• The experts discussed the psychological impact of lighting and its ability to transform community spaces
  • The 18th edition of Light + Intelligent Building Middle East concludes today at the Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai, UAE: Light and immersive design are redefining community spaces, transforming urban environments into hubs of connection, culture, and creativity. This fascinating topic was discussed at the THINKLIGHT conference at Light + Intelligent Building Middle East this week during a session titled ‘Commonality: Immersive Design Approaches and Light Art as a Community Builder.’

During this session, a panel of experts explored how lighting technologies and artistic installations can foster social interaction and cultural engagement. They emphasized the importance of innovative design in creating environments that not only appeal aesthetically but also encourage community bonding and participation.

They discussed how events such as light festivals, music concerts and immersive exhibitions not only enhance the appeal of neighbourhoods but also stimulate local economies and promote a sense of shared identity and pride among residents.

Panelist Frankie Boyle, Creative Director, Frankie Boyle Studio said: “Light is a language that everybody speaks, whether they are aware of it or not. Light affects us all biologically and psychologically. It affects people’s emotions, feelings, how they move through space and how they interact with space.”

A champion of ‘neuroaesthetics’, Boyle highlighted how designs that mimic natural movements, such as trees or clouds, can calm the nervous system and create a sense of relaxation. Her globally touring public art piece,’ The Living Lantern,’ demonstrates how light art can have a calming effect and create a sense of connection in communities.

Sarvdeep Singh Basur, Principal, Lucent Worldwide, added: “Immersive lighting engages and inspires action, impacting both the conscious and subconscious mind. Currently, we are developing a temple project in the Himalayas, situated 3,500 meters above sea level. Our aim is to utilise light and sound to create a meditative effect for those who visit.”

Elsewhere at Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, the University of Sharjah has showcased luminaries crafted by students of its Lighting Design for Interiors course. These innovative designs celebrate Emirati heritage through elements such as pearl diving, Al Sadu weaving, Islamic patterns, and sustainability, using materials such as palm leaves.

THINKLIGHT concludes today with an inspiring keynote speech from Konstantin Klaas, Director, Licht Kunst Licht in Berlin. Following this, a panel of global and regional lighting designers will gather on the conference stage to discuss the topic of ‘Illuminating Iconic Buildings’ addressing how lighting iconic buildings transforms them into beacons of identity and pride.

The closing panel discussion of THINKLIGHT today, will focus on ‘Why Details are Critical to Good Lighting’. Moderated by Andrea Hartranft, Principal, Hartranft Lighting Design, the panel will discuss how a meticulous approach not only elevates overall design but also demonstrates the power of creativity in shaping our perception and experience of space.

Light + Intelligent Building Middle East is co-located with Intersec to create the MENA region’s largest trade fair for the building services sector. The event is part of the international Light + Building brand and has focused on the theme of ‘Building Commonality Through Community, Creativity and Culture’ for the 2025 edition.

The exhibition includes six product sections: Technical Lighting, Electric Lamps and Components, Decorative Lighting, Architectural Lighting, Electrical Engineering, and Smart Home and Building Automation.

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About Light + Intelligent Building Middle East

Light + Intelligent Building Middle East brings together world-renowned brands, regional players, and promising innovators for an exciting three-day showcase from 14-16 January 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Featuring products within lighting, electrical engineering, home, and building automation, the exhibition has played a vital role in the growth and development of the industry since its launch in 2006, with a solid representation of global products and brands, several educational conferences, certified workshops, and leading awards programme to recognize the very best the industry has to offer.                                                                                                                                                                    For more information, please visit our website.

About Messe Frankfurt

The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,300 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 28 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2023 were more than € 609 million. We serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services.

Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.

For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability

With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).

Further information: www.messefrankfurt.com

About Messe Frankfurt Middle East

Messe Frankfurt Middle East’s portfolio of exhibitions includes: Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, Intersec, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Automechanika Dubai, Automechanika Riyadh, Beautyworld Middle East, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, Logimotion and Paperworld Middle East. In the 2023/24 event season, Messe Frankfurt Middle East exhibitions combined featured 6,324 exhibitors from over 60 countries and attracted 224,106 visitors from 156 countries.

For more information, please visit our website.

Catherine Alltoft
catherine.alltoft@shamalcomms.com
Kate McGinley
kate.mcginley@uae.messefrankfurt.com
www.messefrankfurtme.com
light-middle-east.ae.messefrankfurt.com