Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/734400
OCTOBER 2016 | 41 Lighting Task lighting is also becoming increasingly important as our general popula- tion ages, and there is a need for lighting both at home and in institutions to accom- modate diminishing eyesight. "These are areas where the science of light needs to apply. There's always new trends and products, but the more important thing to remember is that lighting is for people, and that lights should be functional for people," says Pacey. "We're seeing a huge shift towards increased lighting controls," agrees Rajewski. "Lighting control not only allows the occupant to dim or adjust the lighting levels to suit the needs of the space, but can actively save huge amounts of energy through methods such as vacancy and occupancy control, daylight harvesting and photo- cell/time clock control." By putting in automatic measures like these, energy can be saved with little time or work. Control is also a huge part of the new NECB, so this shift is only going to get stronger. The dimmer systems you know today are also rapidly evolving: though uncom- mon now, in a few years, we may all have the systems in place to control our home lighting right from our smartphones. Fagen notes that in the future, hardware light switches may not exist anymore, period. "You might use velcro to install it, and move it around as you'd like," he explains. "There won't be any hardware one day. That's what it's coming to . . . control and versatility, through your smartphone, computer or control systems." Brittany Rudder, showroom manager at Ocean Pacific Lighting, has already seen more tech-savvy customers come in requesting wireless options for switches and dimmers. "And we've got more tech-savvy customers than ever before," she notes. Ocean Pacific's line of Legrand dimmers and switches are also proving to be quite popular, thanks to their clean, customizable look that fits with both modern style and modern function. That trend towards modern homes is reflected in fixture styles as well. "Even when it comes to using crystal, it's more contemporary, not traditional," says Rudder. That being said, the scale and look all depends on the home: some custom- ers want big bold statement pieces in their custom homes, while those living in ultra-modern spaces with oversized windows might prefer the lights blend in to avoid blocking their view. When it comes to finishes, its looking like the gold rush is making its way west. "Gold has been making a comeback for a few years, and now it's starting to make an impact in B.C.," says Rudder. "Matching things has fallen by the wayside. It's all about mixed metals." The key to this look is to incorporate some unifying element to pull the look together – a consistent shape or finish. "Basically all the rules went out the window," says Rudder. "People are really making it their own." Because while light- ing is very much about function, it is – and has always been – about personal taste, too. "Lighting is like jewellery – you either want to make a statement or have it tie- in, but it's the extra touch to the home." From LED developments to dimmer technology to the development of wireless systems, things are moving at an unprecedented rate – though maybe not as fast as some other parts of the world. "Look at Europe, they're five to 10 years ahead of us," Fagen notes. "At the Light + Building Show in Frankfurt every year, it's a showcase of technology and style, while North Americans are still asking: 'how much is it?'" But even with the lag, it's still a great time to be in the lighting game. "The light- ing industry is at an exciting place in history," says Rajewski. "Technology keeps getting better while the need for increased control and energy efficiency continues to grow. The focus on reliable, quality energy-efficient lighting fixtures and design is high and lighting designs continue to get better." A Lighting as big bold statement pieces from Ocean Pacific Lighting. Williams Engineering.indd 1 2016-09-07 9:00 AM