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.

The post With LED’s becoming cheaper and powerful, we must stop the misuse of selection/over selection while choosing LED fixtures. appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Light + Building 2024 illuminated Frankfurt am Main with a grand showcase of cutting-edge advancements in smart home automation, sustainable building technologies and lighting. The recently concluded event had industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts converged to explore the latest trends, innovations, and solutions driving the future of the built environment. 

Light + Building 2024 attracted a staggering 151,000 visitors from 146 countries, underscoring its global significance as the premier platform for showcasing advancements in building technology and lighting design. Industry luminaries, including Christian Kruppa, Global Product Manager at ABB Electrification Smart Buildings, and Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, shared their perspectives on the pivotal role of innovation in driving sustainable building practices and enhancing the user experience in smart homes.

KNX Showcased Sustainable Solutions and KNX IoT Solutions.

KNX showcased sustainable solutions for Smart Homes and Buildings. They showcased the latest developments in KNX IoT products and solutions. The KNX booth featured 25 KNX members showcasing their innovations alongside more than 140 KNX Members with individual booths, emphasizing the versatility and effectiveness of KNX on a global scale. Under the theme of IoT, Energy Management & Security, KNX unveiled a range of working KNX IoT devices at its main booth. These devices embody the latest technological advancements, focusing on human-centric lighting, digital twin modeling, and indoor air quality improvement. Additionally, new energy management applications were highlighted, promoting sustainable energy practices within smart buildings.

Innovative Lighting Design

The event served as a beacon for lighting enthusiasts and design aficionados, offering insights into the latest trends in lighting design for 2024/25. Designer Annetta Palmisano from the bora.herke. Palmisano Style Agency presented captivating trends, while the Design Plaza showcased an array of high-quality lighting solutions designed to elevate indoor and outdoor spaces with sustainability and efficiency in mind.

The Designplus Awards by Light + Building

Eleven winners were honored with the prestigious Designplus Award. An independent jury consisting of industry experts Amandus Samsøe Sattler (ensømble studio architektur, President DGNB e.V.), Annika Egloff-Schoenen (Managing Director, Fachverlag Dr. H. Arnold GmbH), Katja Winkelmann (owner of Licht 01, Lighting Design), Ulrike Brandi (Managing Director Ulrike Brandi Licht), and Stylepark (magazine & platform for architecture and design) carefully evaluated the submissions in a two-stage selection process. Applicants had the opportunity to submit their innovative solutions in four categories: Light + Creation PLUS, Sustainability + Efficiency PLUS, Smart + Connectivity PLUS, and the newly introduced Sustainable Exhibition Stand category. Five winners were selected in this category, demonstrating outstanding achievements in the field of sustainable stand design.

The Design Plaza and Special Events

The Design Plaza was dedicated to lighting topics when the Lighting Association of the German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI) took the stage. This brought together lighting experts for roundtable discussions on the topics of sustainability, efficiency, and digitalization. For the first time, the IALD – International Association of Lighting Designers – was also present, providing high-quality content. Additionally, on International Women’s Day, the ‘Women in Lighting’ project celebrated its 5th Anniversary at Light + Building.

BMWK Areas with Newcomers and Special Exhibits

Entrepreneurial newcomers to the industry had a special place at Light + Building Autumn Edition. The Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) organized a joint stand in Hall 9.0 in the Electrical Engineering product area and in Hall 4.1 in the Technical Lighting product area. At the E-House of the electrical trades the focus was on the topics of ‘energy efficiency’, ‘sustainable energy supply’, and ‘smart health’, showcasing innovative integrated energy management systems.

Exhibitor Stage and Special Presentations

For the first time, there was a stage for specialist lectures and presentations by exhibitors and experts who took turns imparting know-how on selected topics from the built world. Additionally, the ‘BIM Cave’ allowed visitors to experience BIM live and discover the benefits of this digital planning method.

Conferences and Forums

The 12th International Conference on Improving Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings and Smart Communities (IEECB&SC’24) and the European ESCO Conference brought together all the key players in the field of commercial buildings and neighborhood planning.  

The ZVEI Technology Forum focused on the electrification and digitalization of the building sector, with experts exploring innovative solutions and changes to standards.

Light + Building 2024 was a remarkable event that showcased the latest innovations and advancements in smart and sustainable building technologies, lighting design, and industry trends. With prestigious awards, engaging discussions, and specialized exhibits, the event underscored its pivotal role in driving positive change and fostering collaboration within the built environment sector. Looking ahead, anticipation is high for the next edition in 2026, where industry stakeholders will once again converge to shape the future of smart and sustainable buildings worldwide.

Click here to read full March issue- https://www.smarthomeworld.in/magazine-march2024/

The post Light + Building 2024 – Shaping the Future of Smart and Sustainable Buildings appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

A new specification for DALI-based input devices that provide sensor information or measurements to the lighting control system has been published as Part 306 of the international standard IEC 62386.

The specification contains a long list of more than 50 quantities that can be detected or measured by a device that complies with Part 306. The list includes temperature, humidity, air quality, concentration of chemicals such as methane, CO_2, and NO_x, and many other quantities. There is also a list of more than 50 units of measurement.

A Part 306 device can sense one or more of the available lists of quantities, depending on the intended application. The sensor device can send the information to the DALI system, or provide the information when polled.

Published in multiple Parts, the IEC 62386 standard is the basis for the DALI lighting-control protocol. The DALI Alliance develops tests that enable DALI-2 product certification. Work will begin in 2024 to add Part 306 to the DALI-2 certification program.

Part 306 can be purchased from the IEC Webstore.

For more Information visit : https://www.dali-alliance.org/

The post DALI Alliance Releases Multi-Purpose Sensor Specification added as new Part 306 of IEC 62386 appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Elevate your living space with the latest innovation in smart home lighting—Umbra’s new LED Smart Lamps powered by Nanoleaf. Seamlessly blending aesthetics with advanced technology, these lamps are transformative, offering a spectrum of possibilities to enhance your environment.

These lamps redefine illumination with dynamic light control. Dim them, change the warmth, or alter the color of their glow effortlessly with a simple touch or through the Nanoleaf App. Enjoy the freedom to customize your lighting experience from anywhere in your home using Bluetooth connectivity.

Enabled by Matter and Thread, these lamps usher in a new era of connectivity, ensuring a seamless integration into your smart home ecosystem. The CONO and CUP Lamps support Matter technology, allowing for seamless pairing with smartphones and tablets. This wireless functionality empowers you to control the lamps effortlessly, bringing a new level of convenience to your daily life.

For those seeking an even greater degree of customization, connect the LED Smart Lamps to a Matter-compatible smart home hub. This integration expands the possibilities, allowing you to sync your lighting with other smart home devices and create a truly interconnected living environment.

Umbra, known for avant-garde design, and Nanoleaf, a pioneer in smart lighting solutions, have joined forces to bring you a collection of LED Smart Lamps that seamlessly integrate into your modern living space. These lamps not only illuminate but also elevate your surroundings with a perfect fusion of form and function.

Step into the future of lighting with Umbra’s LED Smart Lamps powered by Nanoleaf. Embrace the convenience of smart connectivity, the elegance of contemporary design, and the limitless possibilities of customizable illumination. Redefine your living space, one light at a time.

For More Information: https://www.umbra.com

The post Umbra’s New LED Smart Lamps Powered by Nanoleaf appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

In a move to provide greater flexibility in lighting design and control, Vantage, Legrand’s lighting control brand, has introduced the Vantage Keypad Alliance. This alliance expands the keypad options available to specifiers and installers using the Vantage system, allowing them to choose keypads from a growing list of partners. Vantage has strategically collaborated with luxury keypad manufacturers Meljac, Forbes & Lomax, and Basalte to kickstart this initiative.

Richard Laliberty, Product Marketing Manager, Shading and Residential Controls, Legrand North America, commented, “Vantage’s intention has always been to ensure the greatest freedom of design, which we introduced with our Fixture Alliance. The Vantage Keypad Alliance strengthens our commitment toward that mission. We are thrilled to launch this alliance with three design-focused keypad brands and support its growth with other trusted vendors in the industry in order to help specifiers and integrators achieve complete unity between design and integration.”

Programming the keypads within this alliance is straightforward using the latest version of Vantage’s Design Center software. The intuitive nature of Design Center allows Vantage dealers to provide a complete solution for any home’s needs. Partner keypads can utilize the same lighting control programming as Vantage keypads, ensuring seamless integration for various projects.

Vantage lighting control enhances the living space experience, emphasizing the importance of balancing natural and electrical light to maximize architectural aesthetics. Vantage systems offer a streamlined approach to controlling modern residential spaces. The Vantage LHUMAN human-centric lighting solution, integrated into these systems, provides precise lighting control with motorized window shading and lighting fixtures. LHUMAN automatically adjusts a home’s light throughout the day, synchronized with natural daylight, and offers preset scenes for different activities, needs, or moods.

The Vantage Keypad Alliance adds another layer of integration, allowing homeowners to control LHUMAN lighting with keypads from both Vantage and its alliance members. This synergy ensures a comprehensive and cohesive lighting control solution for residential spaces.

Vantage previously introduced the Vantage Fixture Alliance in 2021, enabling partnerships with leading light fixture manufacturers. This initiative provides a broad selection of color-tunable fixtures to meet diverse project requirements, fostering collaborations with AV installers, interior designers, architects, and other home design professionals. Fixture Alliance partners include AiSPiRE (a WAC Company), Circa Lighting, Colorbeam Lighting, Lucetta from Elemental LED, DMF Lighting, ELEMENT fixtures from Tech Lighting, Environmental Lights, LF Illumination, Lucifer Lighting Company, No. 8 Lighting, Proluxe by American Lighting, PureEdge Lighting, Specialty Lighting Industries, and Soraa Lighting.

For more information: www.legrand.us

The post Vantage Establishes Alliance Meljac, Forbes & Lomax and Basalte appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

HARMAN Professional Solutions, a global leader in audio, lighting, video, and control technologies, has revealed its strategic move to acquire FLUX SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (FLUX), renowned pioneers in immersive audio production, audio processing plug-in design, and audio analysis.

The acquisition represents a significant expansion of HARMAN Professional’s offerings, incorporating world-class immersive technology and fostering future innovation by integrating FLUX’s team with HARMAN Professional’s hardware and software engineers. Upon completion, the acquisition will encompass FLUX’s immersive, processing, and analysis solutions, spanning live production, installation sound, content creation, and post-production.

Brian Divine, President of HARMAN Professional Solutions, emphasized, “The FLUX acquisition is part of a technology investment HARMAN Professional is making to bring outstanding immersive experiences for live and recorded productions. From creation to real-time immersive delivery, we aim to empower artists, designers, and engineers with a comprehensive product offering across the entire system. The foundational technology developed by the talented FLUX team opens many opportunities for future integration with our portfolio of brands.”

Founded in 2006 in France by Gaël Martinet, a seasoned sound recording engineer and current CEO, FLUX:: has evolved into a global provider of intuitive and innovative audio software tools. Their portfolio, consisting of nearly 20 products, is utilized worldwide by professionals in various applications.

Key FLUX Products Includes:

SPAT Revolution: A powerful object-based and perceptual immersive mixing solution for creating real-time immersive experiences.

Analyzer: A modular RTA-system offering a wide range of analyzer options for audio analysis and measurement applications.

Processing: A comprehensive suite of plugins, including channel strips, EQs, dynamics processing, and more.

Gaël Martinet, Founder and CEO of FLUX SOFTWARE ENGINEERING, commented on the acquisition, stating, “The future integration of our software technology with HARMAN’s industry-leading brands makes for exciting opportunities not only for touring applications but for installed audio where spatial audio will play an increasingly important role.”

For more information, visit news.harman.com

The post HARMAN Professional Solutions, Announces Acquisition of FLUX SOFTWARE ENGINEERING appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Sumit Joshi, Chief Executive Officer, Signify, South Asia with his wealth of experience and a visionary leadership style, is at the forefront of driving Signify’s innovative lighting solutions in South Asian market. Under his guidance, Signify continues to illuminate the future, shaping the way we experience and interact with light in our daily lives. Sumit Joshi’s strategic vision and commitment to sustainable and cutting-edge lighting technologies make him a key influencer in the region’s lighting industry. In his Conversation with Smart Home World Sumit Joshi highlights the brand’s innovative lighting solutions. 

Can you provide our professional readers with an in-depth overview of Signify’s extensive range of Smart Lighting products and the cutting-edge technologies they encompass?

Signify is a global leader in lighting, and we take great pride in our diverse and innovative range of Smart lighting products. These products are designed to enhance lighting experiences, improve energy efficiency, and provide intelligent solutions for various applications, including residential, commercial, and urban environments.

Signify continues to innovate in the smart lighting space, integrating technologies like IoT, Li-Fi into our products to address evolving market needs. Our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency is evident in their range of products designed to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact while providing innovative lighting solutions for various applications.

Our dedication to cutting-edge technologies and innovative product offerings underscores our mission to provide lighting solutions that are not only efficient but also enrich the lives of our customers. We believe that smart lighting plays a pivotal role in improving well-being, reducing environmental impact, and creating more connected and intelligent environments.

Signify boasts a diverse product portfolio, including Philips, Interact, Philips Dynalite, Philips Hue, Colour Kinetics, and Eco Link, could you delve into the innovative offerings within each of these segments?

Signify is a global leader in lighting, and our smart lighting products encompass a wide range of innovative solutions. Here’s an overview of some of our key product segments:

Philips: Under the Philips brand, we offer a comprehensive range of lighting solutions, including LED bulbs, luminaires, and fixtures for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. These products are designed for energy efficiency, durability, and superior light quality.

Interact: Interact is our IoT platform that connects and manages smart lighting systems. It enables advanced lighting control, energy optimization, and data-driven insights for businesses and cities.

Philips Dynalite: This segment focuses on intelligent lighting control systems, allowing precise adjustment of lighting conditions to enhance comfort, productivity, and energy efficiency in various settings.

Philips Hue: Philips Hue is our consumer-focused smart lighting brand, offering a wide range of smart bulbs, lamps, and fixtures that can be controlled remotely via smartphones or voice assistants. It provides personalized lighting experiences for homes.

Colour Kinetics: Colour Kinetics specializes in architectural and decorative lighting solutions, including dynamic LED lighting that can change colors and create stunning visual effects, ideal for entertainment and architectural applications.

Eco Link: Our Eco Link range focuses on sustainable and energy-efficient lighting solutions, helping customers reduce their carbon footprint and energy consumption.

How does Signify actively embrace IoT (Internet of Things) and leverage smart lighting solutions to enhance its product range? 

We are at the forefront of incorporating the Internet of Things (IoT) into our lighting solutions, enabling connectivity and data-driven insights that improve energy efficiency and user experiences. Signify’s IoT-enabled lighting solutions contribute to sustainability efforts. By optimizing energy usage, reducing light pollution, and offering environmentally friendly options like solar-powered street lighting, Signify supports the broader goal of reducing the carbon footprint associated with lighting. These solutions not only provide enhanced lighting experiences but also contribute to sustainability and operational efficiency across various sectors. 

Elaborate on how Signify’s lighting solutions seamlessly integrate with smart home technology and the inherent benefits this integration offers to customers.

Signify’s lighting solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate with smart home technology, offering customers a range of inherent benefits that enhance their living spaces and lifestyles. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability drives us to create lighting solutions that not only illuminate spaces but also contribute to a more connected and efficient world.

Our products are also compatible with a wide array of smart home platforms and ecosystems, including but not limited to Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and more. This interoperability allows customers to control their lighting using voice commands, smartphone apps, or automation routines, providing convenience and flexibility like never before.

Moreover, the integration with smart home technology enables customers to create personalized lighting scenes and ambiance to suit various moods and activities. Whether it’s setting a warm and cosy atmosphere for a relaxing evening, or bright and focused lighting for work or cooking, our solutions can adapt to meet these specific needs at the touch of a button or a voice command.

What is Signify’s grand vision for the future of lighting, and what pivotal role does the company aspire to play in shaping the industry’s trajectory? 

Signify envisions a future where lighting goes beyond the traditional concept of illumination and transforms into a vital part of people’s lives and the world around us. Our grand vision is to lead the way in shaping the future of lighting, leveraging innovation and sustainability to create meaningful and positive impacts for individuals, communities, and the planet.

At the heart of our vision is the belief that lighting should enhance well-being and improve the quality of life for everyone. We aim to achieve this by continually pushing the boundaries of what lighting can do. Our ambition is to make lighting truly intelligent and adaptive, seamlessly integrating it with the digital world. We want lighting to be responsive to human needs, environment, and emotions.

We aspire to be pioneers in providing lighting solutions that prioritize sustainability. Signify is committed to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through our products and operations. Furthermore, we see ourselves as catalysts for creating more connected, smarter, and healthier environments. Our lighting solutions will play a pivotal role in shaping smart cities and smart buildings, where lighting becomes the backbone of intelligent infrastructures. We aim to lead in areas like Li-Fi technology, which can provide high-speed internet access through lighting, further enhancing the connectivity of the future.

Signify recently has been working with State government and other organizational bodies for some major Smart Solar lighting Projects like the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Aurangabad 4 lane State highway and Brahmaputra Volleyball League. The objective of these projects is to transform and move towards Solar light lighting alternatives and go 100% solar for lighting needs, inevitably revolutionizing public and private sectors for brighter lives and a better world.

How does Signify plan to approach diversification and the expansion of new stores across India? 

Signify recently inaugurated its fourth Smart Light Hub (SLH) in Noida and five SLHs in Gujarat. With these recent openings, the company has significantly expanded its retail footprint to 23 exclusive smart light hubs in the Delhi-NCR region and 47 exclusive lighting stores in Western India, providing customers with a diverse range of home and intelligent lighting options. 

Signify also plans to launch 5 new Smart Light Hub (3 Karnataka and 1 each in Gujarat & Kerala) in the month of September. Taking the total no of stores in Karnataka, Kerala & Gujarat to 23, 11 &14 in the respective states.

Signify is committed to diversifying our product offerings and expanding our presence in India. We plan to open new stores, collaborate with local partners, and continue providing exceptional customer service. Our goal is to meet the unique lighting needs of Indian consumers and businesses while contributing to the country’s sustainable development.

Click here to read full November issue – https://www.smarthomeworld.in/magazine-november2023/

The post Smart lighting enhances well-being, cuts environmental impact, and fosters connected intelligent spaces appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Smart Lighting provides numerous advantages to modern homes. With the ability to control lighting remotely, set personalized schedules, and create the perfect mood with adjustable colours and intensity; smart lighting offers homeowners a new level of comfort and control. Read on to know more…

Lighting has come a long way since its inception. With the rapid advancement of technology, lighting has undergone a transformative journey… the turning point was the introduction of Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology. This milestone marked a significant change in the dynamics of the lighting industry. LEDs offer improved energy efficiency, durability, and a longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs. This transition laid the foundation for more customizable lighting experiences or in short should we say, set the platform for the Smart Lighting Industry.

Indian Smart Lighting Market Overview 

The adoption of smart home technologies is on the rise in India. Smart lighting, being a fundamental component of home automation, played a crucial role in this trend. The Indian government’s proactive measures to promote energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme and the Standards & Labeling program, have significantly influenced consumer choices towards energy-efficient lighting solutions, including LEDs and smart lighting.

While the smart lighting market is steadily expanding, price sensitivity remains a critical factor for Indian consumers. Manufacturers and brands are actively striving to introduce cost-effective smart lighting solutions, aiming to cater to a broader customer base. The accessibility of smart lighting products through online e-commerce platforms has played a pivotal role in driving market reach, allowing consumers to easily compare product options and prices. Furthermore, many international brands are exploring opportunities for local manufacturing or assembly of smart lighting products within India to meet the escalating demand while simultaneously reducing production costs.

 Growth Drivers

With the advent of smart home technology, residential lighting entered a new era. Smart lighting systems integrate LED technology with wireless connectivity and automation capabilities. Homeowners enjoyed this new experience of controlling their lights remotely through smartphone Apps or Voice Commands. This level of convenience not only enhanced comfort but also contributed to energy savings.

The reasons for Smart Lighting’s growing popularity are numerous, sleek designs, smart features like remote controlling, customization, scheduling and voice controlling, colour changing, energy efficiency, and seamless integration with other smart home devices, such as thermostats, security systems, and voice assistants, creating a holistic smart lighting ecosystem.

Another important factor is Wellness and Circadian Rhythm. Smart lighting can mimic natural daylight patterns by adjusting colour temperature and brightness throughout the day. This can have a positive impact on your Circadian Rhythm, helping regulate sleep patterns and improve overall well-being. Warmer, dimmer lighting in the evening can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

With smart lighting, you can control your lights remotely using a smartphone App or Voice Commands. This convenience means you can turn lights On or Off, adjust brightness, or change colours without leaving your seat or bed. It’s especially useful when you’re away from home, as you can create the illusion of occupancy for security purposes.

Smart lighting can enhance home security. You can set up schedules or motion sensors to turn lights On and Off when you’re not at home, deterring potential intruders. Additionally, smart lighting can be integrated with security systems to trigger lights in response to specific events.

As mentioned earlier many smart lighting systems are compatible with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This means you can control your lights with simple voice commands, making it even easier to adjust lighting to your liking.

Smart lighting systems can seamlessly integrate with other smart home devices such as thermostats, security cameras, and smart speakers. This creates a cohesive and interconnected smart home ecosystem where devices work together to enhance convenience and efficiency.

Smart Home World had the opportunity to interview experts from the industry to gain their valuable insights. These discussions shed light on the latest trends, innovations, and challenges. The experts shared their perspectives on how technology is shaping our homes and how consumers can make the most of these advancements. It also offers a glimpse of what the future holds for this rapidly growing industry.

Dr. Amardeep M. Dugar, IALD, IDA, IES, FISLE, FSLL Lighting Research & Design

“User experience (UX) design is likely to be the next exciting trend in the realm of smart lighting technologies for residential spaces. UX design would focus on creating smart lighting technologies that are accessible, enjoyable, and intuitive. Creating an enjoyable experience is essential by considering the needs of the residents by facilitating day-to-day activities, as well as providing comfortable and welcoming lighted environments for relaxation.”

Ashish Thakkar, Principle Designer, LIGHT SOURCE LIGHTING CONSULTANT 

“The latest trends and innovations in residential smart lighting technology are generating considerable excitement and promise. These advancements encompass a range of features and benefits that enhance the lighting experience within homes. One notable trend is the emphasis on glare-free illumination, particularly in spaces like bedrooms, where smart lighting aims to create a soothing and relaxing ambiance. Additionally, smart lighting systems are now designed to optimize lighting according to specific needs, such as providing bright and glare-free illumination in areas like kitchens and wardrobes for efficient task completion. Sustainability is at the forefront of these innovations, with energy-efficient LED bulbs and fixtures becoming standard in residential settings, helping homeowners reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact.” 

Tripti Sahni, Design Principal, Studio TRACE

“As technology advances and becomes more widespread, the cost of smart lighting systems has been decreasing. This enables us to include it in even small projects that have multiple users and create an impactful design that caters to individual expectations. Another exciting development is in the design of controls, which was a sore point for many users who preferred a more tactile control experience. As control systems are becoming less complicated and more user-friendly it is easier to streamline the maintenance, which encourages it to be easily adopted by users of all ages. We have used smart lighting to craft a host of spatial experiences for IFBE, in Ballard Estate. An adaptive reuse project with wonderfully innovative programming, the lighting design helps support a host of transformations, allowing the same space to be used for theatre, music & dance performances, conferences, event pop-ups and even intimate gatherings.” 

 Rohini Bagla, Founder and Principal Designer, Studio Rohini Bagla 

“As an interior designer, working with smart lighting solutions has become increasingly prevalent and transformative in the field of interior design. Smart lighting solutions can be used creatively to highlight architectural features, artwork, or specific design elements within a space. Colour-changing LED strips, for example, can be used to create stunning visual effects and accentuate design concepts. Smart lighting can be tailored to meet specific task requirements. In-home offices, kitchens, or reading areas, lighting can be adjusted to provide optimal illumination, reducing eye strain and enhancing productivity. As an interior designer, part of my role includes educating clients about the possibilities and functionality of smart lighting systems. This helps them make informed decisions and ensures that the technology complements their overall interior design vision. Working with smart lighting solutions may also pose some technical challenges, such as compatibility issues with existing wiring or fixtures. It’s crucial to collaborate closely with electricians and technicians to ensure a seamless installation.”

Dipttii Khanna, Principal Designer, Dipttii Khanna Designs

“In our experience, we have successfully integrated automation and smart lighting solutions in several of our residential projects. In today’s increasingly digitalized world, this trend is gaining momentum and is undoubtedly the way forward. The reason behind this preference for automation is quite clear – it offers numerous advantages, making life easier, more efficient, and user-friendly. Automation, particularly smart lighting, can instantly transform the atmosphere with a simple touch of a button. All the necessary mode settings are configured during the integration of automation and lighting systems. This means that when the electrical automation is initially set up, all the preferred mode settings for different spaces within the residence are programmed. Consequently, residents can effortlessly adjust the lighting and ambiance to suit their specific needs with a mere button press. Furthermore, the integration of smart lighting with home automation platforms like Google Home enables a cohesive and streamlined control experience, making it even more convenient for residents to manage their lighting preferences.”

Rashi Bothra and Ruchi Gehani, Founders and Interior Designers of Azure Interiors

“Smart lights are a design tool that brings both practicality and elegance to your interior spaces. They offer an immersive experience that can transform your home ambience making it more comfortable, efficient and visually appealing. As technology continues to advance, the impact of smart lights on interior design is only set to grow, offering an exciting future for homeowners and designers alike. My experience of using smart lights is a seamless blend of convenience and luxury. It’s about having control at your fingertips and adapting your surroundings to your needs. The advantage lies in the versatility they offer; they can be tailored to enhance various aspects of your home, from aesthetics to security and well-being.”

Ritu Gupta, Co-Founder and Interior Designer, Pramod Group

“Integrating smart lighting solutions into our projects has been a game-changer, especially, in one of our demo apartments that was designed in March 2021. The excitement it generated among architects, builders, and clients led to a surge in demand. Smart lighting offers energy efficiency, customization, enhanced user experience, mood enhancement, and seamless daylight integration, making it a cornerstone of our design projects.” 

Ajay Arya, Founder and Interior Designer of A Square Designs

“Integrating intelligent lighting solutions into our projects at Square Designs is transformative. We blend cutting-edge technology with meticulous attention to detail to create personalized, sustainable, and captivating spaces. Smart lighting allows us to customize ambiance, enhance energy efficiency, and craft dynamic environments that adapt to our clients’ changing needs.” – 

Rudraksh Charan & Priyanka Khanna, Founders and Architects of 42MM Architecture

“At 42MM Architecture, we curate impeccably dressed and inviting spaces for modern families. Every element, from carefully selected furniture to home decor accessories, exudes meticulous attention to detail and the highest aesthetic sensibility. Smart lighting is an integral part of our vision, offering both convenience and versatility. With remote-controlled diffused, direct, and accent lighting, it becomes a hassle-free means to set different moods within the same room. For instance, if you want to watch a movie, you can use smart lighting to dim your lights or brighten them while you’re working, all with just the touch of a button. We use smart lighting solutions in our projects for their ability to enhance our designs, reduce electricity wastage, and provide an environmentally sustainable living experience.” 

Brand Offerings

GM Modular offers premium category lights that transform the home decor and ambiance into a seamless combination of functionality and style. GM offers LED panel lights, decorative LED strip lights, GLO – LED Bulb, and Strato LED, while they also have premium lighting that comprises trailblazing products like Shine LED Luminaires, designed keeping in mind both utility and sleek aesthetics.
The GM Shine series features indoor pendant lights, LED rotatable wall lights, and indoor spotlights with mobile charging lighting products. It’s perfect to make any room a plush space with its motion sensor-based smart technology and impeccable lighting features.
GM is also associated with Occhio as its partner brand in India. It is an illustrious German brand in the luxury lighting sector, established in 1999 by Axel Meise, and is the market leader for high-end design lighting. 

The LAFIT FAMILY comprises four exceptional ranges Brillo, Laspia, Quik and Fumagalli. In particular, the BRILLO Series stands out as a premium architectural range offering a remarkable combination of superior quality, eco-friendliness, competitive pricing, unrivaled services, an extensive product portfolio, and systematic quality control, making it one of the most sought-after products in the industry. Within the BRILLO Series, you can find an impressive variety of lighting solutions, including spotlights, surface lights, profile lights, downlights, wall washers, magnetic track lights, track lights, jewelry lights, footlights, office lights, pendant lights, reading lights, table lamps, and COB strip lights, catering to diverse lighting requirements.

In terms of compatibility, Brillo products are designed to work seamlessly with most lighting control brands, ensuring flexibility for users. Additionally, these fixtures have the scope to integrate sensors, enhancing user comfort, safety, and security. Smart lighting with sensors can adjust light levels based on factors such as time of day, ambient light conditions, and user preferences. This customization, enabled by motion sensors, contributes to a more pleasant and productive environment.  Brillo’s communication protocols are versatile, with compatibility across various platforms, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and more. Furthermore, the fixtures are designed to be compatible with popular smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Casambi, WiFi, Bluetooth, and RF, offering users the convenience of voice commands and smartphone app control.

While Brillo fixtures do not have a dedicated mobile app for lighting system control, they can be seamlessly integrated with third-party apps such as Smart LYF and Casambi. This comprehensive approach ensures that users have the flexibility and convenience to manage their lighting systems within their preferred smart home ecosystem.

LEDVANCE offers a comprehensive range of lighting products under its umbrella, catering to various needs and preferences. This includes LED lamps, luminaires, smart products, electronic components like drivers, strips, and spots, as well as traditional lamps. Within their smart lighting product line, branded as “SMART+, LEDVANCE provides a diverse array of options, such as smart bulbs, downlighters, spotlights, battens, 2×2 panels, strip lights, plugs, and extension boards.

What sets these SMART+ products apart are their compatibility with popular smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. Users have the flexibility to control these smart lighting products remotely through the LEDVANCE Smart+ smartphone app, available on the Android Play Store and iOS App Store, or by using voice commands.

SMART+ products utilize Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocols/technology, ensuring easy installation and user-friendliness. They offer a range of features, such as adjustable color temperature, dimming capabilities, scheduling, timers, the creation of light scenes, human-centric lighting, and other automation options based on user preferences and routines. For further energy savings and tailored operation, these lights can be paired with smart sensors or regular sensors, catering to specific needs.

Panasonic Lighting 

Panasonic Lighting offers a versatile range of lighting solutions to meet diverse needs. Their product offerings encompass a wide selection of bulbs in assorted wattages, including smart bulbs compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. The brand also provides radar sensor bulbs for enhanced functionality. For broader applications, they offer an array of battens in various wattages, including radar sensor battens.

Their open API protocols facilitate seamless communication with other systems, although they acknowledge the challenges associated with such integration. Their lighting solutions are characterized by minimal latency, excellent user interfaces, and the ability to generate reports and alarms in case of system malfunctions. To ensure high-quality standard 

They operate a state-of-the-art, NABL-accredited in-house laboratory where they conduct rigorous performance and reliability tests. Additionally, their range comes with dedicated mobile Apps for added convenience and control. 

Signify, under the renowned Philips brand, has been a pioneer of innovation in lighting for over 130 years. Their portfolio includes cutting-edge sub-brands like Philips Hue for smart home lighting. One of their standout offerings is Interact, an IoT platform and suite of software that manages connected lighting systems, including luminaires, sensors, and devices from both Signify and third-party manufacturers. For personal smart home lighting, Philips Hue provides an easy and comprehensive system designed to simplify and enhance daily life. Their lighting solutions aim to create comfort, security, and inspiration, making home lighting more enjoyable and personal.

Philips Smart Wi-Fi LED lights, powered by WiZ technology offer seamless control through a user-friendly App and connect effortlessly to your existing Wi-Fi network. The WiZ ecosystem enhances your daily moments, transforming smart lighting into smart living. One exceptional feature is SpaceSense, an innovative motion detection technology that eliminates the need for additional sensors. SpaceSense uses existing Wi-Fi signals to automatically turn On lights when you enter a room and turn them Off when you leave, making it a groundbreaking solution in lighting automation.

These smart lights boast an array of features, including the ability to choose from 16 million colors, multi-user/multi-location control, customizable timers and schedules, voice activation compatibility, smart dimming for varying light moods, and easy setup without the need for an additional hub. The lights also offer preset modes for various scenarios and ensure that lights remain off after a power outage, enhancing convenience and safety. Rest assured, your privacy is fully protected with the WiZ app, as no personal information is used, retrieved, or stored, ensuring a secure and hassle-free experience. 

Wipro offers a range of smart lighting options, among their innovations, Wipro iSense stands out as an intelligent wireless IoT system that not only delivers exceptional lighting experiences but extends its capabilities beyond illumination. This comprehensive ecosystem encompasses controllers, sensors, switches, gateways, and analytical dashboards, empowering businesses to seamlessly implement basic to advanced smart lighting controls. Wipro iSense is all about customization, giving organizations the freedom to define their goals and scale their smart lighting initiatives at their own pace, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future. This end-to-end solution covers every aspect of the smart lighting journey, from simple switches and controllers to advanced automation, contributing to green building and ESG objectives by optimizing resource usage. Wipro iSense also supports seamless integration with standard BMS systems through the BACnet over IP protocol and offers third-party integration via cloud-based APIs, ensuring compatibility with various systems. The system’s proprietary sensors, integrated into light fixtures, provide occupancy detection and daylight harvesting capabilities, communicating wirelessly with controllers to optimize lighting usage. With communication protocols like BLE and cloud-based connectivity options, Wipro’s smart lighting system is versatile and reliable. Additionally, a dedicated mobile application enhances control and management, making it a comprehensive lighting solution for intelligent enterprises.

Smart lighting is ushering modern homes into a new era of opportunity and growth. Its impact goes beyond just enhancing the ambiance; it’s a strategic move that helps businesses and households alike reduce expenses and maximize revenue. While implementing smart lighting solutions may involve a slight increase in project capital investment, it undoubtedly leads to substantial reductions in operational expenses while also making a positive impact on the environment. We are sure Smart Lighting is poised to find its place in every household in the times ahead.

To access the complete magazine, please visit the following link: https://www.smarthomeworld.in/magazine-september2023/

The post Transforming Homes with Smart Lighting. appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Casambi recently announced the official public release of Casambi Pro, a groundbreaking planning and commissioning tool designed to revolutionize lighting projects.

Casambi Pro represents a game-changing solution tailored for lighting installations that demand sophisticated control systems, incorporating schedules, sensors, and switches. This cutting-edge tool is particularly well-suited for large-scale projects with repetitive layouts, offering improved efficiency and a substantial reduction in on-site technical configurations.

With Casambi Pro, the configuration of lighting projects enters a new era, allowing a significant portion of the programming to be executed remotely. This empowers commissioning engineers to manage intricate settings in advance, ensuring greater control over the final result and delivering a more user-friendly experience.

The Casambi Pro suite comprises two essential components:

Casambi Pro Windows PC software: This software is for project planning and programming.

Casambi Pro iPad software: This tool is used for on-site commissioning. It simplifies the identification of Casambi-enabled devices on-site and enables seamless pairing using Bluetooth to connect them to a Casambi Pro project.

Kari Mettälä, the CEO of Casambi, expressed his excitement, stating, “The beta testing phase has concluded, and we are thrilled to announce the official public release of Casambi Pro. This marks a significant milestone for us as a user experience-focused company. Casambi Pro streamlines the commissioning process like never before, transforming what used to take hours on-site into an almost instantaneous process.”

Timo Korhonen, Head of UX Design at Casambi, added, “As a software tool, Casambi Pro will continue to evolve in response to market demands. Regular updates will introduce new key features such as scene setting, dimming, tunable white lighting, and seamless control input integration. We view this initial public release as just beginning an exciting new chapter.”

Casambi Pro is set to reshape the landscape of lighting project planning and commissioning, offering unprecedented efficiency and control to professionals in the field.

For More Information: www.casambi.com

The post Casambi Unveils Casambi Pro: A Revolutionary Tool for Advanced Lighting Projects. appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, announced that it has successfully illuminated the new Parliament Building in India, in collaboration with Tata Projects Limited, who executed the project as the main contractor on an EPC basis. The company has illuminated several prominent sections of the newly constructed mammoth triangular edifice such as The Ashok Stambh, the exterior façades and the interiors, using more than 1200 Philips luminaires.

The Ashok Stambh, a majestic structure standing at 6.5 meters in height and crafted from bronze, has been illuminated to enhance its grandeur and historical significance. The façade lighting highlights the triangular building’s intricate jalis, the external parapet at the top, the three ceremonial gates and the external balconies, and is capable of producing 16 million colors. The company has also illuminated the main functional interior lighting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha for HDTV broadcasting, in addition to the backlighting for panels in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha chambers, the elegant courtyard and general lighting for the reception and office areas.

Speaking about the project, Sumit Joshi, CEO, Signify – South Asia, commented, “We are proud to have partnered with Tata Projects Limited to illuminate this iconic and prestigious structure with our innovative lighting solutions. The new dynamic lighting system reflects the grandeur of the new Parliament Building as a beacon of architectural brilliance, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. The new lighting is also energy efficient and will make these buildings a visual treat for onlookers. Our team’s dedication and commitment to excellence shine brightly in every corner of this magnificent building, as they worked day and night to complete the project in time.”

For more details , visit https://www.signify.com/en-in

The post Signify Illuminates the New Parliament Building in India. appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.