lighting, adopting technology to maintain ecological stability. At Syska, sustainability and energy efficiency are the core of our business and our LED solutions save up to 70% power with no settlement in the quality of performance. 

3. How is smart lighting value-adding to the interior & décor segment?

With smart lighting technology becoming affordable there has been a spike in the adoption of smart lighting products. The constant advancements in smart lighting solutions have resulted in an improved and healthier standard of living with an additional lift of giving an aesthetic and tasteful look at home. 

· Set the mood with colour

Unlike traditional lighting, LED lights provide a brighter colour. The Syska Smart bulb and Syska Strip light offer over 16 million shades and different tones which can be easily controlled through voice command as well as a mobile app called: the ‘Syska Smart Home’ from anywhere. The right colour of lighting can add to the aesthetic value and add a positive vibe in your home décor thereby giving the home a distinctive personality and essence. Lighting plays a key role to set the right mood and vibe in the house.

· Personalized Scenes for every occasion

Smart LED lights can assist in setting up a perfect mood for any event or function. The variety of colours and applications of smart LED lights can help transform a living room into a party zone, a smart table lamp can help create an ambience that increases productivity during the WFH days. Consumers can fix the appropriate illumination and colour depending on the mood and aesthetic of their home. A relevant level and essence of brightness can bring out positivity and make a difference in the environment of your abode.

4. How are smart lights more environmentally friendly?

LED lights produce less carbon compared to conventional lighting solutions, which also help in eliminating the ill effects of global warming. Although LED lighting is comparatively expensive than traditional lighting, it can be considered as a one-time investment. LED lights are known to support energy efficiency thereby helping in keeping the electricity bills under control. Syska LED has been at the forefront of educating the masses about the innumerable benefits offered by LED lights and how they can also help in saving power and reducing electricity bills.

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