Enlighten Americas 2008 : A Tremendous Success

2 - 4 OCTOBER 2008 | MOON PALACE RESORT | CANCUN, MEXICO

Enlighten Americas 2008 was held in Cancun, Mexico, 2-4 October 2008. The 8th Annual IALD Annual Meeting and Conference was a tremendous success, drawing over 240 attendees, included lighting designers, architects, engineers, manufacturers, students and speakers from countries all across the globe. Thanks to all of the sponsors for making this event such a success.

The educational sessions, for the first time, were split into three concurrent tracks that focused on design methodology, business development and current issues impacting the lighting industry. Each session was well attended and each speaker provided detailed information on interesting topics.

To kick off the first official day of educational sessions, the Opening General Session featured DIM (Lighting Designers of Mexico) members Luis Lozoya, Elias Cisneros, Gustavo Avilés, Victor Palacio, Enrique Quintero and Joaquin Jamaica. The panel of Mexican lighting designers gave an interesting discussion of how Mexican designers work together to create identity, architecture, color, balance, perception and shape through lighting design. The discussion included examples of designs that related to each topic.

Lighting Cross Talk was once again a success among attendees. Fourteen LIRC members participated in the event leaving participants with exciting information about new products and gaining constructive criticism from designers about old products. The event was advantageous for both sides of the lighting industry.

The Town Hall Meeting was moderated by Mark Roush. The meeting was a heated discussion about banning the incandescent bulb among other topics. Roush did a great job of moderating the meeting and providing interesting facts about the topic and then words were exchanged between designers, architects, students, and manufacturers. The room was full of mixed emotions about the topic.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE ENLIGHTEN AMERICAS 2008 POSSIBLE!

A DETAILED LOOK AT EACH EDUCATIONAL TRACK

THE DESIGN TRACK:

Light and Darkness
Victor Palacio
Palacio's presentation began with the etymology of different words in different languages. He also explained that "light is not only physical it is in our feelings." He proved this by showing several paintings where the painters "used light to transmit emotions." Some paintings included Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and van Gogh's "Café Terrace at Night." Palacio stated that by studying such painters, a lighting designer can find balance between light and darkness, perspective and shadows.

Can Light Make Us Healthy?
Naomi Miller, FIALD
Miller explained the physiological connection between the visible spectrum and human circadian rhythms. She reviewed studies that pointed to a connection between health issues and exposure to light and dark. Miller said she hopes the audience "realized that the spectrum of light is important, and people should be exposed to bright and dark lights to maintain good health."

The Spirit of Light
Elias Cisneros
Cisneros' presentation included information on how lighting designers must communicate effectively to various professionals they encounter on projects, including architectural firms, developers, etc. Designers must know the language of each developing team in order to successfully execute each design, according to Cisneros. A number of projects, including San Francisco de Campeche, were shown to portray how light can create a spirit-like building.

Sacred Light
Colin Ball
Ball explained how different religions are translated through light. He provided details on how different attitudes can be depicted in architectural lighting and how sacred architecture is oriented to the sun.

Light in Color, Color in Light
Enrique Garcia Carrera, Associate IALD, Sandra Luna and Jorge Encarnacion
The panel provided a discussion on how light and color interacts and reacts to enhance and transform environments. The team from Fisher Marantz Stone also provided information on how light can be filtered to alter the perception of space.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in Lighting
Arq. Javier Ten
Arq.Ten's presentation identified the elements of good lighting and explained how when properly combined can make light "come to life." He analyzed both successful and unsuccessful lighting examples and also discussed the importance of understanding the needs of the user as well as applying appropriate technology.


CURRENT ISSUES TRACK:

LED City and the Lighting Community
Brian Owen, Greg Merritt, Chantal Brundage and Scott Riesebosch
The group took a "realist" perspective of the subject, using the session as a portal for attendees to gain educational information about LEDs. Brian Owen said, "This community [lighting designers] is important to us." He also said he hopes the session helped to alleviate some of the pessimism about LEDs. Merritt presented a portion about the LED City Program and the LED University Program.

The Color of Light for a Greener World
Brian Leibel
Leibel's presentation provided highlights of several studies, leading to the conclusion that blue light can reduce light levels and maintain visual acuity while also reducing energy.

Communicating Lighting Quality - Energy and Aesthetics
Fred Oberkircher, Educator IALD
Oberkircher's presentation discussed how designers can create aesthetically pleasing and sustainable designs. He explains that designers should move to using "Benefits/Square Foot" instead of "Watts/Square Foot" to achieve this.

Finding Talent: On the Relationship between Lighting Education and Professional Practice
Kevin Houser, Ph.D., Educator IALD
Dr. Houser presented data from a lighting education survey, and touched on how to increase the number of graduates qualified for entry-level lighting design post-graduate positions. His recommended actions to cultivate more lighting educators were to support students earning the terminal degrees required for faculty positions, endow a professorship and support research.


THE BUSINESS TRACK:

The Real World or How the Commercial Lighting Business Really Works
Allen Weiss
Weiss' presentation provided a working knowledge of the design, construction and supply chain of lighting products in construction products. He discussed the pros and cons of several lighting specification methods, ways to control substitutions and why it's important to do so. Weiss stated he hoped if attendees walked away with only one thing from his session it was that "no one should ever allow a substitution unless and if the owner gets a fair and equitable credit."

Expanding your Business by Using Subcontractors and Being a Subcontractor
Lee Harris, Associate IALD
Harris led a discussion on the advantages of building relationships and working together. If designers teamed up with one another they could successfully work on larger projects at a more competitive fee. She said, "Working as a subcontractor on a large project offers opportunities for collaboration with a variety of design professionals, exposes you to the challenges of working with a new type of client and prepares you for future projects."

The Human Connection: Bring your Presentations to Life!
Carol Doscher and Geoff Webb
Doscher and Webb led an interactive presentation on how to be a successful presenter. To be the most successful presenter one must "be yourself, take off the masks and trust yourself." It helps if you know "who you are, what you know and what you can do." A successful presenter leads the presentation with a PowerPoint presentation as a supporting device, not vice versa.

The Benefits of Good Visual Communications
Gerd Pfarré, IALD, and Frank Koschembar
Pfarré and Koschembar presented how to effectively use corporate communications for branding and identity purposes. They gave tips on effective web site layout designs. For example, if you choose to put project pictures on a web site, only put the picture with no words because "the designs speak for themselves and don't require an explanation." Koschembar also talked about his book, Graphic Design for Non-Designers.

How Much Success Can you Take?
Susan Sexton
Sexton's session focused on how each individual can achieve their ultimate dream of success. She said, "Success is the uncommon application of an internal process and an external plan based on your unique vision." Attendees wrote down their own unique vision for success and worked through the session determining how to achieve their goals.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE AN ALL TIME HIGH FOR ENLIGHTEN AMERICAS

ANNUAL MEETING LUNCHEON & KEYNOTE ADDRESS

RAYMOND GRENALD, FIALD, WINS 2008 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Raymond Grenald, FIALD, was honored at the 2008 Annual Business Meeting with the IALD Lifetime Achievement Award, the greatest honor bestowed by the IALD. This award recognizes the true pioneers and visionaries in the lighting design field.

The requirements for the lifetime achievement award are that the individual displays outstanding contributions to the lighting design profession over his or her lifetime; that they show exceptional leadership in the aesthetic, scientific, educational and practical effectiveness of the profession; and that their individual work significantly contributes to a better public awareness and appreciation for lighting design.

"An all-inclusive design history of Ray Grenald, including projects on which he received credit as Design Principal, Lead Designer or Designer of Record, would be an exercise that could lead to exhaustion," said Jeffrey I.L. Miller, IALD President. "Most lighting designers strive to have at least one project in their portfolio that is monumental in both its scope and in its ability to resonate with a mass audience. Ray hasn't created just one of these monumental-scale projects. His skill and mastery in harnessing the power of light has allowed him to make a career of it."

In 1968, Ray decided to transition to the lighting profession after 14 years of practice as an architect and engineer. He demonstrated his commitment to this burgeoning industry by voluntarily and collaboratively founding the International Association of Lighting Designers, and acting as President for this fledgling group for its first two years. Ray was instrumental in drafting the Constitution and Code of Ethics documents, and continued on at separate times in the roles of Past-President, Vice-President and Board of Directors Member.

Incorporated in 1983, Grenald Waldron Associates has grown steadily over the years. The Philadelphia office includes three design studios, headed by Lee Waldron, Sandra Stashik and Mark Harris. The company also has a branch office in Beijing.

The following is a list of several milestone projects that represent Ray's commitment to design excellence.

Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad, New Mexico USA

This natural gem was dying a slow, dry death in the New Mexico desert as the previously installed incandescent lighting was not only antiquated and unflattering to the visitors, but also literally drying out the cave. Ray completely redesigned the lighting system to emphasize the natural beauty of one of Mother Nature's most amazing works of art.

Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington D.C. USA

As the Design Team's lighting consultant, Ray reviewed the lighting goals of the earlier 1964 Master Plan and redefined the way the Project Team was to look at the nighttime urban environment during its work from 1976 to 1996 through by a series of lighting sub-systems tailored to carry out different functions. He was instrumental in expressing the Avenue as a significant entity and not as a place to be avoided after dark. The resultant effect has greatly enhanced our Nation's Main Street and brings a new vitality to the area both during the day and by night.

Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Philadelphia, PA USA

Ray participated in the renovation of this 1876 architectural marvel that housed American art as it was being readied for its Centennial celebration. Responding to the ideals of historic preservation, Ray designed a series of lighting subsystems tailored to enhance the polychromed and gold-leafed stenciled walls while also illuminating the collection of art. The Academy is an art school which had never had consistent lighting. Ray implemented a lighting system which combined a number of sources that were modulated depending upon the classroom use.

The White House West Wing
Washington D.C. USA

In 1989, Ray was engaged to light workspace for the ultimate office client. Tasked by GSA with updating the lighting of the Oval Office, Ray took advantage of the then-available latest high color rendering lighting sources, equipment and control technology to provide a lighting ambience conducive to the many activities that occurred in the President's formal office. Adjacent to this room, Ray created a work space that to this day still holds morning prep meetings between the President and aides and which has become the most used room in the West Wing. Included in the project was lighting designed for rooms for Secret Service agents and White House administrative assistants.

Boathouse Row
Philadelphia, PA USA

In 1979, Ray was engaged by the Mayor to create a lasting visual legacy for the city during the final months of his administration. Forced to work through a lack of proper funding and big city politics, he was able to reawaken a historic landmark and set a benchmark for cities to use in developing a nighttime urban identity. This lighting work was continued by then Mayor Ed Rendell who called upon Ray to light seven bridges further down the river for Philadelphia's Millennium Celebration in 2000.

Liberty Bell Pavilion
Philadelphia, PA USA

The National Park Service moved the Liberty Bell into a new building in 2004. Ray was the Principal-in-Charge for the lighting team that designed the lighting for the museum's exterior and interior exhibit areas. The primary goal of the lighting at the Liberty Bell Pavilion was to create an space in which this hallowed object could be experienced in awe and quiet solitude, even within a group of people. The overall ambiance is subdued, but compliments the daytime mood and changes for the evening hours.

RENEE CAMPBELL RECOGNIZED FOR 10 YEARS OF SERVICE

Renee Campbell, IALD Membership Services Manager, was recognized for her 10th anniversary with the IALD headquarters staff at the Enlighten Americas 2008 Annual Business Meeting. "Ten years ago, the IALD was a dramatically different organization than it is today. The IALD has grown in professionalism, visibility and number of members. But one constant fixture has been the presence of Renee Campbell in the IALD headquarters office," said Jeffrey I.L. Miller, IALD President.

Dear Friends,

Thank you very much for recognizing my 10 years of service with the IALD at the Annual Meeting in Cancun last week. Needless to say I was delightfully surprised but speechless.

Now that the hyperventilation has stopped, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you. The past ten years have been amazing. IALD membership has doubled, and our LIRC membership continues to grow and support our many initiatives and projects. I have had the opportunity to represent the IALD at conferences, meetings, conventions and universities throughout the world, and I have watched you grow into an international organizational powerhouse. Your support has been unwavering, your advice wise and your enthusiasm contagious. It has allowed me to do the best job possible to help the IALD meet its goals and objectives.

New opportunities and challenges lie ahead, and I look forward to continue to work with all of you.

Warm regards,
Renée Campbell

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE ENLIGHTEN AMERICAS 2008 SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS

IALD ENLIGHTEN AMERICAS 2008 SPONSORS

The IALD gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors:

GOLD SPONSORS
B-K Lighting + Teka Illumination
Cooper Lighting
Day-Brite Capri Omega

SILVER SPONSORS
Lutron Electronics Co Inc

BRONZE SPONSORS
ETC Architectural
Lighting Services Inc
Specialty Lighting Industries
Zumtobel Lighting Inc

IALD ENLIGHTEN 2008 ATTENDEE TOTES
B-K Lighting + Teka Illumination

IALD ENLIGHTEN 2008 LANYARDS
mondo*arc Magazine

EVENT SPONSORS
THURSDAY EVENING PRESIDENT'S RECEPTION
Visa Lighting

FRIDAY MORNING BREAKFAST
Kurt Versen Company

FRIDAY BUFFET LUNCHEON
Sistemalux

FRIDAY AFTERNOON NETWORK BREAK
ERCO Lighting

FRIDAY EVENING DINNER RECEPTION
Acuity Brands Lighting

SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST
Lighting Industry Resource Council

SATURDAY EVENING CLOSING DINNER RECEPTION
Lightolier

ENLIGHTEN 2008 CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE

This group of volunteers worked tirelessly for the past year to plan Enlighten Americas 2008. Our sincere thanks go to:

Nick Bleeker
Day-Brite Capri Omega
Tupelo, MS USA

Rita Koltai, IALD
Koltai Lighting Design
Palo Alto, CA USA

Janet Nolan, IALD
J .S. Nolan + Associates
San Francisco, CA USA

Jeffrey Miller, IALD
Pivotal Lighting Design
Seattle, WA USA

Victor Palacio
Ideas en Luz
Tlalnepantla Mexico

Ann Reo
iO Lighting/Cooper Industries
Vernon Hills, IL USA

Leni Schwendinger, Associate IALD
Leni Schwendinger Light Projects Ltd.
New York, NY USA

Marla Stauth, Associate IALD
Frankly Lighting
Arvada, CO USA

Kevin R. Theobald, Associate IALD
NDYLIGHT
London UK

This year's activities were made possible by the collective efforts of IALD members and their dedication to volunteerism. We especially appreciate the efforts of the following members as they have successfully fulfilled their terms on their respective committees.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Rosemarie Allaire, IALD
James Youngston, IALD

LIRC STEERING COMMITTEE
Scott Hershmann
Melissa Hertel, Co-Chair

IALD BOARD MEMBERS
Graham Phoenix, IALD, Past President
Katherine Abernathy, IALD
Dawn Hollingsworth, IALD
Mitchell Kohn, FIALD
Robert Shook, IALD