The most important novelty of the new Plexiform catalog is the division into four areas of use. One of these is Technical, which suggests solutions for the most diverse environments and applications, from office to retail sector as well as for home use. The dynamics of work and sales spaces is flexible, as it is linked to many factors: type and size of the environment, operating positions, common areas and representation spaces. Pluma, Sofy, the new Cielo and Tesis versions with the application of Sistema 9; in the technical products, there is an indispensable element that dictates and commands the choice, i.e. visual comfort: for a quality light and to the service of those who enjoy it. Now, you find some more information about our selection of Technical products, although the brand-new general catalog offers 20 products among absolute novelties and super tested models, the tradition of light systems made in Plexiform.

Meanwhile, the keywords that characterize this chapter are: versatility, soft and indirect light, anti-glare view, modularity, UGR, visual comfort, system. In this regard, here is Pluma, a bidirectional LED device, for stand-alone suspension installation, consisting of an extruded aluminum frame and a transparent PMMA screen that, thanks to a laser micro-engraving, is transparent when turned off and full white solid volume when turned on. Then, there is Sofy, unidirectional LED device with soft light due to the central micro-prismatic screen, suitable for recessed installation on modular false ceilings with built-in and recessed plasterboard construction. The square body is white painted sheet-steel with PMMA diffuser and full light effect. Another product is Cielo, an essential product that, in the new version with the S9 lens application, has an accurate light emission (30° light beam) but never dazzling, thanks to the structure of the S9 module, consisting of a transparent polycarbonate lens that guarantees a low luminance with exceptional visual comfort (UGR <9). It is the ideal product in workplaces and offices with video terminals. Finally, we have Tesis, a historical device of the Plexiform collection, proposed in the LED or fluorescent version and also in the new version with S9 module. Unidirectional or bidirectional lighting fixture, particularly suitable for system configurations, suspended ceiling, ceiling or wall installation and available in the two versions Tesis floor light and Tesis recessed light. The body, simple and linear, is in extruded aluminum and extends in length. Of course, here we mentioned the main features, but if you consult the catalog, you will find all the other information about materials, installations, applications, sources, electrification, light emissions, regulations and custom configurations.

Photo by Mattia Aquila

In the new Plexiform catalog, Architectural is a chapter devoted to design involving professional figures such as architects, lighting designers and specialized retailers or, why not, project solutions that arise from the collaboration of all these subjects. Remo, Eiffel, Rift, Sistema9 and Folio are some of the Architectural products that offer flexible and proven solutions, especially suitable when design aesthetics is a major factor in building a space that combines light performance with an Italian aesthetic taste. It is a product that distinguishes itself not only for its light efficiency but also, and above all, for its shape. A fitting example took place in the outskirts of Milan where, near the area that hosted EXPO in 2015, exactly in Pero, they built a residential complex consisting of two buildings for a total of 58 apartments.
The lighting of the complex (Residenza La Quercia) was managed and signed by RossiniGroup (Rossini Illuminazione and Plexiform) upon a Masterplanstudio’s architectural and lighting engineering project.

In particular, they chose Dinamica family from the Plexiform catalog, which proved to be perfect to illuminate the entrance and the large stairs, underlined by the geometric and net lines of the recessed bodies.

The devices were installed on the wall, following a geometric but not rigorous arrangement, which plays with the fancy of the designer and the modularity of the product, emphasizing its dynamism. Installation flexibility, a direct but not dazzling light output, an arrangement that follows the course of the steps: the devices design emphasizes the passage from one floor to the other and the geometric and sharp-edged lines of the building, which are also recalled in the layout of the Serizzo slabs placed in the floor at the entrance. It is for an architectural light that defines the volumes and draws the spaces, accompanying the users (in this case, the residents of the complex) on their way. Here, a special role is played by light cuts, which are particularly suitable where the spaces are wide and the boundaries are not well defined, useful to accompany the users on their path, to illuminate and, at the same time, reassure.

Location project by Masterplanstudio srl

Photo by Mattia Aquila

We mentioned some prominent products in the Architectural chapter. Here is a gallery of Remo, Eiffel, Rift, System9 and Folio.

Plexiform.it

The line and the dot. On the one hand, the clean linearity of our aluminium profiles and lighting systems, our legacy and the tradition that our products carry on. On the other hand, the LED spot, the light source, which is today the key for projects and luminaires. The solidity and functionality of aluminium together with the ethereal and imperceptible nature of light.

Today, Plexiform seeks to be this “i”.

Linear, strong and coherent, but also young, dynamic and versatile. It seeks to be this “spot”; indeed, four of them at the same time. The four coloured spots which stand out and illuminate the uniform white carpet seen on the cover. The four souls of the new Plexiform catalogue: four points that are fixed yet projected towards the future.

Plexiform is here. With a brand new catalogue and 4 product sections supporting planning and design.

The range of the approximately 50 product families is divided into four application areas, which, of course, can be combined in accordance with project’s requirements. The lighting sector requires more and more support in the design phase, as well as the development of flexible products. In this catalogue, Plexiform has identified its target and its dedicated content, asking themselves some questions that could put into practice the customer’s needs, from the planning and design phase to the usage tips.

ARCHITECTURAL

Design aesthetics is a fundamental factor. Light designs spaces and defines volumes.
A chapter entirely dedicated to the lighting design, targeted to architects, lighting specialists, specialized lighting dealer or – why not? – a combination of them working together on a project. Remo, Eiffel, Rift, Sistema 9 and Folio are a few of the architectural luminaires which offer proven, flexible solutions particularly important when design aesthetics is essential to create interior layouts. Visual performance combined with the typically Italian taste for beauty. For a product that stands out not only for its lighting efficiency but also, and above all, for its style. 

TECHNICAL

Lighting systems for different kinds of environments. Visual comfort for offices; versatility and efficiency for the retail sector.
A chapter which offers lighting solutions for a wide range of environments and applications, from offices to retail and including the domestic sphere. The dynamics of work or sales places is flexible because it depends on many factors: type and size of the space, workstations, common areas and representative rooms. Pluma, Sofy, the new Cielo S9 and Tesis S9, the choice between the Technical luminaires depends on one essential element: the visual comfort. A quality of light that suits to the user needs.

INDUSTRIAL

The project calls for particular technical specifications. Key concepts: relamping, large areas, energy efficiency.
A chapter of solutions dedicated to the industrial environments, where tested products are required to develop complex projects for extended areas. Essential plus points? Excellent luminosity, energy efficiency and product solidity. Not forgetting visual impact. Nest, Cool and Pencil combine these features and are recommended in production laboratories, facilities, warehouses, buildings and anywhere a specific technical solution complying with the standards is required.

HEALTHCARE

A sector which requires targeted products. Focus on wellbeing, light for human being.
A chapter for a sector which, more than others, requires dedicated products and specific designing skills, using devices chosen to enhance the quality of light (and therefore of life) in protected environments. Products such as Natura, Hacca and Synto embody the concept of light at the service of human being, following the new idea of lighting, which first and foremost, must “love” the user. Functional lighting… but let us also call it welcoming and emotive light, especially when installed in health centres and sensitive areas.

Plexiform’s new philosophy establishes what, why and how.

What to present in a product catalogue, in terms of variety, technology and quality. How to interact with the market through an Italian production centre by using digital/non-digital communication services and project tools. As in the case of a catalogue necessarily based on a printed edition.

Why to maintain a constant open dialogue with the target audience, knowing that plans and researches bring about a constant development in supply and demand. The interchange between the company and its customers therefore becomes a positive dialogue at a time when market dynamics and other factors have created a particular economic period.

And here it is: a catalogue with a completely new look and content, which shows not only the luminaires but also their functionality, technical features, areas of application, plus referenced projects by Plexiform. The concept of service is positively highlighted in this edition.

Download here the new catalogue.

Visiting the most important fairs in our sector, even when we are not part of them, is always useful. The Euroshop fair, now in its nineteenth edition, held once every three years, was celebrating its 50th birthday (it looks great). This fair attracts an international audience with a high percentage of decision makers of the retail industry, as well as architects, planners, designers and general contractors. With a total exhibition area of ​​127.000 square meters, in which more than 2.300 companies from over 60 nations exhibited their products, the exhibition areas were organized into categories, such as Shopfitting and store design, Pop Marketing, Expo & Event Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Food Tech & Energy Management, Retail Technology and, of course, lighting.

A pavilion and a half was devoted to lighting, a new formula from that of previous years, which saw the lighting sector scattered throughout the fair. Thus, this one was a much more comfortable and easier exhibition for visitors, who could focus their visit to the fair in their areas of interest.
If we talk about retail, the goal today is to provide stores with personality, real, live, customized and often unique shops. Stores often include art objects, preferring the use of natural and recycled materials and offer other products and services within the store itself, expanding its role and use. The visit to a shop must become primarily an experience: narration and emotion are included in the selection of solutions to be adopted, in the decision of the products to display or the concepts that a store (or brand) wants to convey. The light obviously contributes to this effect and to the primary purpose of stores: make people buy.

Talking about retail, we want to share with you two of the latest Plexiform projects: for Expert City in Cesano Maderno we decided to use “Trado“; for Sua Maestà Shoes, in Busca, we thought Futura – hanging version – was perfect to illuminate the products. You can find both projects in our gallery, after the Euroshop photo reportage.

The retail sector is growing and expanding in the furniture – lighting sector but, certainly, it was not spared from the crisis and, in particular, the e-commerce competition. One of the key topics of the event was certainly the meeting / clash with the technology. From the one hand, the means and devices that a store has to use to be always attractive and to win the competition of the online shop; on the other hand, the addition, right inside the store, of the technology through the digitization of the purchase process or digital light, for example.

We increasingly see the combination and connection between light and technology. From the one hand, light control system, such as the DALI system and the domotics; on the other hand, the internet of things which is now a reality that has become part of our lives.
How light can affect the purchasing process has been studied and analyzed by a department of the Zumtobel group, with a research entitled Limbic Lighting. The research, carried out in collaboration with a German clothing company that has analyzed the behavior of its customers at its stores, has led to the evidence that light can affect the purchasing process of a consumer. By creating different types of lighting in the showroom, they investigated what are the parameters of the light that have more effect, and which light scenes are more effective on an emotional level, depending on different types of customers. Among other things, it was found that even minimal changes of the scenarios, almost imperceptible, are enough to cause very different reactions in them. And, above all, they found that different types of customer are associated to different lighting projects. Thus, it is a light tailored to the customer or group of customers.

Another issue related to light and to its development in technology is the IoT, internet of things. That is the ability to adjust the lighting fixtures in consideration of external light. At different times of the day (and therefore different physical needs of people) different types of light are needed. They change the intensity or hue of color, preferring for example a shade of cold light in the morning or a softer and warmer light towards the afternoon / evening.
Studies conducted on the shades of light and the color rendering (reported with the CRI value, color rendering index, on the devices) are particularly important in the retail environment. Several companies presented very colorful stalls and stands, showing how sometimes even with the same machine you can create different lighting scenes, getting different effects on the merchandise. This is the case of the dynamic white, namely the ability to mix different diodes inside the LED (and, therefore, within the same device) and modulate power, thus obtaining hot or cold light depending on the requirement specification. Thus, we are talking about tailored light in all sectors for all times of the day and for all types of consumer. Could we call it liquid light?

That’s why we never miss the major trade fairs (here, the report of our visit to the recent Euroshop in Dusseldorf). This is also why we decided to NOT attend the the next (upcoming) edition of Euroluce 2017, as part of the Salone del Mobile. We are not superstitious: we do not skip the year because of its number (17). Nor do we believe that internationalization is only pursued in the events out of the Italian territory (a little healthy patriotism still prevents us to think so). It is simply a strategic choice that finds its whys in some numbers and the concept of glocalization.

Let’s start from glocalization. We are not going to hurl invective against globalization but a simple concept, namely the “zero km relationship” or glocal relationship. For the years 2016 – 2017, we decided to take part in the fair format Architect@work. We participated in the Vienna edition (October 12 and 13, 2016), Milan edition (November 23 and 24, 2016) and London edition (January 25 and 26, 2017). For the future, we are planning to go to Germany and, maybe, France.
A very simple fair format but, above all, winning and “local”. That’s why we liked it soon. The fair consists in encompassing the entire design world in two half-days of exhibition (afternoon until 8 p.m., to meet even the needs of the professionals of the industry). Exhibitors include brands from the construction sector (Furniture, paneling, fixtures, plumbing and heating material, and lighting fixtures, of course) respecting the shares per commodity sector. Visitors include professionals related to the design world (architects, interior designers, designers and installers). Stands have the same size and rules for everyone: in order to participate, the products on display must be assessed and approved by a technical committee, which guarantees the actual innovative nature.

The location of the fair consists in the possibility to weave one-to-one relationships with professionals who visit and often gravitate professionally in the city of reference, even if often the projects on which they work have an international scope (it’s especially the case of the London edition). That’s why it is a glocal fair in all respects!
Of course, for a company like ours, investments to be made must be weighted carefully. The stated and unavoidable goal remains that of internationalization. Instead, the way to pursue it has changed. Therefore, the strategic decision this year was to attend this fair format, to the detriment of other events that were increasingly international but larger and economically more challenging, as well as to invest in people who gravitate in the export world (recently, we hired a group export manager and a back office able to speak four European languages). Our goal for 2017 is opening markets that still know little about us, such as the German and French markets, with an ever-facing eye on the realities in the Middle East (Qatar above all) and the United Arab Emirates, with projects that often are conceived and developed in collaboration with design firms based in London, Milan or Germany. The UK market, meanwhile, is growing and developing from year to year with a nearly 40% weight on foreign sales and a growth in the last two years always in double figures. The 2017 goal is to reach 1.5 million turnover for the foreign segment and there are the conditions to reach it…

In short, ambitious goals, inspirational ideas, always fresh energy and dynamic organization. These are the key words of our international 2017!

The growth has also led to an evolution of the labor skills: thanks to the fact that many plants were imported from Europe, including the training of personnel and the quality control on site, the level has increased and allowed to avoid losing job orders. Not to mention that even in China, the professional training of technicians and engineers is seen as an asset in which to invest: innovation and proprietary technologies can only increase the credibility of resources and improve the models of production and export.

Another factor that affects the economy of scale is the cost of energy: in China, electricity costs up to 5 times less than in Italy – which is still one of the European countries with the highest cost – and although now there is shortage of energy production due to the growing demand, it is a value that obviously affects the industry positively. It seems that the goal of the Chinese strategic project is to play the role of “a large manufacturer at the service of the world”. It is clear that the competitive price is the main lever of the two-way economic development: China manufactures a lot, we buy a lot and the end customer can choose among a wide range of products that are conceived, engineered and distributed in Italy. When the product is Made in China, we state it to be in compliance with the law first, but especially to properly inform our customer.
In addition, the ability to react quickly to market demands is a plus that governs the largest trade mechanisms in every sector: from fashion to automotive, from telecommunications to electronics, going especially to the consumer goods. Modern China – compared to today’s market – cannot be relegated to the role of contractor, but should be understood as a moving force able to change the world of industry and innovation in ever-faster times. In other words: by enlightened entrepreneurs, it is worth knowing better, rather than ignoring, a power that can change the rules or even create them. However, how did we come to this stage? China’s economic growth began in 1978, when the state abandoned the economic and political uncooperative behaviour to strive towards the opportunities of a free market. A year later, they introduced the “Special Economic Zones”, areas in which the factories receiving commissions and orders from abroad were tax-advantaged. In the nineties, they established the “Technology Developed Zones”, areas in which they intended to plan research and development activities, including through the use of funding from abroad. These areas included a university dedicated to research, a center of technological innovation and a commercial enterprise for the production and sale of products resulting from the joint research of these entities.

Innovation, change, research… once again, these are the key words of the economic and production growth: from1980 until early 2000 (World Bank estimates), China has recorded an average annual increase in GDP of 10%; according to IHS Global Insight, in 2010, the world manufacturing was covered by the production in China for 19.8%, a truly significant figure. Precise economic planning and regulations that have controlled many aspects (such as the population growth), have made China one of the richest economic countries in the world, surpassing even the United States that, according to Global Insight analysis, had kept the world manufacturing production record for 110 years before being surpassed. The absolute value to pursue is a “product with a perfect value for money” but, in the meantime, the advice is to learn how to evaluate the product for what it is, above all, by analyzing its price on the market. If a lamp has a background of design, research, craftsmanship, customization, industrial quality, then it adequately represents the brand system of values, regardless of the place where it is built. This also applies to the cost: the consumer today can easily compare prices of similar products and verify the credibility of the company that is proposing them. To sum up: for us, manufacturing some models in China means planning design and concept in Italy and finding a reliable Chinese partner (yes, not everyone is reliable) who can build them exclusively, within a reasonable time and at attractive costs.

Our business partners have an internal European person of reference, who can easily talk to our technical department by solving the linguistic and cultural problem. We want to be clear: our products have always indicated the origin of the device, as it is right and proper from a regulatory point of view. And today we do even more, telling about some products that have long been made in the People’s Republic of China and customized by our logo, which certifies the “authorship”, i.e.:

. Argo

. Kora

. Fringe

. Login

All well-made products, as evidenced by the sales and the steady appreciation of the experts who choose them and use them every day: this demonstrates that Italy and China, perhaps, today are not that far away!

 Light is an element that lends itself to a thousand interpretations, while technology contributes tirelessly to improve creativity and spectacle. The post-production techniques, the definition of images that mix photographic contributions, video footage and special effects, have broadened the horizon of those who work in advertising. Those who were, until yesterday, simple art directors (friends of the agencies, don’t hold it against us) who had to reconcile the visual aspect with the other half of the creative couple, namely the copy, now find themselves to propose products that are very close to multimedia art. Even the latest devices (plasma TV, round screens, tablets and mobile that evolve quickly), are conceived and designed so as to exploit light in all its forms.

However, light is not coveted by lovers of photography only. Light is psychedelic, magical. It is able to make amazing even the most obvious thing. A renowned car manufacturing company (Audi) understood it well, since it made its new commercial a play of lights lasting thirty seconds. Lines, tunnels, palaces with lights that intertwine and blend until converging in the car that, at the end of the commercial, everyone would want to have in his/her garage.

And if even one of the most famous bands in the world, the Coldplay, prefers light spells rather buxom girls in its music video, there is a reason why. In “The speed of sound”, the lights dance accompanied by Chris Martin’s voice and become more intense and dynamic as the music flares up, in fact. However, light is not just poetry. It is also or, above all, used to sell. In a store, proper lighting plays a fundamental role, both to attract the attention of potential customers and to enhance the merchandise. Did you know that butchers use warm color lights (3000 / 3200K), just to enhance the shades of red meat? In addition, did you know that in clothing stores they advise a light with a CRI (Color Rendering Index) at around 90, which allows to realistically render the actual colors of the fabrics and the difference between them?

Which is the best Rossini product for a store? Of course, MAYA: a LED projector for three-phase track. It comes in three different sizes and relative powers (13W, 25W and 32W), in warm color temperature (3000K) and cold color temperature (4000K). By using an accessory, you can even change the opening of the light beam, from the standard opening to 40° up to reach 10° and 20°. You can also choose the color of the device: gray or white. To be mounted on a compatible three-phase track already installed in a store or on our GROOVE track, available in the ceiling version or built-in version. Light has the great gift of improving what is before your eyes and, as you know, in the shopping malls, it changes to enhance the characteristics of the products on display: jewels shine in a particular way, some food has more attracting colors, even fruits look riper and the seafood fresher.

 In the end, light can be many different things: the light of the sun’s rays that wake us up in the morning, the light we see on stage when the curtains open, the light that invades us when we are at a concert or the light that enlightens our PCs. However, in all its forms, light has the power to make everything it touches more attractive.

The choice of the Overlite showroom (member of RossiniGroup) as a location for the vernissage is not random. With a total area of ​​1400 square meters and over 60 lighting brands available, it is a unique exhibition in the city; it is the ideal partner to adequately illuminate the works by Domenico David. Talking about lighting, art and exhibition areas, which better brand than ERCO, one of the leading brands in the field (among the other projects signed by the German brand, we mention Milano Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Imperial Forums in Rome).

On the one hand, then, light in painting: Domenico David tells how light has always been crucial in the figurative art. Through a very interesting historical overview, he explained to a curious and interested audience, the role of light inside the painting, expressed by colors and strokes on canvas: from Giotto to Caravaggio, Leonardo, Rembrandt up to Rothko. Looking at his works, where the forms are abstract and are basically color volumes, the reference to Rothko comes out in a clear and immediate way. However, David, as a good teacher (he is professor at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Brera), introduced the topic of light in philosophy and in the Italian language. From the myth of Plato’s cave to the concept of “making light”, namely enter, explore, uncover and reveal the truth: because light comes before the colour and, finally, the human eye that is there to perceive not only the colors, but also the shadow.

David’s works are illuminated in the showroom in a masterly way by ERCO, a German company founded in 1934, which made lighting its reason for being. As Massimiliano Scaletti, technical manager of the company in its Italian headquarters, tells us, light is not only emotional matter, but it is first and foremost a science, a practice that requires study and technique. Illuminating an exhibition area or an artwork requires the combination of the right product and the right design, like the illumination prepared by the technical staff of Overlite in cooperation with ERCO design office. David’s works on display are illuminated through some binary projectors used for the indoor lighting of the Duomo, products that enhance and bring out the play of light and color present on the canvas, highlighting the strokes in the background and giving a real materiality and almost physical and three-dimensional presence to the volumes painted on a two dimensional area. Therefore, Mr. Scaletti explained the technical coordinates to evaluate a lighting product, which are also dictated by the effect tone wants to obtain or the demands by the clients. They use special tools, such as LED color temperature, the beam angle of the luminous flux or the use of accessories such as profilers to give almost theatrical lighting and focusing more on some details. Often, the most successful projects are the result of collaboration between the design and the lighting designer, like the case of the Imperial Forums whose project was signed by Francesca and Vittorio Storaro (awarded with the Academy award for three times). The speech ended by listing the several projects implemented by Erco, not only in the art field (there are also private buildings or retail areas like Apple store).

The works are on display (and for sale) at the Overlite showroom until February 27. An event not to be missed by those who wish to experience light that becomes painting and painting that becomes light.

The first bioluminescent plant, inspired by jellyfish and fireflies has been brought to life.
“Over time we have gradually removed ourselves from the natural world and repudiated the need for dependency on it. Science, which initially encouraged this separation process, is now proving that the consequences of this process can be harmful for us and for our biosphere. It is fundamental for our well-being that we recreate a connection with nature in all its sustainable aspects, bringing it to our cities and buildings in every way possible and at the same time increasing the sense of urbanity.”
(Peter Buchanan, Synchronizing with nature / DAmagazine, Autumn 2014).

If there is a designer who has brought this philosophy into his work, strongly believing in the value of light and the importance of illumination for our everyday life, it is Dean Roosegaarde.
He amazed everyone with his creation of a bicycle track illuminated with thousands of sparkling stones recalling Van Gough’s Starry Night, opened in Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Roosegaarde’s homeland, for the “Van Gogh International Theme Year 2015”.
The concept that deeply inspires all his work is focused on the determination to conceive urban environments where nature and technology can coexist side by side thus creating a dimension where awareness and interaction are foremost.
Of course these themes bond perfectly with the ever increasing need for sustainable and ecological solutions in art, architecture and urban development (from a social aspect). From this point of view, technology is no longer just an automated tool but it is transformed from being a ‘means’ to becoming an ‘end’. The project roadmap is inverted so if previously ideas were perceived and then a way to materialize them was studied, now a new scenario is designed and inspired by the means that will make it possible. It is therefore necessary to invert the binomial civilization-environment. The stereotype of a city that grows on the margins of nature has become obsolete, reclaiming spaces and tackling the borders to create a concept of nature that undermines the material project.

This happens in an innovative dimension: nature is not only a source of ornamental inspiration (like in the Art Nouveau period for example), it bears systems, organisms and solutions which are biologically accessible. This is how biomimetics began, a type of study that observes scientific matter and tries to find a sustainable solution to the continuous challenges of innovation and development by copying models, forms and strategies that already exist in the world of nature.

It is in this area that Roosegaarde decided to go in depth into the study of the possibility of exploiting the natural ability of some animals, like jellyfish and fireflies, to produce light without any help from external electricity or ultraviolet light. The first result, brought about thanks to the close work with the designers in the New York State University and the research centre Bioglow Tech, has led to the creation of a bioluminescent plant. The effect is amazing, the stem and the leaves of the small plant, genetically modified by introducing the DNA of electroluminescent bacteria in the genome of a common plant, emit a faint luminescent glow. It goes without saying that further development of this project is destined to revolutionise the world of lighting design.

Glowing Nature Paint
There is also another project that the Dutch designer is developing called Glowing Nature Paint, it is evident that he is fascinated or even more so, obsessed with light in nature. This project refers to the creation of biological paint which when applied to the bark of a tree and its leaves, makes them luminescent. This biological paint which is harmless for the tree, charges during the day and then emits bioluminescent light during the night.

 -“Bioluminescent forest” work of Tarek Maward e  Friedrich van Schoor.-

He was inspired by a particular type of mushroom (for example Neonothopanus gardneri, one of the biggest and most luminous florescent mushrooms) that during the night glows to attract insects thus dispersing its spores effectively.
A part from these projects which can be more or less achievable, from this information we can see that there is a clear drive towards retrieving what is extraordinary in nature and applying it to well-being and sustainability, which is widespread among visionaries at the helm of urban planning. We all hope that we are far from the day when our plant will not be habitable but this is certainly the way forward for the realization of sensible projects and let’s not forget what Albert Einstein wrote: “Everything you can imagine, nature has already created.”

And if he said it…

Pythagoras believed that the eye was like a lighthouse for the soul, that shone a light to help us explore the environment around us and allow us to perceive it. Democritus, a very influential exponent of the atomists, believed that light travelled from the object to the eye thus triggering sight.

In the Middle Ages light represented the divine, during the Age of Enlightenment it reached its peak becoming a metaphor of the means by which man can “emerge from his self-imposed nonage”, as written by Kant, portrayed by the obscurantism of the Counter-Reformation as the human incapacity to autonomously make use of one’s intellect.

Why does light have such a deep relevance? Only when it is absent and darkness fills its place does man acknowledge its importance and its magic. Light is what allows man to experience reality and interpret its beauty with our own eyes, giving us the freedom to live appreciating its magnificence without limiting life to a struggle for survival. Without light the world would be a place of confused colourless masses because thanks to light we can perceive colours, important elements that make reality seem like a painting and transform ordinary shapes into works of art. From its brightness colours are born and from colours beauty is born, this is the primary characteristic of the reality man can perceive thanks to the brilliance and pure energy of light; it is the fulcrum, the fifth element that gives origin to the first four, passing through our eyes and reaching our intellect allowing us to be aware of water, air, land and fire, all things that without light would not exist in our sight.

So let us close with a quote from Plato: “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”
Maddalena Bellasio