Wellness center in Hotel Laguna (Novigrad) the vanguard of green construction.
Light to the Measure of Man
˝Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light˝, said the Swiss architect, designer and urbanist Le Corbusier once long ago. He probably couldn't have imagined that this very quote of his would, in modern times, often be mentioned when talking of modern architecture and lighting.
Upon thinking of some modern buildings – for example, the Spa&Resort in Novi Vinodolski, or the hotels Monte Mulini in Rovinj and Kempinski Adriatic in Umag, the first thing that comes to mind are their impressive exteriors and interiors. However, if we take a closer look at what makes them so distinguished, that is, why these spaces are "carved" into our consciousness as "attractive", it is this very "detail" – lighting. The authors of these successful projects are Skira Ltd. and Lumenart Ltd. from Pula – the leading Croatian firms for lighting design, the engineering and distribution of light fixtures and light control systems in architecture.
Both companies are headed by Dean Skira, a lighting expert of ample international experience . Twenty-four years ago, he set out to the USA - which were, and still are, the world leader in architectural lighting design - and simultaneously studied interior design and lighting design in New York. ˝In addition to my studies I also worked in my profession, thus learning and working in the country this very profession originated from was a priceless experience for me. Most of what I learned there is only arriving to our area now˝ - Skira explains.
˝The tendency in energy efficient lighting is to control and manage the artificial and natural light in a working space. An advanced system regulates the drawing of the blinds and turns the lighting on or off according to the building's position in relation to the Sun, and according to the season. This ensures the maximum usage of both natural and artificial light and a high level of energy efficiency is realised – which becomes most obvious when the electric bill comes in˝, Skira elaborates.
We wanted to conclude this text with a conclusion that seems to follow logically– one on the importance of lighting in architecture. But Dean Skira corrected us and rounded up the text himself: ˝People often perceive lighting as an instrument in the service of architecture, which is incorrect. Lighting is important for people. We do not illuminate buildings for the sake of buildings, squares and streets for their own sake, and the same goes for paintings in museums – we illuminate them for those that gaze upon them. It is natural for lighting designers, interior designers and architects to work closely together, even inspire each other, however, in the end, it is all in service of one common goal – people˝.
Extracted from Livingstone Magazine