Enlightening spaces: innovative architectural lighting solutions for every project

Lighting products are continually evolving to meet architectural lighting and lighting designers’ requirements. In recent years there have been several significant trends; the obvious one has been moving away from halogen, fluorescent and incandescent lights to LED, which is substantially cooler in temperature, energy efficient, and overall, physically smaller, allowing LED to be used in more applications and designs.

“Within the industry, light spill or light pollution is another issue that has transformed how light is dispersed,” shares Colab Lighting’s Adam Addario. “A Unified Glare Rating (UGR) is how light is now classified; the lower the number of the rating, the better the reduction in glare.”

Progress in visual and non-visual flicker has also drastically improved, improving people’s well-being as it is associated with epileptic seizures, headaches, drowsiness and general unwellness.

“Poorly manufactured LED lights are a contributing factor to flicker and non-flicker,” shares Addario. “That’s why advances in LED chip manufacturing and controlling are at the forefront of architectural lighting and lighting designers’ concerns.”

Cutting-edge lighting products & innovations

Linear profile and low-voltage track systems are becoming increasingly popular choices in both residential and commercial spaces as they offer symmetry, visual impact, and functionality. The ability to illuminate large areas with interchangeable heads in a safe, low-voltage 48V track provides designers with flexibility and innovation.

Sustainability is also at the forefront of lighting designers’ consideration when it comes to innovations in the lighting space. 

“LED lighting itself is a great start – using less energy than halogen, fluorescent and incandescent lighting; manufacturing processes, recycling and product transportation are known areas of concern;  and implementing procedures to minimise waste and the output of harmful materials used in manufacturing is crucial,” shares Addario.

“Net Zero Carbon emissions is another way to increase sustainability through lighting choices, with a goal to minimise the impact of global temperatures.”

Smart lighting systems: transforming architectural lighting

Smart lighting systems are gaining traction and these technologies are transforming architectural lighting. The ability to use smart lighting programmes to schedule lighting on/off times, sensor active lighting, and dimming programmes has multiple benefits to both designers and end-users, says Addario.  

“A recent project by Cundall and Sublime Electrical in Barton Park Banksia is a perfect example of lighting optimisation. The goal is to have the park well-lit during the evening; at a specified time the programme reduces the light output by dimming the lighting, but when an object passes by, one of the many sensors activates, bringing the lighting back up to the original evening programme.”

These kinds of smart lighting systems in public spaces make it safer for passersby while also decreasing energy consumption at the same time. 

Integrating natural light: challenges & solutions

Architects often seek to integrate natural light into spaces, and Addario acknowledges the challenges in achieving this balance. 

“The use of natural lighting is a perfect way to light your home or commercial area, unfortunately, not all areas are able to be naturally lit.”

Task areas in the evening need artificial lighting, but research has shown artificial light can interfere with your circadian rhythm, creating sleeping issues and overall unwellness. 

“Sensors, and soft lighting without glare tend to be the answer for the moment. Circadian rhythm lighting is progressively moving forward, it’s just not readily available for the average light user,” says Addario. “Commercial premises tend to use DALI dimming control modules and Tuneable white to mimic or adjust with natural light for the time of day.”

Colour temperature is also a crucial aspect of creating wellness through architectural lighting. Lower colour temperatures create a warmer and more inviting atmosphere, while coloured lighting, including RGB and RGBW, can accentuate specific areas or create thematic effects. 

A recent project by Colab Lighting, and Cundall with Uncle Jim Carrol & Matt Fellingham, ‘Burra burawa burring gili’ (eel above countless generations of starlight) in Parramatta, Sydney is a great example of how colour can be used to provoke a human response. 

“In Phillip Lane, colour and projectors were used to add vibrance and intrigue into the area.”

Addario says in architectural projects, lighting design goes beyond functionality, contributing to the emotional resonance of a space. 

“An example of one of our own projects is the UTS Red Bull gaming lounge; using gamer controller buttons we recreated lighting pendants hanging from the ceiling in their shapes: circle, X, and triangles. RGB colours were used to mimic the Red Bull logo.”

Dynamic lighting features and light art installations are also gaining prominence, and Colab Lighting are experts in supporting architects to incorporate these elements into their designs. 

A recent project, Mirvac in Green Square, is an example of a collaborative effort to create bespoke lighting solutions that serve both artistic and practical purposes.

“It’s not just lighting, but a piece of art. We worked closely with architects, lighting designers, and contractors to manufacture bespoke lighting solutions. From drawings, we sourced the required elements and oversaw the project to completion.

“There are always hurdles, that’s part of the deal, it’s how the hurdles are approached and put right. Light art installations are happening at great speed, they add intrigue with practicality, allowing the imagination to design, and dare I say it… add the ‘wow’ factor.”

Striking a balance between the ‘wow’ factor and addressing practical aspects like installation, maintenance, and long-term durability is crucial with any lighting project, says Addario. 

“The ultimate goal is to ensure that innovative lighting projects not only look good but also function effectively and can be easily maintained over time.”

Explore lighting projects by Colab Lighting