Best Architectural Lighting Products of 2019
Shard Sconce
Made of bronze with a satiny finish, the Shard Sconce is an extension of the Peak Collection of cabinetry hardware from Marion Cage. The faceted LED fixture is handcrafted and comes in left and right configurations for balanced pairings. Measuring 20" long x 2½" wide x 4½" deep, the jewel-like Shard is also available in custom sizes, finishes, and plating upon request.
Compendium Circle
A circular variation on an existing linear collection from Luceplan, the Compendium Circle LED by Norwegian designer Daniel Rybakken is configured to wash a room with ambient light directed downward and diffused light aimed up at the ceiling. Designers can specify the aluminum modules as a single ring or with as many as three, in small, medium, and large diameters (roughly 28", 43", and 79") in three finishes.
Wallglass
Designers and architects can mimic sunlit rooms in windowless building cores with this illuminated glazing from Lightglass Lighting. Called Wallglass, the windowlike product comprises two layers of tempered glass edge-lit by full-spectrum, tunable-white LED light engines in an extruded-aluminum frame. Less than 4" deep, Wallglass is compliant with WELL v2 standards and comes in seven sizes ranging from 13" to 42" square and 25" x 49".
C71
Developed in collaboration with Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Tillotson Design Associates, and Renfro Design Group for use in the newly expanded Museum of Modern Art, among other projects, LiteLab’s 3" x 6¾" C71 cylinder is effective from 12' to 25' ceiling heights and has an easily adjustable 10° to 30° zoom optic with an in-line beam-angle monitor for consistent focusing. Available in up to 1800 lumens with a 98 CRI, it also has onboard local dimming.
JASPER
A budget-friendly option for illuminating architectural and expansive areas, JASPER by Griven USA is a projector capable of effects typical of pricier models. The marine-grade die-cast aluminum luminaire measures 18" in diameter, offers 10 light distributions ranging from a narrow 4° spot to wide elliptical beams, and incorporates 60 high-power LEDs.
OE Quasi Light
Olafur Eliasson extends his investigation of geometric patterns to his design of Quasi Light for Louis Poulsen. A polycarbonate dodecahedron (comprising 12 faces and 20 vertices), nested within a rigid, aluminum icosahedron (a 20-faced form with a dozen vertices) is luminous with LEDs. Designed to counteract the monotony of orthogonal forms and stimulate the senses, the approximately 35" x 32" pendant is also largely recyclable.
Palco Low-Voltage Framer
To extend its Palco projector system, iGuzzini has designed two powerful low-voltage micro-framers (¾" and 1½" in diameter) that mount on a miniature 48V track built for ceilings and walls. Like larger models, the new framers provide precise beam spreads at 3000K with a 90 CRI. Updated models include a twin swivel feature to accommodate +/-90° tilting and 355° rotation and the option of manual adjustment.
Suspenders Power Precise
The judges’ category favorite, this system by Sonneman – A Way of Light comprises an extensive variety of interconnected elements and LED components that can be configured and expanded as needed. First launched in 2016, Suspenders has been overhauled—optimized to double the original lumen output and reinforced with additional structural options that improve its functionality. Available in satin black, the upgraded network Suspenders Power Precise is also designed for seamless integration with previous installations.
Cubic Sky
This series of modular, cube-shaped LED light boxes from Brooklyn- and Rio de Janeiro–based Cactus can be configured to span an entire ceiling for a uniquely luminous experience. Available with black or white housing, each 15" x 15" x 2¾" aluminum unit is capable of a range of colors and brightness levels that can be programmed to reflect such ambient circumstances as local sky conditions. Cubic Sky is user-controllable through a proprietary tablet-based interface.
Architectural Record presents the best indoor, outdoor, and commercial lighting products of 2019. Click through the slideshow above to view each winner.
