FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING

Light School 2022

FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING

Covid restrictions permitting, Light School is set to return as an in-person event next month, with the ILP once again partnering with the Surface Design Show to run three days of fascinating CPD talks. Here is what you need to know

By Nic Paton

After its pandemic-related hiatus in 2021 (and the new Omicron variant of Covid-19 permitting), Light School is set to return as an in-person event next month for the first time in two years, running from 8-10 February at the Business Design School in Islington, north London.

The ILP is, once again, partnering with the Surface Design Show to run ‘Light Talks’ CPD presentations across the three days, designed to connect the expertise of the lighting community to that of architects, surfaces and materials specialists, and students, among others.

Light Talks presentations, held in partnership with iGuzzini, will this year run on the Surface Design Show’s main stage, which will act as Light School’s ‘classroom’, hosting debates and presentations where lighting designers can talk to and educate specifiers.

In the wake of November’s COP26, and the growing urgency of climate change, Light School will this year have a special focus on lighting’s role in tackling, and mitigating, climate change and how lighting, as an industry, energy source and technology, can move to a more sustainable footing.

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY

While the full line-up of speakers was still being finalised as Lighting Journal went to press in December, Lauren Lever, design director at Minoux, will talk about ‘light response for wellbeing’.

Lauren will discuss the importance light can have on the wellness and wellbeing of users within a space, including within hospitality, residential and commercial spaces. As she adds: ‘I will also touch on the planet’s wellbeing, with the importance of future-proofing our lighting schemes and circularity.’

Brad Koerner, founder of Amsterdam-based Koerner Design, will discuss: ‘Specifying a Bright Future: decarbonising and detoxifying lighting systems’. As he has put it: ‘Given all that we know about the disastrous effects of global warming, resource depletion and toxic pollution, are lighting designers proud of what they are specifying today? Are manufacturers proud of the products leaving their loading docks? But what options do we have?’

INSPIRED BY SUNSETS

Michael Grubb, founder of Michael Grubb Studio, will tell ‘the story of Lightplay’. This will explain how walks during lockdown inspired Michael Grubb Studio’s lighting concept for the seafront of Torquay, with ‘Lightplay’ being an interactive and playful backdrop to seaside town’s Royal Terrace Gardens.

Michael will explain how experiencing sunsets on his walks inspired him ‘to forever capture the ethos and ambience associated with sunset’ within the scheme.

This, however, is only the briefest taste of what to expect over the three days of Light School and the Surface Design School. So do come and join us.

Speakers from 2019’s Light School, the last time the event was held in person. Lauren Lever (middle) will once again be a speaker this year, as will Michael Grubb (left)

FIND OUT MORE

What: Light School 2022 When: 8-10 February Where: Business Design Centre, Islington, London How to register: registration is free, go to https://sds-2022.reg.buzz/ website-menu