Click through the slideshow above to read about the Best Architectural Lighting Products of 2018.
Best Architectural Lighting Products of 2018
BuzziProp LED
The aerodynamic form of this light fixture by BuzziSpace is upholstered in acoustic foam to regulate noise in workplace and other environments. Available in a wide range of colorful textiles, the dimmable BuzziProp LED targets low, mid-, and high tones via absorption, and emits a warm 3000K color temperature at 90 CRI.
Acoustic Shapes
These new, super shapes for an existing line of LED fixtures from LightArt have acrylic frames clad in felt made up of 50% post-consumer content. Drum (above), Ring, and Box were designed to relieve sound issues in large, densely populated indoor environments such as airports, transit centers, and shopping malls. They offer 1% dimming capabilities and a choice of 15 felt colors and 3 plate finishes.
Modular Columns
A kit of parts for site planners, architects, and designers, the versatile 8"-round marine-grade-aluminum outdoor lighting columns by Selux reach up to a standard height of 18' and integrate a wide range of optical systems and high quality camera/speaker options, leaving an uncluttered landscape that doesn’t detract from the architecture or the grounds around it.
Infra-Structure
Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen devised this multifaceted system for Flos Architectural using Bauhaus design cues. Its rigid aluminum-stem framework (in black or white) accommodates a range of LED pendants, tubes, and spots—simply inserted with magnetic fastening to allow for numerous schemes.
Arrangements
Our judges’ lighting favorite, this modular collection from Flos is by the London-based industrial designer Michael Anastassiades. His intent: to evoke jewelry by linking its various LED units to create a glowing chain. Choose from eight 2700K geometric luminaires to create a unique custom chandelier with power connections through a ceiling rose.
Graffiti
Created by Kazuhiro Yamanaka for Pallucco, this sculptural luminaire, available in the U.S. through ddc, is meant to be played with. Illuminated by a central magnetic aluminum bar, Graffiti—which comes in two sizes as a pendant or sconce—is named for the thin stainless steel rods that surround it and can be rearranged at will.
MUN Dark
Available in white or graphite and in three diameters–4.7", 7.1", and 11.8"– at about 2" deep, this indirect light source from Nordeon USA is precisely designed to be grouped in various surface-mounted compositions. Each size features a spun-aluminum housing, encircled from behind by a ring of 3000K or 4000K LEDs shielded by an opal polycarbonate diffuser, to provide a subtle atmospheric radiance.
Pursuit
Available in 2'-, 3'-, 4'-, 6'-, or 8'-long housings for upward, downward, or bidirectional illumination, this linear LED outdoor fixture, by Hubbell Architectural Area Lighting, links for continuous runs of up to 150'. The system offers a range of mounting, color temperature, distribution, and finish options, plus wireless control and L-, T-, and X-shaped connectors.
Ruby MC Recessed
This in-grade exterior/interior luminaire by Griven USA has six powerful, high-quality quad-chip LEDs in a choice of RGBW, dynamic white or static white, and four distributions. Its 11"-diameter x 6"-high size enables shallow installations, while multiple diffuser and control options provide flexibility.
Constellation
Create stellar overhead lighting schemes with this series of nickel fixtures from Sonneman - A Way of Light that combines in myriad celestial formations. This is done by linking its luminous LED hubs via slender connecting arms (available in 15 lengths) that form the structural and electrical connections for Constellation. Four preconfigured models are available.
Artima/5 VNSP Bluetooth
This track or surface-mounted fixture from Edison Price Lighting is powered by a Cree chip-on-board LED and has an embedded Xicato driver that enables wireless control—a good idea for double-height spaces. Users can manage the many aspects of this lighting system—such as the on/off control, dimming to 0.1%, collecting data, push notifications, and switch or sensor connections—with a smartphone. Optional accessories are available for tailored optics.
Flindt Wall
Named for its Copenhagen-based designer, Christian Flindt, Louis Poulsen’s circular indoor/outdoor wall fixture appears to float as the glare-free glow it emits from two LEDs tucked behind its fold creates a subtle rim of light around its arc and gently washes down over its face toward the ground. Made of die-cast aluminum, its sculptural moon-like form is offered in 7.9", 11.8", and 15.7" diameters, as well as in Cor-Ten-look and white finishes.
Linesse
“Strip” lighting at its finest, Visa Lighting’s Linesse provides continuous linear illumination in recessed, surface-mounted, or pendant versions available with standard or disinfecting white LEDs (the latter said to eliminate germs). Lengths of the 3"-wide luminaires range from 2' to 8', and options include daylight and occupancy sensors, an emergency driver and battery, and black, silver, or white finishes.
GlowSTX
Each linear section of LF Illumination’s suspended LED lighting system measures ¾" wide x 2¼" high and up to 8' long. Adjustable connectors form a wide range of shapes and configurations, and an optional LED Accent module provides more focused light where it’s needed. A patent-pending multipath, multiplex circuitry allows continuous runs while maintaining independent circuit paths.
