A discreet, silent presence that pares back aesthetics in favor of functional performance and energy efficiency. Technical and architectural lighting is a field of experimentation and innovation, a connection point between context and lit objects, often involving indoor-outdoor dialogue. By nature this field of lighting is not limited to brightening spaces, but also aims to enhance their architecture, their perimeters, their vertical surfaces, maximizing qualities in relation to the landscape, with a strong focus on wellness and visual comfort.
Brands and products play with proportions to achieve these ends, getting smaller while implementing increasingly essential design. They avoid invading places with their own expressive impact, letting the light itself and the spatial context do the talking.
Just consider Pepita 65 by Catellani & Smith: a built-in solution for ceilings with direct lighting, formed by a circular body in aluminium (white finish only); inside, the fixtures have characteristic gold leaf cladding and a small transparent cover to house interchangeable high-efficiency LEDs of 1.2W 24V.
Along the same lines, Nemo presents Flex, a family of directional miniaturized spots for accent lighting, offering different attachments, optical parts and finishes, depending on lighting necessities and spaces. Flex Ceiling, for example, is the range with fixed and 15°- 45° zoom optics, while the Flex Track System features black anodized spots, installed on a track with a magnetic-mechanical attachment system. In both cases the joint permits fastening of spotlights to the ceiling or a track, with directional adjustment and hidden wiring.
Antonio Citterio has made the reduction of the size of objects a true design theme, embodied in the Mile collection created for Flos. “We have attempted to reduce the size of the object while obtaining the best possible optical performance. This work regarded multiple aspects: minimization, high performance, and the perceptual quality of a ‘perfect object,’ where all outer surfaces are on the same plane. The final result was achieved through hard work to optimize the unit’s parts,” the architect says. This program of professional outdoor lighting includes a Bollard model in two different heights and widths, for mono- or bi-directional light emission; a Wall version for installation on vertical surfaces; a Ceiling unit with recessed optical groupings in relation to vantage point, with four possible opening segments; and the new Path version created in two different lengths, with a custom reflector and super-comfortable optics, ideal for pathways and corridors.
Still in the outdoor context, Luceplan stands out with the Flia family of outdoor ground-mounted lamps. The miniaturization of the light source is the key to the design: the carbon stem is supported by a cylinder containing the heart of the lamp, making it strong, light and flexible. Flia comes in a single configuration – in three different heights – or in multiple versions, with 2 and 3 stems. It can be attached to floors and pavements, or placed directly on the ground. The lamps can also become “nomads” thanks to the rechargeable version.
Completely immersed and camouflaged in the natural contest: Lun-Up Evo is an innovative sustainable solution designed by Dean Skira for iGuzzini. It is a built-in model for installation on the ground or the floor, enhanced by the transparency of glass, conceived to bring light only where it is necessary: a “smiling” form that can expand in a semi-circle, circle or undulated rhythm by combining multiple Lun-Up Evo units. Thanks to the OptiBeam patented optical technology, the product offers maximum visual comfort while guaranteeing two types of emission, with Flood and Wide-Flood optics.
Clearly inspired by seaside style and the evocative character of such settings – directly connected with the marine landscape – the Marina collection of Il Fanale is a line created to respond to technical requirements. The lamps are produced in antique-finish brass, available in applique or tortoise applique versions (round or oval).
