GENERAL DIY
Q Are lighting trends rather predictable
and stagnant, or do you believe that
consumers will always have something
new to look forward to?
Eurolux: Fortunately, the evolution of LEDs
and other energy saving technologies has
given both architects and consumers alike a
new focus with regards to designs, layouts and
the like. With traditional lamp sources now
available in halogen, CFL and LED versions, one
is spoilt for choice between staying traditional
or experimenting with modern contempary
fixtures.
For the foreseeable future I believe the
lighting industry’s focus will shift from light
source replacement to new fixture installation.
However, the lighting industry is such a
dynamic arena that we will undoubtedly see
continued development and changes.
Osram: Unfortunately, I believe that lighting is still somewhat
predictable, although many new and innovative products are
available that can create better lighting environments depending on
the application. Also, the market has been flooded with many LED
products and this makes it confusing for designers as well as end users.
Philips Lighting: Apart offering performing retrofit lamps, LED
technology has still much to offer to markets. Firstly, every decade,
the cost is cut by two, plus performance is doubled. As such, Philips
and others believe that LED lighting will make up 75% of the lighting
market in 2015! The incandescent ban in South Africa next year will
lead to this.
Apart from these macro trends, LED technology has three fantastic
priorities which offersnew way of lighting interiors, and exteriors
too. LED chips are minute… This allow architects to easily integrate
architectural lighting into the details of the architecture. Cove
lighting, light integrated into cabinets, in shelves – a new field of
creations. This miniaturisation of lighting has led to creative luminaire
LED chips are
minute… This
allow architects to easily
integrate architectural
lighting into the details
of the architecture. Cove
lighting, light integrated
into cabinets, in shelves –
a new field of creations
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HARDWARE AFRICA 2014