Light Headed: A VLD Community Podcast

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Nov 2026

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Where is lighting headed next? Every fortnight, the four founders of the Virtual Lighting Design Community pick the stories shaping the world of light and argue about what they really mean. Ingmar Klaasen (The Integrator), Martin Klaasen (The Strategist), Katia Kolovea (The Communicator) and Amardeep M. Dugar (The Scientist) come at every story from a different angle: the science, the business, the client and the bigger picture. Expect honest disagreement more often than polite consensus. From time to time, a special guest joins the table. Each episode draws on The Pulse, VLDC's weekly feed of lighting and AI news. That means new research, new technology, and the claims the industry makes about health, sustainability and artificial intelligence, tested against what actually matters to the people who design, specify and make light. Along the way you'll hear what's happening across the community: the events worth knowing about, the members worth meeting, and where the conversation goes next. For lighting designers, architects, interior designers, consultants, manufacturers, researchers, educators and students, and anyone curious about light. Light Headed is made by the VLD Community, the free global community for everyone who works with light. Join free at vld.community. Inform. Innovate. Inspire.

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November 7, 2026Episode 353 min

Light Headed 03 — Who decides how dark the night should be?

Who decides how dark the night should be? In Episode 03, the four founders of the Virtual Lighting Design Community look back on Lux Futurum in Shenzhen, take on three stories from The Pulse, and hand the last word to the community. With Ingmar Klaasen (The Integrator), Martin Klaasen (The Strategist), Katia Kolovea (The Communicator) and Amardeep M. Dugar (The Scientist). LUX FUTURUM 2026 Eight winners in Shenzhen, with Darkness, Designed by Francesco Guastella taking the peer award. Katia's takeaway: question what we already know. Amardeep's: the future of lighting is multidimensional. STORY 1: DARKNESS IN THE RULES Chile's lighting standard now covers biodiversity and human health, and Hangzhou's plan to 2035 adds dark sky protection areas. Martin says light design is as much about not putting lights in, Katia asks how we talk to people who already feel unsafe, and Amardeep backs lighting designers to balance it all. STORY 2: KEEP WHAT WORKS A study published by Signify, one of our Advanced Supporters, found 37 of 50 circular lighting projects reported lower costs or financing benefits. Katia asks how you sell "keep it" to a client, Amardeep questions the evidence, and Martin argues for quality over quantity. STORY 3: RARE-EARTH-FREE WHITE LEDS Seoul Viosys says it is mass-producing a white LED chip with no rare-earth phosphor. Amardeep asks what's really new, while Martin and Katia imagine light that disappears into the architecture. STAT OF THE DAY $1.05 million, pledged by the Designers Lighting Forum of New York to the Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education. FROM THE COMMUNITY Nicolas Houel's poll: what comes first where you live? Plus Damian Torres writes back with a live demo and asks for your critique. Read every story and join in at members.vld.community, the free global community for everyone who works with light. Light Headed is free thanks to our Advanced Supporters: Signify, ERCO, WAC Architectural, Casambi, LEDS C4, Aero Light, Photizo and Lighting Recipe Studio. New episode every fortnight. Inform. Innovate. Inspire.

October 17, 2026Episode 242 min

Does light make streets safer?

Does more light really make streets safer? Should anyone set a minimum efficiency for lamps? And if software does the grunt work, where do junior designers learn? In Episode 02, the four founders of the Virtual Lighting Design Community take on three stories from The Pulse, then answer our first question from the community. With Ingmar Klaasen (The Integrator), Martin Klaasen (The Strategist), Katia Kolovea (The Communicator) and Amardeep M. Dugar (The Scientist). STORY 1: DOES LIGHT MAKE STREETS SAFER? When Newark, New Jersey, swapped 1,419 sodium streetlights for LEDs, a Rutgers study found violent crime nearby fell 46% in six months, then faded within two years. Amardeep: “Even criminology has a shelf life.” Katia argues more light doesn’t automatically mean more safety, and Martin draws on his work in Perth. STORY 2: THE LIT ACT A US Senate committee has backed a bill to scrap the efficiency rules that phased out incandescent lamps. Martin sees politics behind it, Katia asks whether consumers know what they’re choosing, and Amardeep would ban lamps containing mercury first. STORY 3: WHERE DO JUNIORS LEARN? LightStanza says its new feature turns 2D CAD plans into 3D rooms in under an hour. Martin wants AI that explains its reasoning, Amardeep compares it to the move to AutoCAD, and Katia asks where the saved time goes. FROM THE COMMUNITY Damian asked: how do you connect lighting calculations with visual presentation? Plus what’s new at VLDC: Standards & Guides in the Knowledge Library. Read every story and ask us your own question at members.vld.community, the free global community for everyone who works with light. Light Headed is free thanks to our Advanced Supporters: Signify, ERCO, WAC Lighting, Casambi, LEDS C4, Aero Light, Photizo and Lighting Recipe Studio. New episode every fortnight. Inform. Innovate. Inspire.

October 6, 202658 min

A new VLDC, and three stories we couldn't agree on

Is CRI telling us what we actually see? Should AI be refereeing product substitutions? And can lighting really help people living with dementia? In the very first episode of Light Headed, the four founders of the Virtual Lighting Design Community take on three stories from The Pulse, and don't agree on any of them. Ingmar Klaasen (The Integrator), Martin Klaasen (The Strategist), Katia Kolovea (The Communicator) and Amardeep M. Dugar (The Scientist) join from Perth, Athens and Chennai. THE NEW VLDC We start with the platform itself. VLDC has been reorganised: a simpler layout, a Knowledge Library sorted by topic, a member directory you can search by role, expertise, region and availability, an events space covering the whole industry rather than just our own calendar, and a new monthly Member Spotlight. Amardeep explains why one shared events calendar matters in an industry this fragmented, and why the last six years were really the beta test. STORY 1: IS CRI TELLING US WHAT WE ACTUALLY SEE? A paper in Optical Materials argues that shifting a red peak from 620 to 630 nm drops CRI from 86 to 69, yet the light looks better. Amardeep makes the scientific case for moving beyond CRI to IES TM-30. Martin trusts his eye first and reaches for the science second. Katia asks the question underneath both: how do you explain any of this to a client? STORY 2: CAN AI JUDGE PRODUCT SUBSTITUTIONS? Paul Rodenbush argues AI belongs in the substitution process as a neutral comparison layer. Martin wants AI that explains its reasoning so designers learn from it. Amardeep points out that AI can find the closest product, but only the designer knows why the beam angle has to be two degrees. Katia worries about a generation learning to design with their judgement already outsourced. STORY 3: SMART LIGHTING AND DEMENTIA Penn State has won US$3.6 million to test, over five years with 300 residents in ten nursing homes, whether tunable lighting genuinely helps people living with dementia. Amardeep on the gap between what the market claims and what the evidence supports. Martin on why lighting designers are not doctors, and Katia on the fact that we prescribe anyway. We don't settle any of it. That's the point. Tell us where you stand and we'll pick it up next time. READ THE STORIES Is CRI telling us what we actually see? https://members.vld.community/c/world-news/is-cri-telling-us-what-we-actually-see Can AI help project teams judge product substitutions? https://members.vld.community/c/ai-news/can-ai-help-project-teams-judge-product-substitutions Smart lighting trial aims to help people with dementia https://members.vld.community/c/world-news/smart-lighting-trial-aims-to-help-people-with-dementia MENTIONED Lux Futurum Forum 2026, Shenzhen · IES TM-30 · Colour Quality Scale (CQS) · Inside Lighting · US Lighting Trends · The Lighting Police JOIN FREE VLDC is the free global community for everyone who designs, specifies, makes and works with light. Join at members.vld.community Light Headed is free thanks to our Advanced Supporters: Signify, ERCO, WAC Lighting, Casambi, LEDS C4, Aero Light, Photizo and Lighting Recipe Studio. New episode every fortnight. Inform. Innovate. Inspire.

July 23, 2026Episode 111 min

Sahil Tanveer at Lux Futurum 2025 Shanghai: The AI Revolution and the Human-Machine Partnership

The future of architecture is here, and it’s illuminated by the light of collaboration between humans and machines. Sahil Tanveer, speaking at the 2025 Lux Futurum Event in Shanghai, unveils the groundbreaking Photon Pavilion, an innovative space where AI and architecture coalesce to redefine our relationship with light and darkness. Sure to entice your curiousity about the fusion of technology and our built environment. In a world often polarised by the extremes of artificial intelligence—either as a saviour or a destroyer—Sahil offers a third perspective: that of a thought partner. He shares his visionary approach to creating the Photon Pavilion, a living structure that not only adapts to its environment but also interacts with its inhabitants. You’ll discover how AI agents embedded within the architecture respond to human needs, enhancing well-being and cultural experiences in real-time. Sahil breaks down the key elements of this project, including: - The concept of AI light agents that dynamically alter the pavilion’s ambience based on the emotional and physical states of its visitors. - The innovative applications developed to monitor and guide users’ light exposure, ensuring a harmonious balance between natural and artificial light. - The integration of cultural elements that allow the pavilion to light up for festivals autonomously, fostering community engagement and celebration. Why does this matter? As urban spaces grow increasingly saturated with artificial light, understanding how to create environments that respect circadian rhythms and promote health is crucial. Sahil’s vision for the Photon Pavilion serves as a prototype for cities worldwide, advocating for a Dark Sky Charter and redefining our approach to energy ethics. This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in the future of design and the ethical implications of technology.

July 14, 2025Episode 6534 min

The Hidden Pillars of Successful Lighting Design Businesses | with Paul Nulty

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to run a successful lighting design business? Beyond the creative brilliance and technical expertise lies a complex web of business skills that many designers never anticipate when launching their own practice. --- Re-release of a presentation from our 'Business of Lighting Design' series from the first season on the VLD Community platform. To watch this presentation visit members.vld.community and head to the 'Season One - The Business of Lighting Design' section. --- In this presentation, award-winning lighting designer Paul Nulty (founder of Nulty Lighting) pulls back the curtain on the business fundamentals that separate thriving lighting design practices from struggling ones. Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey spanning over two decades, Paul introduces a straightforward yet powerful four-pillar business model that forms the backbone of any successful design practice. The revelation that actual lighting design work constitutes merely 25% of running a business serves as both a reality check and roadmap for aspiring practice owners. Through candid insights and practical wisdom, Paul details how Operations, Human Resources, Business Development, and Finance must work in harmony—with each demanding equal time and attention from practice leaders. For many creative professionals, topics like sales strategies, financial management, and team building feel foreign or uncomfortable. Yet Paul makes a compelling case for embracing these skills not only for personal success but for elevating the entire lighting design profession. His refreshing honesty about his own limitations ("I want to be the worst person at everything in my practice") offers a powerful lesson in leveraging team strengths. Beyond tactical advice, this presentation delves into the deeper questions of purpose and passion that should drive any business endeavor. Paul guides listeners through crafting meaningful vision and mission statements that serve as both compass and fuel for the entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're contemplating starting your own lighting design practice or seeking to strengthen an existing one, this presentation delivers the framework and inspiration to transform creative talent into business success. The path may be challenging, but with passion, purpose, and professional acumen, the business of lighting design offers rewards well worth the journey. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

July 9, 2025Episode 6424 min

What's on the platform: Your July Community Roundup

Send us Fan Mail Enter our world of lighting design with our latest community roundup. We're thrilled to welcome a wave of new members to our growing community, creating an increasingly diverse group of lighting professionals sharing insights and inspiration. Mark your calendars for two webinars approaching: Sarvdeep Basur presents "Preserving Darkness" on July 24th, hosted by the Signify Lighting Academy, which explores the balance between design excellence and environmental responsibility. Henk Rotman presents "The Growing Role of Controls" on July 25th, hosted by BHA School of Lighting, examining how technology is reshaping professional roles within our industry. The highlight of this episode features a conversation between Martin Klaasen and Juan Ferrari discussing AI's transformative impact on lighting design. Juan, who directs a team of 25 lighting designers after transitioning from a theatrical background, offers a practical perspective on embracing AI as a powerful tool rather than viewing it as a threat. His journey from actor to lighting director illustrates how diverse experiences enhance creative approaches to lighting narratives in architectural spaces. "Everybody using AI is not cheating," Juan emphasises. "They're using a tool that is powering and amplifying what they're doing." We also spotlight an exciting international opportunity – the design competition for ornamental lighting at the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, with submissions open until August 19th. Finally, don't miss our preview of the upcoming Business of Lighting Design episode featuring Paul Nulty, who shares candid insights about the diverse skill set required to run a successful lighting design practice. Join our community at members.vldcommunity.com to access these resources and connect with fellow professionals. Creative Lighting Asia A leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

May 15, 2025Episode 6310 min

Changing Perspective Changes Everything: The Future of Light with Daan Roosegaarde

Send us Fan Mail What happens when light beams collide at high speed? They can transform into matter – possibly explaining how celestial bodies form. This mind-blowing scientific reality perfectly captures the spirit of our conversation with Daan Roosegaarde, the visionary lighting designer who, despite being kicked out of fine art school twice, found his calling in pushing the boundaries of what light can achieve. In his discussion with Martin Klaasen, Daan weaves through the fascinating parallel between resistance to new ideas and Galileo's revolutionary assertion that Earth orbits the sun – a perspective shift that took humanity 500 years to accept (and we still say "sunrise" despite knowing better). Daan argues that similar perspective transformations are essential in lighting design, where challenging established viewpoints can unlock unprecedented innovation. By bringing together diverse minds at events like Lux Futurum in Shanghai later this year, the lighting community creates space for these paradigm shifts to occur. The future of lighting extends far beyond illumination. We're merely "scratching the surface" of light's potential to heal, create new dimensions, and allow us to experience the world through entirely different perspectives – imagine seeing through a butterfly's eyes while remaining human. Daan's passion for continued experimentation stems from his conviction that these innovations will fundamentally transform our relationship with our environment and ourselves. As he prepares to take the stage in Shanghai, his message resonates clearly: changing how we perceive light might just change everything else. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

April 2, 2025Episode 6221 min

How Lighting Transforms Patient Experience in Hong Kong's Health Centres | with Eugenia Cheng

Send us Fan Mail The divide between theory and practice in healthcare design couldn't be more evident than in lighting strategies for medical spaces. Through an illuminating exploration of two contrasting Hong Kong medical facilities, we discover how the same foundational goal—promoting health and wellbeing—manifests in dramatically different design approaches based on context, clientele, and purpose. Most fascinating is how these case studies challenge our assumptions about "clinical" environments. The first project, Laguna City Medical Center, completely reimagines what a neighbourhood GP clinic can feel like. Located in a windowless basement serving diverse demographics, its designers rejected sterile lighting conventions in favour of bright, joyful spaces with curved elements and simulated daylight. The lighting strategy thoughtfully distinguishes between waiting areas (using indirect, warmer lighting to reduce anxiety) and examination rooms (featuring direct illumination with higher colour temperatures for clinical accuracy). This approach transforms what could have been a drab medical office into a space that actively contributes to healing. The contrast with Cosmax Cosmetic Centre couldn't be more striking. This high-end aesthetic medical facility in Hong Kong's Central Business District serves an elite clientele seeking discretion and luxury. Rather than brightness, its lighting design employs dramatic shadows, minimal direct illumination, and carefully crafted privacy through light and darkness. Patients move through a choreographed journey from reception to treatment to recovery, with lighting that simultaneously guides and shields them from view—particularly important for celebrity clients who don't want to be recognised post-procedure. What makes this examination so valuable is its reminder that good design isn't about rigid adherence to standards or benchmarks, but about understanding human needs within specific contexts. Whether creating an affordable neighbourhood clinic that radiates positivity or an exclusive medical sanctuary that prioritises privacy, thoughtful lighting transforms how we experience healthcare spaces. Ready to rethink what your medical environments could feel like? These case studies prove that with empathy and creativity, every healthcare space can be designed to truly support wellbeing. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

March 25, 2025Episode 6119 min

The Lighting Professional's Challenge: a conversation with Andrew Bissel

Send us Fan Mail A passionate conversation with Andrew Bissel at Light Middle East reveals the growing frustration among lighting professionals fighting for recognition in the built environment. Wearing multiple hats as Ridge and Partners' lighting design head, a dark sky consultant for Red Sea Global, and past president of the Society of Light and Lighting, Andrew delivers a candid assessment of where the industry stands today. Quote of the day: “We need this participation of advocates, we need the certification for a business model and we need the legislation from government to drive certain industries, because they won’t drive themselves. But you also need the lighting professional.” — Andrew Bissel This interview was recorded at Light Middle East in Dubai in 2024. Although it's been a little over a year, the insights and expertise Andrew shares are timeless and incredibly relevant today. The discussion highlights a painful truth: despite decades of education and advocacy, lighting remains "the forgotten person around the design table." As Andrew bluntly puts it, "Every poor project didn't have a lighting professional." After years of polite education, he suggests the time may have come for lighting experts to more assertively claim their rightful place in the design process. Perhaps most fascinating is the exploration of how the industry has evolved beyond separating "dark sky specialists" from regular lighting designers. Today's professionals simply practice "responsible design" as standard. The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn when addressing how lighting organisations themselves might inadvertently reinforce industry silos rather than breaking them down. Could integrating lighting professionals throughout built environment events rather than segregating them into dedicated sections be the way forward? For anyone invested in the future of lighting design, this discussion illuminates both challenges and potential pathways to elevating the profession's recognition across architecture, engineering, planning, and beyond. Join us in exploring how lighting professionals can finally secure their essential place at the design table. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

March 18, 2025Episode 607 min

East Meets West: How Lux Futurum Is Transforming Lighting Design Awards

Send us Fan Mail March Look Back As we pause to reflect on our recent episodes, we've been privileged to host some exceptional conversations in lighting design. Looking back at our recent two episodes, Philip Rafael from Insight Lighting Berlin shared invaluable insights on workplace lighting and wellbeing, challenging traditional productivity-focused approaches. Our community resonated strongly with his vision of transforming lighting from purely functional to wellness-supporting elements. Following that, Koert Vermeulen from ACT Lighting Design Brussels offered a masterclass in merging artistic expression with technical precision. His approach to lighting as a storytelling medium has sparked meaningful discussions in our community." We'd love to hear your thoughts on these episodes. Join the conversation at members.vld.community, where you can view full episodes and share your perspectives. Lux Futurum 2025 Lux Futurum 2025 stands at the forefront of lighting design innovation, reimagining how excellence is recognized in our industry. This groundbreaking global program transcends traditional awards by focusing on future-oriented concepts, products, and projects that push boundaries and challenge conventions. Our distinguished 2025 judging panel brings together remarkable talents from across the globe. Claudia Paz from Peru eagerly anticipates discovering "what creative minds around the world are thinking about the future," while Faraz Izhar from Dubai highlights how Lux Futurum fills a crucial gap in recognizing emerging technologies and AI applications in lighting. Daniel Hammond brings his expertise in light science and its health impacts, complemented by Jinkie De Jesus's enthusiasm for innovations that extend beyond decorative purposes into crucial areas like healthcare lighting. Karen Owens celebrates the "East meets West" philosophy underpinning the program, noting how different global regions experience unique "rhythms of light" that influence design approaches. Lauren Dandridge, both a practicing principal and educator, values how the program exposes students and professionals alike to "the newest, freshest ideas around lighting design." Building on the success of our inaugural 2024 event in Guangzhou, Lux Futurum represents a unique collaboration between the Virtual Lighting Design Community and the Zhurong team. This partnership creates a platform where Eastern and Western design philosophies converge, fostering innovations that might otherwise remain undiscovered. Whether you're an established professional or emerging talent, we welcome your submissions that challenge conventions and reimagine what lighting design can achieve. Visit luxfuturum.com to learn more and submit your groundbreaking concepts. Join us in shaping the future of lighting design—where technology, wellbeing, and artistic expression converge to create transformative experiences. Aero Hospitality Lighting A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry. Creative Lighting Asia A leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions. Signify Lighting Academy Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

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