Light is Life.
Today, May 16th, the International Day of Light, prompts reflection on why ‘good lighting’ transcends luxury—it’s a fundamental universal need. At Casambi, we all advocate for embracing the transformative shift in how we illuminate our world.
The purpose of the International Day of Light, as designated by UNESCO, goes beyond mere celebration; it’s about strengthening cooperation and leveraging the potential of light to foster peace and development. Indeed, light-based technologies play a pivotal role in various aspects of our lives, from education to healthcare, from art to sustainable development.
One of the key components of this transformation is the widespread adoption of LED lighting. Not only do LEDs save significant amounts of energy—up to 70% compared to traditional lighting sources—but they also contribute to a cleaner environment by reducing CO2 emissions and eliminating toxic materials like mercury and phosphorus found in fluorescent lights.
But the benefits of LED lighting go far beyond. The semiconductor technology inherent in LEDs opens doors to wireless smart lighting control—a game-changer with immense potential.
Why is this so crucial? Because good lighting isn’t just about on/off illumination. Scientific research has shown that poor lighting can have detrimental effects on our health and well-being. Moreover, excessive light pollution not only wastes energy but also disrupts ecosystems and biodiversity.
By embracing digitized LEDs and wireless control technologies, we can move beyond primitive lighting systems toward sophisticated, customizable solutions that optimize energy usage and enhance human experiences. Imagine being able to precisely adjust the color temperature, brightness, and duration of light exposure in any environment, whether it’s a home, hospital, or workplace.
At Casambi, every employee is behind this mission. In the quest to define ‘good lighting’, we asked a few Casambians to share their thoughts.
With 25+ years in the lighting game as an expert in LED tech and smart lighting systems, Paride Maimone, Business Development Manager at Casambi, expresses his profound understanding of light:
“Light and shadow are inseparable, each defining the other’s strength, energy, and visibility. Just as Caravaggio understood in ‘The Calling of Saint Matthew,’ light serves as the original tool of expression. Profession and culture certainly shape our perception of light. Scientists see it as electromagnetic energy, designers as a creative guide, engineers as a safety utility, and everyday users as a versatile resource. I, myself, continue to explore its depths. Light, whether natural or artificial, allows for endless reinterpretation of our world, influencing our emotions, moods, and well-being through its dynamic play across the spectrum. In essence, light is life.”
Duygu Cakir, Head of Global Specification Success at Casambi, offers insight into its nuanced character:
“Good lighting works in layers, just like in nature. It is a combination of different layers of light that come from different directions; through diffusions, reflections. It creates contrast. I love how Casambi enables this. As a lighting designer who previously had to deal with legacy control systems, it was a revelation to realize how easy it could be to program and control your lights just as you want. Layer by layer.”
Mika Hoikkala, VP of Engineering at Casambi, shares his perspective on good lighting and its potential to enhance daily tasks:
“To me, ‘good lighting’ enables tasks without drawing attention to itself. It functions effortlessly, supporting activities without intrusion. If I could improve one aspect of daily life with lighting, it would be its seamless integration into routines. Through sensors, timers, and advanced features, I envision lighting intuitively adapting to my needs, simply being there to enhance my daily experiences.”
Cliffe Tribe, Sales Manager at Casambi, sees the potential of using lighting advancements to tackle emergency lighting requirements in developing nations:
“If I could simplify one everyday task with improved lighting, it would be to enhance emergency lighting in third-world countries. I would find a way to utilize the neutral in existing three-core wiring to act as a switched supply leaving the incumbent live as permanent to trickle charge emergency lighting batteries. This would be an inexpensive way to obtain 3-hour emergency illuminance from existing wiring infrastructure”.
When prompted to imagine illuminating an historical event with Casambi lighting, Cliffe reflects:
“Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-1859) is Britain’s greatest ever civil and mechanical engineer. His many delivered projects have included tunnels, bridges and steam ships. However, it is the Great Western Railway that I admire him most for. If I had been at the opening of London Paddington Station on the 29th May 1854, looked up and seen my lighting controls design operating luminaires betwixt IKB’s wonderful wrought iron and glass, three-span roof, at the time the largest train shed roof in the world, I would have been very happy indeed.”
Jie Hou, Senior Software Developer at Casambi, reflects on the significance of lighting:
“The unexpected power of good lighting oftentimes strikes me when I see colorful outdoor displays, where mundane spaces have been transformed into mesmerizing spectacles. It’s a reminder that lighting has the ability to evoke emotions, inspire, captivate attention, and totally redefine our perception of the world around us.”
