November 9, 2024
5 Things to Know: November 9
Bright headlights prompt consideration of removing 1.5 million streetlights. Plus, a niche acquisition just occurred.
Here's a roundup of some of the week's happenings curated to help lighting people stay informed.
1. DGA’s Award-Winning Lighting Design Showcased on America ByDesign: Architecture
In a recent episode of America ByDesign: Architecture, Ilva Dodaj from Domingo González Associates (DGA) highlighted the innovative lighting design behind New York City's Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station. The design, recognized for its seamless integration and focus on architectural flow, utilizes concealed lighting to emphasize key architectural features, from skylights to concourses. The lighting strategy emphasizes effects over visible sources, creating a welcoming space with subtly illuminated vertical surfaces to guide commuters.
Dodaj detailed DGA's approach to marrying technology with art, including color-changing fixtures that adjust to daylight conditions, ensuring the historic trusses and skylights remain visible regardless of outdoor lighting. Signature pieces like “The Hive” by Elmgreen & Dragset, an internally lit sculpture located near the 31st Street entry, add artistic depth, while elements such as integrated handrail lighting enhance commuter flow. The project, a milestone in civic architecture, reflects the city’s heritage and the future of New York transit.
2 . Brighter Car Headlights Could Lead to Removal of 1.5 million Streetlights
The United Kingdom may reduce street lighting across roadways, influenced by the high brightness of modern car headlights, reports Nicholas Hellen of The Times in Lindon. The Department for Transport is reviewing the potential removal of 1.5 million street lights from Britain’s current 7.2 million to lower costs, as improved headlights lessen the reliance on overhead illumination for drivers. This initiative, spurred by a £1 billion annual energy cost, aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize lighting with energy-efficient solutions.
According to Hellen, one trial in Hayton, Yorkshire, replaces traditional lighting with pedestrian-focused features, such as footway lights, illuminated bollards, and reflective road studs for vehicles. By prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, these adjustments may also support areas in attaining “dark skies” status, promoting community appeal. Monitoring of the trials includes safety assessments and thermal imaging to track impact, while experts like Perry Hazell, president of the Institution of Lighting Professionals, highlight the evolving focus from driver-centered to pedestrian-friendly lighting.
3. In a Sea of Opportunities, Nemo acquires Fontana Arte and Driade
Nemo Group has acquired Italian lighting brand Fontana Arte and furniture maker Driade from Italian Creation Group, marking its entry into the luxury furniture sector alongside its established lighting portfolio, BeBeez reported. As part of the transaction, Nemo also took a stake in Italian Creation Group, which has annual sales of €40.5 million ($43.5 million), an EBITDA loss of €1 million ($1.1 million), net losses of €5 million ($5.4 million), and financial debt of €16.4 million ($17.6 million) against equity of €11 million ($11.8 million).
Founded in 1993, Nemo has expanded strategically in recent years, acquiring ILTI Luce in 2020 for its expertise in architectural lighting and adding a majority stake in Reggiani in 2023. The company serves U.S. and Canadian markets through independent lighting agents.
4. Public Review Underway for IES Lighting Standards Drafts
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) has released four drafts for ANSI Public Review from November 1 to December 16, 2024. These drafts cover updated standards and practices in office, roadway, and quality lighting and are open for stakeholder and public input. The standards under review include:
- BSR/IES RP-1-2x: Recommended Practice for Office Lighting, with additions covering glare, controls, and acoustics.
- BSR/IES LS-8-2x: Lighting Science: Vision – Perceptions and Performance, focusing on the addition of glare considerations.
- BSR/IES LP-1-2x: Lighting Practice: Quality Lighting for People and Buildings and The Lighting Design and Construction Process, merging existing LP standards.
- BSR/IES RP-8-2x: Recommended Practice for Lighting Roadway and Parking Facilities, a comprehensive update for quality roadway lighting solutions.
These updates reflect IES’s mission to enhance lighting standards through a collaborative process that includes member expertise, stakeholder representation, and adherence to ANSI accreditation requirements.
5. NEMA's New Standard Aimed at Smart City Lighting Systems
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has released the ANSI/NEMA C137.10 standard, designed to improve interoperability among lighting systems within smart city infrastructure. This standard aims to enhance connectivity between lighting sensors, allowing real-time data collection to support functions such as monitoring air quality, managing street flooding, and anticipating utility repairs. These capabilities are intended to improve response times and safeguard communities by enabling lighting systems to alert citizens to potential hazards.
The standard, developed by NEMA’s Lighting Systems Committee (C137), offers a framework for local jurisdictions, manufacturers, and utilities to integrate lighting and sensor data in urban settings. According to NEMA’s Senior Vice President of Technical Affairs, Patrick Hughes, this initiative will enable lighting systems to adapt to changing conditions and strengthen infrastructure resilience, particularly in extreme weather situations.
