Lighting systems: (O)LEDs are on track
For a time, it seemed that track-, rod- and rope-based lighting systems had hit an impasse. But thanks to LED and OLED technology, these systems are undergoing a real revival of modern lighting design.
In recent years, the subject of lighting has attracted attention at the international interiors show imm cologne, particularly due to lights that have created mood and introduced pleasant spots of colour into interior design, using unusual shapes, materials and dimensions. Up until now, however, LEDs have made little impression on interior design – except for a few appearances as LED furniture. Now it seems the time is ripe for them to take centre stage.
New LED bulbs are once again making rope-, track- and rod-based systems a viable alternative for many people. Thanks to electricity-saving LED technology, they are not only highly efficient but also ultra-slim and versatile. They can be used as discreet, or even suspended, solutions for accent lighting, concealed lighting, uplights or as elegantly designed functional lights above cupboards and long-length dining tables. There’s just one downside: LED modules are usually built into the light fittings and cannot be replaced. But, as argued by industry initiative licht.de, this is compensated by their long life.
Sebastian Herkner, who made a stir at the last imm cologne in January 2016 with his circular interpretation of the design event format “Das Haus” and, among other things, presented his new lamp Boule from Pulpo there, is now going one step further. The designer from Offenbach has created a new OLED module for Cologne-based company Buschfeld: the O-Light. According to Buschfeld, this is the world’s first OLED lamp for standard low-voltage systems. The super-flat modules, mounted on a lighting track, do not generate any heat and can, therefore, be installed in close proximity to heat-sensitive artworks and materials. With their diffuse, soft and glare-free light, which does not contain any light from the blue end of the spectrum, O-Lights are not just suitable for galleries and hotels but also have a promising future as system solutions in the home.
For more information visit imm-cologne.com
Article and images courtesy imm spotlight.
