Lüdenscheid: At the Frankfurt exhibition, ERCO unveiled a compelling vision with their motto "hands on light", inviting lighting aficionados from across the globe to engage directly with their sustainably designed Light + Building exhibition stand. The ERCOplay stations offered a hands-on experience, allowing attendees to explore sustainable lighting solutions tailored for both intimate museum display cases and expansive outdoor façades. The exhibition wasn't just about enjoyment; it delved into the crucial question of how lighting can be utilized sustainably. Through its "Greenology" sustainability program, ERCO showcased innovative product solutions and approaches aimed at enhancing the sustainability of architectural lighting.
Transforming the concept of play of brilliants to light for playing. The luminaire manufacturer's playful adaptation of Richard Kelly's lighting perception triad for the Light + Building exhibition was a creative deviation, allowing visitors at the ERCOplay stations to test their lighting knowledge across five interactive stations: At Station 1, participants turned into lighting directors on a miniature stage. Using the new Axis showcase lighting, a lighting concept based on the "3-point lighting" approach had to be realized. Moving on to Station 2, the lenses of Optec spotlights were to be changed till the light was precisely aligned with the target surfaces. At the downlight station, the objective was to solve estimation questions, including about light distribution, with a quick tap on the buzzer. Station 4 was outdoor-themed: The teams were asked to practise aligning the Beamer spotlights. The 5th station, 'hands on' Invia, encouraged participants to experiment with ERCO's linear system to create their own lighting scenes including wallwashing, ambient lighting, indirect and accent lighting.
Expertise for showcases, passion for general lighting
At L+B, ERCO revealed its 'secret passion': Downlights. By showcasing the variety in its downlight portfolio, ERCO highlighted its broad expertise beyond just spotlights. General lighting using recessed luminaires is a crucial component of lighting designs focused on enhancing perception. Using the Iku and Skim downlights, ERCO demonstrated that luminous efficacy greater than 120lm/W combined with a zoned lighting strategy can significantly increase energy efficiency, reducing the consumption of standard-compliant office lighting to as low as 2.99W/m2.
The best use of light: flexible in the office, responsible outdoors
An example of consistent sustainability
Sustainability comes from durability. ‘Lighting Durability’ is ERCO's goal which states that all newly developed luminaires are designed for a service life of 20 years. The first product to be designed in accordance with this specification is the advanced version of the Optec spotlight. Durability also served as the guiding theme for the stand design concept. In designing the stand, priority was given to selecting materials that could be repurposed following the Light + Building exhibition. For instance, a specially constructed stand floor was dispensed with and the company utilized road cases for product presentations. These cases have been employed at local trade fairs for years and are poised for their inaugural tour. The framework used was from the 2018 Light + Building stand, and the ERCOplay stations were incorporated into a rental scaffold, which will be reused beyond the duration of the trade fair. And what will happen to the printed fabrics that were used on the stand? They will be converted into carrier bags and will soon be raffled off among visitors to the stand. It is therefore well worth subscribing to the ERCO newsletter: www.erco.com/newsletter
At the fair's conclusion, ERCO Managing Director Oliver Gabriel expressed a highly satisfied assessment: "Engaging hands-on, experimenting with light and fixtures – that's what brings excitement to a trade fair. The enthusiastic feedback from our visitors regarding ERCOplay has strengthened our commitment to making light a tangible fourth dimension of architecture. Continued discussions with planners about efficiency and lighting quality will further propel the development of durable products, enhancing the sustainability and improvement of architecture."
About ERCO
ERCO understands light as the fourth dimension of architecture – and thus as an integral part of sustainable building. Light is the contribution to making society and architecture better and, at the same time, preserving our environment. ERCO Greenology® – the corporate strategy for sustainable lighting – combines ecological responsibility with technological expertise.
At the light factory in Lüdenscheid, Germany, ERCO develops, designs and manufactures luminaires with a focus on photometric optics, electronics and sustainable design. The lighting tools are crafted through close collaboration with architects, lighting designers and electrical engineers. They are used primarily in the following applications: Work and Culture, Community and Public/Outdoor, Contemplation, Living, Shop and Hospitality. ERCO's lighting specialists assist designers globally in bringing their projects to life with highly precise, efficient, and sustainable lighting solutions.
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