A Walk Around Light+Building 2016 with Faye Robinson

This event is huge.

Of course I know this, but the 2 year gap between each event erases this memory a little.

The only way we could even attempt to cover the ground we wanted was to adopt the Germanic way- enter the hall, turn left, go straight and efficiently weave through the stands. As a designer this is hard, we don’t like sticking to the rules, especially not with so many things to look at, but I don’t think we could have covered what we wanted without it.

All about the X’s

The highlights for me were definitely the Xicato and XAL stands.

Xicato for their great presentation and their new XIM modules. Monitoring of chip performance is a great tool for any OEM or user and testament to Xicato’s confidence in their products. Sign me up for Xicato man action figure!

The XAL stand really stood out for their magnetic track and the new Bo track spot luminaires.

Also they’ve been listening to users in relation to install problems and coordination with ceilings, reflected in their snap on and snap together Task luminaires  and their work with ceiling manufacturer Armstrong, to develop the Leno S and T luminaire which can be installed in a zero plenum ceiling recess behind any Armstrong ceiling.

Hess‘ intelligent luminaire columns in the City Elements range were really interesting and they l had the best entertainment to explain it all (plus it was in a small, dark, miniature cinema room, which was great post the DARK party) in the form of their 3D film cinema room with branded popcorn (of course).

Please note: Glasses are 3D glasses not standard hangover shades.

Dark Bricks

Our partners at DARK and Brick in the Wall had some great new pieces too. Glowing loo roll holders – we didn’t realise we needed one until we saw them – and seamless beautiful light from the Brick In The Wall team; their new mini Atmos luminaire was great. Plasterers of England should visit this stand!! We need plaster finishes like that in the UK!

Our colleague Graham Carr locked-up in the Brick in the Wall stand until he could recite all the new product codes.

The Fluffy stuff

This year it was provided by the amazing installations on the Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd stand and at the BeStill #MeetDimple stand – both very welcome “pause for thought” zones with their kinetic light sculptures and relaxing music – just the tonic to ease those “spots before your eyes”, before heading to the Chinese halls.

The Chinese Halls

WOW.

A “small” collection of the thousands of factory’s China producing luminaires for all us westerners. Some are good, some not so -you have to experience this space for yourself, but here’s one of my favourite company names to give you a flavour.

Overall a great event with plenty of ideas and trends for us to bring to new projects. Can’t wait for the next one.

Thank you Messe Frankfurt and Lighting + Building #LB16