THINKLIGHT Agenda

Speakers:

• Lee Sweetman, Partner, dpa Lighting Consultants
• Nikos Moskofidis, Partner, dpa Lighting Consultants

In KSA, innovative architecture and urban planning are reshaping the landscape, driven by a vision for sustainable and futuristic living. Projects like NEOM and The Red Sea Project exemplify this transformation, integrating cutting-edge technology and environmental consciousness. NEOM, a $500 billion mega-city, aims to be a global hub with smart infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and a zero-carbon footprint. The Line, a linear city within NEOM, is designed to accommodate a million residents with seamless, efficient transportation and green spaces, minimising urban sprawl. These ambitious projects reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to diversifying its economy, enhancing quality of life, and positioning itself at the forefront of global urban innovation.

In this session, THINKLIGHT will look at the creative opportunities and innovative solutions that the lighting industry is able to provide for new projects in the region. Each speaker will deliver a presentation for 15 minutes followed by a Q&A with the moderator and the attendees.  

Moderator:
Martin Lupton, Co-founder, Light Collective UK

Speakers

• Kevin Grant, Founder + Creative Director, LIGHTALLIANCE
• Ziad Fattouh, Managing Director, Delta Lighting Design
• David Gilbey, Founding Director, d-lighting
• Myriam Patricia Lopez, Advisor, Architectural Lighting
• Sergio Padula, Technical Director – Middle East & English Speaking Africa, iGuzzini

Immersivity and light art have emerged as powerful tools for community building, transforming public spaces into vibrant, interactive environments that foster social connections and cultural engagement. By utilising advanced lighting technologies and immersive installations, artists and lighting designers create dynamic experiences that invite participation and exploration. These interventions can revitalise urban areas, turning them into communal gathering spots where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to share in the wonder of light. Events like light festivals and immersive exhibitions not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighbourhoods but also stimulate local economies and promote a sense of shared identity and pride among residents.

This session will discuss how through the magic of light and immersive experiences, communities can connect, communicate, and celebrate their unique cultural narratives in innovative and engaging ways.

Moderator:

Andrea Hartranft, Principal, Hartranft Lighting Studios

Speakers:

• Frankie Boyle, Creative Director, Frankie Boyle Studio
• Dany Samaha, General Manager, ARTE Museum
• Balint Tordai, Co-Founder, kanvas Dubai
• Anna Magritskaya Lebedeva, Managing Director, Theatre of Digital Arts

Moderator:

Paul Nulty, Founder, Nulty

Speaker:

Kristina Zanic, CEO, Kristina Zanic Consultants

In today's changing world of design and technology, we are at a point where what we create today will influence the future. These designs will be realized in a future that continues to change, influenced by the innovations we aim to include. We'll guide you through a reflection on how we, as designers, anticipate upcoming technological developments. Our approach combines foresight, creativity, and practical application, allowing us not only to stay updated with new trends but also to help shape them. 

Speaker:
Koert Vermeulen, Founders, ACTLD.com (ACT Lighting Design)

Light plays a pivotal role within an urban environment by addressing the diverse needs of urban populations through thoughtful design and strategic implementation. By illuminating public spaces, streets and landmarks, light enhances safety and accessibility, making cities more navigable and welcoming for all residents. Dynamic lighting solutions can be tailored to various urban settings, from bustling downtowns to quiet residential areas, fostering a sense of inclusivity and unity. Additionally, programmable and adaptive lighting systems can respond to different times of day, seasons and community events, creating a harmonious urban environment that reflects the rhythm and diversity of city life whilst protecting the need to balance light and darkness.

This session discovers how light not only beautifies urban spaces but also bridges gaps between different communities, encouraging interaction, cultural exchange, and a collective sense of belonging.

Moderator:
Martin Lupton, Co-founder, Light Collective UK

Speakers:

• Gary Thornton, Director, Nulty
• Cherine Saroufim, Interior Architect - Lighting Designer, Atelier Saroufim – Idepconsult
• Dan Lister, President, Society of Light and Lighting (SLL), Director - UK Lighting Practice Leader, Arup
• Stephanie Hreiki, Senior Lighting Designer, WSP
• Brian Liebel, Chief Program Officer, Dark Sky International

Despite diverse approaches to lighting design and the existing of several different business models, collaboration within the light industry needs to be developed to foster a unified vision that benefits all and increases the awareness of the importance of good light. Lighting design holds a relatively niche position within the built environment professions but, despite that, it is represented by a large number of organisations and interest groups. How do we bring all of this passion for light together in a way that gives the industry as a whole a louder voice?

This session looks at how through cooperation and shared goals, the diverse voices within the industry could illuminate a common path forward, raising the awareness of the role of good lighting and the responsible use of light.

Moderator:

Martin Lupton, Co-founder, Light Collective UK

Speakers:

• Dr. Emrah Ulas, Associate Professor, The University of Sydney & Technical Director, Steensen Varming
• Sophie O’Rourke, Senior Lighting Designer, AECOM
• Maria Dautant, Senior Associate, HLB Lighting
• Giovanni Zambri, Project Design Director, SMITH TAIT
• Mark Lien, Consultant, Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) & President, Augmented Illumination LLC

Speaker:
Courtney Mark, Design Director & Founder, Studio Mark

Speaker:
Konstantin Klaas, Director, Licht Kunst Licht Berlin

Illuminating iconic buildings serves as a powerful catalyst for cultural expression and place-making, transforming architectural landmarks into beacons of identity and pride. Well-designed lighting enhances the visual appeal of these structures, highlighting their unique architectural features and historical significance. This not only draws attention to the buildings themselves but also to the cultural narratives they represent. By lighting up iconic buildings, cities can celebrate their heritage, showcase artistic creativity and create memorable night scapes that attract tourists and foster community spirit. Dynamic lighting displays and light art installations can turn these landmarks into vibrant canvases for storytelling, seasonal celebrations and public engagement. Such illumination efforts contribute to a city's unique character, making urban spaces more inviting and fostering a sense of belonging among residents and visitors alike.

Through the strategic use of light, this panel discusses how iconic buildings become not just physical structures but luminous symbols of a community's culture, values and aspirations.

Moderator:
Martin Lupton, Co-founder, Light Collective UK

Speakers:

• Eleftheria Deko, Founder, Eleftheria Deko and Associates Lighting Design
• Masa Suica, Senior Lighting Designer, Umaya Lighting Design
• Lisa Reed, Principal, Reed Burkett Lighting Design
• Sarvdeep Singh Basur, Principal, Lucent Worldwide
• Faraz Izhar, Lead Lighting Designer, AE7

Creativity in lighting design thrives in the exploration of micro details, where small, thoughtful elements come together to create a cohesive and captivating whole. These intricate details, such as the precise placement of light fixtures, the choice of light color and intensity and the subtle interplay of shadows and highlights, can dramatically enhance the aesthetic and functional impact of a space. Often these details are developed are the use of lit effect - concealing the fitting and letting light and surface be the main event.

Designers leverage these micro elements to craft unique atmospheres, tailor the mood, and accentuate architectural features, transforming ordinary environments into extraordinary experiences. Attention to these fine details allows for the creation of dynamic and adaptable lighting solutions that can respond to different contexts and user needs. By focusing on the nuances of light behavior and its interaction with surfaces and materials, designers can achieve a delicate balance between form and function, aesthetics and practicality.

The panel discusses how a meticulous approach not only elevates the overall design but also demonstrates the power of creativity in shaping our perception and experience of space.

Moderator:
Andrea Hartranft, Principal, Hartranft Lighting Studios

Speakers:

• Graham Rollins, Creative Director, Lighting Design International
• Siddharth Mathur, Partner, Studio Lumen
• Andrew Bates, Associate Director – Lighting, Red Sea Global
• Nonita Sabin, Associate Director, neolight Global
• Andrenna D’souza, Founder & Director, STUDIO AURORA