19 minute read
Accentuating the Aesthetic Appeal
Façade Lighting
Accentuating the Aesthetic Appeal
Advertisement
The advent of post-pandemic times has shown a constant need to rediscover methods of business. In the world of design and technology, there is a growing need for innovation in innovative façade design. Lighting as a design element has undergone several iterations to discover which type of lighting design suits residential, hospitality, commercial and retail spaces best.
Gone are the days of designing lighting that was conceptualised with the sole intention of brightly illuminating products at display; Lighting for retail is now used as a marketing tool to accentuate the aesthetic of the brand and its visual identity. Façade lighting intends to attract customers to peruse the space and increase footfall, thereby increasing the probability of drawing sales. It is, in fact, an effective marketing tool, albeit underrated, to build brand identity. When it comes to hotels and hospitality projects, lighting makes spaces look warm and welcoming and sets off the initial impression of the hospitality experience.
Façades are designed to be attractive, multi-functional and versatile. Halide lamps are often used to create a fine graze of light over the exterior of the project to accentuate architectural elements. The target is to elevate the hospitality experience and paint the project in a light that makes it memorable and encourages customers to frequent their visits. Crucial elements to consider are:
TRENDS IN HOTEL FAÇADES
Light and art can be integrated to highlight façades and equipped with LED profiles in order to throw a uniform wash of light on the wall or accentuate through museum-grade fixtures with specific inbuilt optics. Human-centric lighting is a widely accepted and implemented trend as lighting adapts to change to serve diverse needs. It must complement
Façade lighting - The Lodhi, New Delhi
the materials, textures and architectural elements used in the hotel design. As the day transitions into the evening and then night, lighting must adapt to its ambiance by assigning add-ons that make this shift in mood seamless and look massively different despite being a singular exterior.
QUALITY OF LIGHTING FIXTURES
Since lighting should be integrated with the architecture of a project, conceptualising lighting in environments is now more design intensive. The value
Lighting complementing the materials, textures and architectural elements
of good quality fixtures never goes unnoticed; the longevity of illumination is ensured by using high-end fixtures that promise durability and aesthetic appeal. Energy efficiency is the need of the hour, and it is economical and beneficial to hotels in the long run. Metal halide lights, for example, cover large spans in a light graze. They are far more energy-efficient than CFLs or halogens but are pricey upon installation and take time to light up. The newer range of CFLs have features such as instant-on and excellent colour rendition, which shows the growth in the market. However, LEDs are still one of the most viable options for retail lighting, as they are efficient and save on electrical bills as well. They are quick to light up with the click of a button and safe to use in the long run because they do not heat up as quickly as their alternatives. Most fluorescent lights do not provide a dimming option, a feature available with LEDs. The latest technology in LED lighting is minimum energy wastage, with maximum efficiency output.
BRAND IDENTITY
It is important to build a unique brand identity for a hospitality space. Some lighting concepts have concealed fixtures that only focus on a message or design detail. It can be integrated with other details to enhance the ambiance and only its effects are visible. The ambiance
Investing in good quality fixtures and intelligent space planning together with lighting as a design element can do wonders for any project
then further influences how one views the space through layered light. Colour rendition is always a priority for any residential, hospitality or commercial project. Hence, metal halides are preferred depending on the exterior definition of the façade.
MEDIA FAÇADES
Some hotels and retail establishments opt for digital façades to make a bold statement and customise it to portray a direct message. They can be used for marketing and advertising by displaying a message or graphic on the media façade. In terms of design aesthetics and physical presence, they can significantly impact the brand identity of the setup. The urban nightscape is enhanced with every project that features innovative media façades. Dynamic lighting using color-changing LEDs are widely available but carefully executed by the lighting designers to not look excessive, showing the importance of impactful design.
JUXTAPOSE LIGHT AND MATERIAL
Creating pockets of contrast between high luminous beams of light and walls will draw attention specifically to where it is desired. This is a different take on lighting than generally illuminating the whole space. The colour temperature and tone of the light must match the tone of the product for necessary impact. Due to extended operating hours and their versatile nature in colour rendering, LEDs again become a popular choice for lighting up most projects. Using the right tools and hiring the right consultants will help decode the world of lighting. Real estate on building façades is valuable, and investing in good quality fixtures and intelligent space planning together with lighting as a design element can do wonders for any structure.
A HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE
Investing in wireless lighting controls has seen more action in recent times as it is a means to combine lighting controls simultaneously with occupancy sensors. Advanced lighting control systems instantly change intensities, combinations, and colours. The objective of façade lighting is to accentuate architectural details, edges and materials while highlighting key features. Illumination is kept flexible for varied occasions to provide versatility in lighting design. Moreover, it must match the client’s aspirations and budget. Ease of access and minimal maintenance are crucial features of successful façade lighting. The takeaway is to invest in durable and robust technology since lighting for façades often involves installation at heights that are hard to reach. Tastefully designed façades are far more impactful than one would have articulated!
Alila fort, Bishangarh – the lighting design experience of an old fortress yet keeping the feel of luxury and opulence alive
Case Study - 1
A Fortress with Layers of Light
Alila fort, Bishangarh
Alila fort, Bishangarh is a 250-yearold fortress with a complete makeover from ruins to absolute luxury in the midst of Aravali Hills in Rajasthan.
We were part of this 7-year restoration process with a single emphasis on creating a landmark project which exudes the lighting design experience of an old fortress yet keeping the feel of luxury and opulence alive.
The design process was not linear and there was a lot of back and forth of ideation as a lot of areas were still being explored during the restoration work. The design intent and approach to lighting was to connect dots from different timelines to create one cohesive, comprehensible story. The final picture was hazy but eventually led to a unified design story for the completion day. The design approach was sensitive and subtle considering it was a heritage project of a magnanimous scale. Every space required unique lighting design concepts and approaches. Sensitivity to spaces was crucial to gauge the appropriate lighting solution for areas of such high heritage value.
It has been rated as the top 10 hotel renovations in the world or a few clients make a statement of “extraordinary is an understatement” but for us, it is a process driven, well-executed and a wellmentored project.
QUICK FACTS:
Project: Alila Bishangarh Fort, Jaipur • Client: Rao Rajendra Singh,
Suneet Bagai, Atul Kapur • Developers: Kings and
Knights Hotels Private Ltd • Architect: Sthapatya
Architectural Design Studio,
India • Lighting Designer:
Lightbook, India • Renovated: 2017
Case Study - 2
A Monumental Renovation: Exploring Lighting Design in Heritage Hotels
The Lodhi, New Delhi
The lighting of the hotel façade shows the versatility of lighting design without intrusive design interventions.
The Lodhi, formerly known as The Aman Hotel, is a luxury resort in the eminent location of Lutyens Delhi. It is the first retreat of its kind in the city with its vast landscape and environmental relief amid the hustlebustle of the city’s Southside. The owner group of the hotel, The Aman Group, is known for its iconic and serene properties worldwide, and The Lodhi is no exception. The initial phase of its construction was completed in 2009.
Lightbook was hired in 2014 to renovate its existing design as a modern rebrand of ‘The Lodhi’. The intent was to curate bespoke and elevated experiences for the affluent of Delhi and set the bar as a cultural and hospitality hub. A complete design review has resulted in interior and exterior lighting schemes based on sustainable practices, aesthetics, and timely maintenance schedules. The new space and its identity aim at creating a healthy balance of private indoor spaces and vibrant outdoors.
The Lodhi Hotel covers a 7-acre property that provides tranquility and privacy. It comprises two L-shaped wings, a large green lawn with a sunken courtyard, three tennis courts, and a pool area. Gangapur sandstone forms its structure, contrary to popular building materials of the time; a contemporary take on traditional Mughal architecture. Its clean, straight lines and the light golden stone further add to the hotel’s grandeur.
Bespoke and elevated experiences at The Lodhi
A contemporary take on traditional Mughal architecture An exciting feature, suspended between the columns, is perforated masonry jaalis. These modern screens are a call back to The Lodhi’s modern design as they are made of glass-reinforced cement and stainless-steel brackets. They create whimsical and geometric patterns when lit in different directions by sunlight. ‘Minimum intervention, maximum payoff’ is the mantra followed when designing the façade of the project. A comprehensive lighting scheme provides the royal and ethereal visuals that we see on its façade today. Thoughtful illumination shows the texture and honesty of the material and honours the ancient sandstone, which is the hotel’s main focal point.
Interior lighting for luxury hotels requires careful strategising concerning the program area. The décor in the hotel rooms has a soothing colour palette with finely detailed furnishings. Accent and ambient lighting suit the understated aesthetic and are easy on the eyes. The monochrome bathrooms are further beautified with appropriate lighting schemes accentuating its stone walls.
To amplify the function of a space is another quality that lighting imbibes. Landscape illumination for the vast, 50-meter outdoor swimming pool is done by tactfully accentuating elements. It is flanked by rows of columns and stone jaalis illuminated to depict their materiality and contrast to the solid stone columns. The juxtaposition of the ambient lighting of the pool and landscaped lawns with the structured lighting of the hotel façade shows the versatility of lighting design without intrusive design interventions.
This renovation project takes guests on “personal journeys” through bespoke experiences of culture, cuisine, wellness, architecture, lifestyle and personalised service. Its dynamic lighting scheme truly reflects its vibrant aesthetic, a mark of excellence for the hotel’s unique brand of hospitality and modern architecture.
QUICK FACTS:
• Project: The Lodhi, New Delhi • Client: Aman Resorts, Hotels and Residences • Architect: Kerry Hill,
Singapore • Lighting Designer:
Lightbook, New Delhi • Opened: Renovation, 2014 VINAYAK DIWAN
Design Director,
Lightbook, New Delhi/ London
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vinayak Diwan is the principal and founding member of Lightbook, a boutique design studio which conceptualises and executes lighting plans, bearing in mind its value in the future. He uses light as a tool to alter the design language of a space. He does so by gauging the context and suggesting appropriate lighting designs based on a variety of factorss right from the client’s budget to the best technological advancement.
He started his lighting design career with a Masters in Lighting Design from Istituto Europeo Di Design, Milan, thereafter working with a lighting design firm specialised in exterior lighting of monuments and old heritage villas. He then moved to Paris to work with Light Cibles. He has international work experience in small & large-scale projects in the Middle East, Singapore and Milan for over a decade, an experience which has grown his technical expertise to carry out creative and unique lighting projects for clients across the globe. (Contact: info@lightbook.in)
The gala night saw many eminent guests
On 1st December 2022, profile India, a worldwide leading manufacturer of PVC-U profiles for windows and doors, celebrated 125 years of KOEMMERLING at a gala event at The Suryaa Hotel, New Delhi. The event was organized for channel partners, associated vendors, and profine India employees to celebrate the legacy of the brand since KOEMMERLING was established in 1897 in Germany. KOEMMERLING is now having offices in more than 60 countries including production units in 10 countries. Fusion of food, drinks, music, dance and customer recognition were the highlights of the gala night.
UNVEILING THE NEW LOGO
Dr. Peter Mrosik, Owner and CEO, profine Group paid a special visit to India to meet the guests personally. During his speech, he presented the new logo to participants in an elaborate manner and described the new logo as a symbol of sustainability. The new logo is the clearest visible sign of this realignment. The new Koemmerling logo displays natural elements like the sun and water in abstract form and embodies circularity. Warm colours represent life, awakening and the future. The new slogan is the thematic and emotional framework for the new appearance. In just three words, it sums up the brand message and direction that Koemmerling stands for: Today for Tomorrow.
Dr. Peter Mrosik unveiled the logo and slogan “Koemmerling – these are not just highquality products. It’s an attitude. We are working to ensure a sustainable future. This has been our mission from the start when I took over the company in 2012. And we will continue to do this - day after day. That’s my promise,” affirms Dr. Peter Mrosik.
FUTURE PLANS
About his future plans in India, Dr. Peter Mrosik said, “KOEMMERLING is committed towards innovation and adding new advanced and eco-friendly plans to cope-up with the changing market demands. “We have been making investments in infrastructure, research and development, tools and machines, skill development, etc. As of now we have made 12 million euros investment in India and have planned 3 Million more in 2023, as well as another 5 million euros investment in 2024-2025 towards infrastructure, advancement of extrusion facility and adding more systems”.
On the occasion Farid Khan, Director and CEO, profine India acknowledged the support and contribution of channel partners, associated suppliers and profine India employees for making all this success happen. He said that profine subsidiary is thankful to Dr. Peter Mrosik for his continuous trust and belief in the decisions like establishing a big extrusion facility, opening up of warehouse in Bengaluru, and introducing new country-specific systems. “Now we have more than 125 window manufacturers with 51 window experience centers from us and our channel partners/dealers contributing to the success of KOEMMERLING and adding more feathers to the ever-growing legacy,” he added.
During the event, a few customers were presented with an award of excellence for their outstanding contributions over the past years.
For more details on the brand, contact:
Email: info.india@profine-group.com Website: www.koemmerling.co.in Contact: +91-11-4236 8600
Saugaat Inc: A Leading Provider of Architectural Glass Solutions
Founded in 2016, Saugaat Inc is involved in diverse business activities, glass processing materials being the core source of business. It has emerged as the broadest portfolio of innovative advanced Glass-Laminating Solutions providing safety, security, sound insulation, UV protection & decorative applications across India. Further adding on it has recently introduced primary & secondary sealants for insulating glass improving the values of glass solutions. Headquartered in Nashik, Maharashtra, the company has a warehouse in Bhiwandi near Mumbai to cater to all the customers with on-time deliveries. Saugaat Inc works in tandem with Kuraray & H.B. Fuller|Kommerling. The company is also involved in developing various Kuraray & H.B. Fuller | Kommerling products and resolving technical issues related to glass.
As the west India distributor for Kuraray, the brand provides its customers with high-quality products. Kuraray Co., Ltd is a Japanese manufacturer of chemicals, fibres, and other materials. Being a 96 years old company, Kuraray Group has a 14% share in the world market for the development, manufacture, and sale of interlayer films for laminated safety glass and is a leading company in construction industry applications, particularly in Europe.
PVB film is derived from PVA resin, which the company became the first in the world to manufacture in 1958. Kuraray’s advanced interlayer solutions have superior adhesive properties, excellent transparent qualities, and high pliability giving rise to special features. When used as an interlayer film in laminated safety glass, PVB film makes glass shatterresistant and is designed to prevent flying fragments in the event of a heavy impact. It is widely used for advanced architectural, ballistic resistant and automotive applications. Kuraray products are marketed and sold in west India by the company’s authorised distributor Saugaat Inc. Trosifol® and SentryGlas® being the major products.
Saugaat is the only distributor of H.B. Fuller in India
H.B. Fuller Company is a major American adhesives manufacturing company supplying industrial adhesives worldwide. Founded in 1887 it is 135 years old company acquiring other adhesive companies around the world. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA it provides 10K adhesive solutions generating revenue of nearly $3.40 billion with more than 13k employees, 73 manufacturing facilities & customers in 125 countries. Kommerling insulated glass sealant business became a part of royal adhesive in 2013 & together with H.B. Fuller in 2017 making it one of the top 2 adhesive companies. Saugaat Inc. has partnered with H.B Fuller for Primary and Secondary sealants used in IG processing.
For more details on the brand, contact:
Saugaat INC.
Headoffice: 9, Kaopte Meher Market, Wadala Naka, Nashik, Maharashtra India. 422001. Email: saugaatinc@gmail.com Tel: +91 253 2597864 Mob: +91 9664561331 Mob: +91 70578 88158
BRAND WATCH
SE Controls - Building on 40 years of Global Trust & Expertise in Smoke Ventilation & Control
New Goa International Airport, Mopa – Roof-mounted Smoke Vent system & Façade Make-up Air Vent systems
Hyderabad International Airport, Shamshabad – Façade Smoke Vent system & Make-up Air Vent systems by SE Controls façades can be engineered so that the automation strategy provides the required safety without sacrificing the vision of the architect and façade consultant.
SE Controls’s products are designed, manufactured and tested to international standards, ensuring that solutions are at the forefront of technology, regulation & compliance from a global standpoint.
SE Controls is a leading global specialist in manufacture, design & delivery of intelligent smoke & environmental ventilation systems & smoke control using façade automation as an integral part of the building envelope.
They began their operations in India and SAARC Region in early 2012 as a joint venture partner with SE Controls UK under the joint leadership of Will Perkins, Group Managing Director, SE Controls UK alongside ParasuRaman R, Founding Chairman, CII - Indian Green Building Council, Ex Chairman & Managing Director, Honeywell ED&S Ltd & Past Vice Chairman, World Green Building Council.
The company can offer complete turnkey solutions, via installation partner/s & bespoke design solutions from the specification stages of projects, design, installation, commissioning & ongoing maintenance, throughout the lifetime of a building. Keeping in mind compliance with local legislation & project specifications, SE Controls can provide tailor-made solutions for smoke ventilation & smoke control, for varying building types since each building type needs do vary.
Their belief is that form shouldn’t suffer at the hands of function. Fire & life safety is an integral element of constructing safe buildings for owners, tenants, occupants, and firefighters who risk their lives in an emergency. Their primary function is to save lives; however, they appreciate that consideration should always be given to the aesthetics and the overall design of the building but not hamper the function and robustness of a solution
For this reason, their team of experts work with architects and project consultants from MEP to façade, fabricators, and developers to help them realize their creative ambitions for their designs without compromising the fire & life safety aspect in mind. One of their key differentiators is their willingness to take on challenging projects.
With a range of Global and Indian design, verification, and testing measures at our disposal, even the most complex • Smoke Ventilation SE Controls offers a comprehensive range of natural and powered Smoke Heat and Exhaust Ventilation systems (SHEV) suitable for any size and type of building. They facilitate the safe escape of occupants in the event of a fire. • Environmental Ventilation This improves indoor environments by maintaining CO2 levels and is cost-efficient. Adaptive environmental ventilation systems are less costly than traditional HVAC systems. • Façade Automation Automatically opening windows uses hardware, known as actuators, that fit directly onto the new or existing window system which pushes and pulls the window open and close, instead of operating the window manually.
Solutions from SE Controls
For more details on the brand, contact:
Email: Nikhil.parasuraman@secontrols. com Website: www.secontrols.com Mobile: +91 99406 64360
