IFI Lighting, the leading Greek lighting design company, is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the enlightening lecture by acclaimed architect David Gianotten, CEO of OMA/AMO. The event, organized by the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, took place on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 7:00 pm, at “The HUB Events” in Athens.
David Gianotten, recognized for his leadership at OMA/AMO and his groundbreaking architectural designs, captivated the audience with insights into his extensive portfolio of international projects. As CEO – Architect of OMA/AMO, Gianotten oversees the overall organizational and financial management, business strategy, and growth of the company, alongside his architectural endeavors.
Gianotten’s lecture, titled “Urban Charge,” delved into OMA’s projects worldwide, focusing on the urban transformations catalyzed by these architectural endeavors. Through projects ranging from high-end office buildings to mixed-use urban centers, Gianotten explored the notion of perceiving and harnessing the energy and vitality of a place to create positive impacts through architecture.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage with Gianotten during a wine reception following the lecture, fostering further discussions about the intersections of architecture, urbanism, and societal impact.
Notable projects led by Gianotten include the Museo Egizio in Turin, the conversion of the Bajes Kwartier prison complex into a new neighborhood in Amsterdam, the VDMA mixed-use urban center in Eindhoven, and the renovation of the Panopticon and court complex into the new Koepel district in Breda.
IFI Lighting is honored to have supported this enriching event, which contributes to the discourse on innovative architecture and urban development. The company remains committed to fostering collaborations that push the boundaries of architectural design and lighting solutions.
As a lighting designing business passionate about staying at the forefront of industry trends and innovations, attending the Light + Building Expo in Frankfurt was an exhilarating experience. This biennial event, renowned as the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology, showcased a diverse array of cutting-edge products, technologies, and design concepts that left us inspired and eager to integrate new ideas into our real-time work.
One of the standout trends we observed at the expo was the continued emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency in lighting solutions. Manufacturers across the board showcased a plethora of LED fixtures and control systems designed to minimize energy consumption while maximizing lighting quality and flexibility. From advanced LED luminaires with tunable color temperatures to intelligent lighting controls that optimize energy usage based on occupancy and daylight levels, the expo reaffirmed the importance of prioritizing eco-friendly practices in lighting design.
In addition to sustainability, another key theme that emerged was the convergence of lighting and technology. The integration of smart lighting systems, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, and artificial intelligence (AI) was prominently featured, offering exciting possibilities for enhancing user experience and functionality. We were particularly impressed by the innovative applications of IoT-enabled sensors and data analytics, which can provide valuable insights into occupancy patterns, user preferences, and environmental conditions, allowing for more personalized and responsive lighting solutions.
Furthermore, the expo showcased a wide range of architectural lighting fixtures and design concepts that pushed the boundaries of creativity and aesthetics. From minimalist, sleek designs to bold and expressive luminaires, there was something to cater to every architectural style and preference. Our creativity was stimulated and new ideas for effective lighting solutions that not only illuminate places but also improve their atmosphere and visual appeal were supplied by investigating these varied options.
Overall, our experience at the Light + Building Expo 2024 was incredibly enriching and invigorating. The wealth of innovative products, technologies, and design concepts on display reaffirmed the dynamic nature of the lighting industry and underscored the importance of continuous learning and exploration. Armed with new insights and ideas, we were excited to integrate these advancements into our real-time work, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation to create transformative lighting experiences for our projects and their demanding specifications.
A unique coastal villa-hotel dubbed Homa Vagia has taken shape along the cliffs of Serifos Island with design by Athens-based studio MOLD Architects and architectural lighting by IFI. The project stands as a captivating union of history and contemporary design. IFI’s Creative director, Mr. George Anagnostakis envisioned a concept for the Homa project that flawlessly integrates with the rugged landscape, drawing inspiration from the island’s cobbled paths and railway lines to create an illuminating narrative that balances modern elegance with a respectful nod to the region’s heritage.
Nestled on the picturesque Serifos island in the Cyclades, this villa’s lighting design draws inspiration from the island’s rich history, particularly its proximity to old mining facilities. Embracing the unique juxtaposition of the villa’s modern architecture against the backdrop of Serifos’s industrial heritage, the lighting concept seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with a homage to the island’s unearthing atmosphere. Warm, ambient lighting illuminates the outdoor spaces, casting a gentle glow that highlights the surrounding landscape while paying tribute to the historical significance of the nearby mining sites.
Thoughtfully placed fixtures mimic the play of light on mineral-rich surfaces, creating a visual narrative that ties the villa to the island’s unique character. The whole project was created by keeping in mind the natural beauty of its surroundings. The villa boasts an environmentally conscious lighting design that minimizes light pollution, ensuring a serene ambiance that allows for unobstructed stargazing and preserves the pristine nocturnal landscape.
In the interior spaces of the villa, the lighting design takes cues from the mining heritage with a balance of functionality and artistic expression. Task lighting accentuates architectural features, while subtle ambient glows evoke the ambient warmth of the white polished concrete. The interplay of light and shadow is carefully choreographed to create a sense of intimacy and connection to Serifos’s industrial past. Through this nuanced approach to lighting, the villa not only offers a contemporary and comfortable living experience but also serves as a harmonious bridge between modern luxury and the island’s historical legacy.
Homa Vagia is a landmark of the transforming power of architecture and architectural lighting, showing how a profound respect for the past combined with careful consideration of context can create a very compelling place.
It’s been a great privilege to receive the 2022 LIT Design Awards™ “In Hotel Lighting / Interior Architectural Illumination”. The LIT Design Awards™ was created to recognize the efforts of talented international lighting designers and was envisioned to celebrate creativity and innovation in the fields of lighting products and applications. LIT Lighting Design Awards is the sibling Award of SIT Furniture Design Award (SIT), International Design Awards (IDA), and European Product Design Awards (ePDA) all focusing on Product Esthetic, Concepts & Enhancement, which have emerged as some of the most well-known Design Awards today. We are excited because this international award honors our philosophy and the way we face every project. Innovation, Determination, Focus, Exclusivity and Forward Thinking. The result takes precedence over all. To us, there’s no gray area, no detail left out. No almosts! Special Thanks to “Elastic architects”, to Gavriil Papadiotis for his excellent photos and above all to DAIOS COVE for their trust and forward thinking. After all, winning is only half of it. Having fun is the other half!
@ifi_lighting / @litdesignawards / @gavriilux / @elasticarchitects / @daios_cove