The concept lies in our intention to provide a wide range of new products (in this case technical products seeing as we are talking about the new TECH 2019 volume) which feature state-of-the-art LED technology, so we can provide the right light for every space. The result is a catalogue that represents an up-to-the-minute variety of products with high technical and quality standards, a useful tool for designers and planners as well as installers but that can also be used by end consumers.

Products are marked with the NEW stamp when they are new entries, and bear the RESTYLE stamp when the range has been expanded or they have been technically updated or restyled. A major part is dedicated to technological innovation associated with light control, which is paramount today when we talk about “bespoke light”. Luminaires that are dimmable or controlled using DALI or the Casambi App create light that is truly tuned to the user’s requirements. Lastly, the concept of being designed for a specific use. Products are no longer defined merely by their application (recessed, wall or ceiling luminaire, track or cable system, for indoors or outdoors), but also by the area they are designed to be used in. We have therefore used 9 symbols that identity the main areas in which you can install our products.

So we will find hi-tech luminaires, such as track-mounted projectors and recessed luminaires for the retail channel, for exhibition spaces, museums and sacred buildings; recessed luminaires and suspension systems featuring glare control for the office sector; projectors and hermetically sealed products that have been designed for the industrial sector but are also suitable for installation in large communal areas, manufacturing plants and warehouses. Without forgetting residential lighting, which features wall, ceiling, suspension and recessed luminaires in modern designs that offer optimum lighting efficiency, for use both indoors and out. Some luminaires are also suitable for urban areas as they feature strong resistance to impact and a high degree of protection against atmospheric agents. And last but not least, products designed for the hospitality sector, for both indoor and outdoor areas of bars, restaurants or hotels.

Still on the subject of logos, here’s our Made in Milano

From the little shop in via Melzo, to the extensive company premises in via Kennedy on the outskirts of Milan. It seems so near yet it was almost 90 years ago. Our love for Milan and our presence on the Milanese territory have always been a part of our history. Today this story is told through a logo, which aims to highlight the association of our products with Italy. Products designed, developed, manufactured and assembled entirely in Italy, which form a high quality range based on almost a century of tradition that few other companies can boast.

And to end, a reflection accompanied by a smile: whoever could have imagined that a “simple” catalogue would involve so much? It isn’t the first, and it won’t be the last. But one fact remains: to grow strong branches we need deep roots, and we, for almost a century, have been lighting up people’s worlds.

The line and the dot. On the one hand, the clean linearity of our aluminium profiles and lighting systems, our legacy and the tradition that our products carry on. On the other hand, the LED spot, the light source, which is today the key for projects and luminaires. The solidity and functionality of aluminium together with the ethereal and imperceptible nature of light.

Today, Plexiform seeks to be this “i”.

Linear, strong and coherent, but also young, dynamic and versatile. It seeks to be this “spot”; indeed, four of them at the same time. The four coloured spots which stand out and illuminate the uniform white carpet seen on the cover. The four souls of the new Plexiform catalogue: four points that are fixed yet projected towards the future.

Plexiform is here. With a brand new catalogue and 4 product sections supporting planning and design.

The range of the approximately 50 product families is divided into four application areas, which, of course, can be combined in accordance with project’s requirements. The lighting sector requires more and more support in the design phase, as well as the development of flexible products. In this catalogue, Plexiform has identified its target and its dedicated content, asking themselves some questions that could put into practice the customer’s needs, from the planning and design phase to the usage tips.

ARCHITECTURAL

Design aesthetics is a fundamental factor. Light designs spaces and defines volumes.
A chapter entirely dedicated to the lighting design, targeted to architects, lighting specialists, specialized lighting dealer or – why not? – a combination of them working together on a project. Remo, Eiffel, Rift, Sistema 9 and Folio are a few of the architectural luminaires which offer proven, flexible solutions particularly important when design aesthetics is essential to create interior layouts. Visual performance combined with the typically Italian taste for beauty. For a product that stands out not only for its lighting efficiency but also, and above all, for its style. 

TECHNICAL

Lighting systems for different kinds of environments. Visual comfort for offices; versatility and efficiency for the retail sector.
A chapter which offers lighting solutions for a wide range of environments and applications, from offices to retail and including the domestic sphere. The dynamics of work or sales places is flexible because it depends on many factors: type and size of the space, workstations, common areas and representative rooms. Pluma, Sofy, the new Cielo S9 and Tesis S9, the choice between the Technical luminaires depends on one essential element: the visual comfort. A quality of light that suits to the user needs.

INDUSTRIAL

The project calls for particular technical specifications. Key concepts: relamping, large areas, energy efficiency.
A chapter of solutions dedicated to the industrial environments, where tested products are required to develop complex projects for extended areas. Essential plus points? Excellent luminosity, energy efficiency and product solidity. Not forgetting visual impact. Nest, Cool and Pencil combine these features and are recommended in production laboratories, facilities, warehouses, buildings and anywhere a specific technical solution complying with the standards is required.

HEALTHCARE

A sector which requires targeted products. Focus on wellbeing, light for human being.
A chapter for a sector which, more than others, requires dedicated products and specific designing skills, using devices chosen to enhance the quality of light (and therefore of life) in protected environments. Products such as Natura, Hacca and Synto embody the concept of light at the service of human being, following the new idea of lighting, which first and foremost, must “love” the user. Functional lighting… but let us also call it welcoming and emotive light, especially when installed in health centres and sensitive areas.

Plexiform’s new philosophy establishes what, why and how.

What to present in a product catalogue, in terms of variety, technology and quality. How to interact with the market through an Italian production centre by using digital/non-digital communication services and project tools. As in the case of a catalogue necessarily based on a printed edition.

Why to maintain a constant open dialogue with the target audience, knowing that plans and researches bring about a constant development in supply and demand. The interchange between the company and its customers therefore becomes a positive dialogue at a time when market dynamics and other factors have created a particular economic period.

And here it is: a catalogue with a completely new look and content, which shows not only the luminaires but also their functionality, technical features, areas of application, plus referenced projects by Plexiform. The concept of service is positively highlighted in this edition.

Download here the new catalogue.

 Light is an element that lends itself to a thousand interpretations, while technology contributes tirelessly to improve creativity and spectacle. The post-production techniques, the definition of images that mix photographic contributions, video footage and special effects, have broadened the horizon of those who work in advertising. Those who were, until yesterday, simple art directors (friends of the agencies, don’t hold it against us) who had to reconcile the visual aspect with the other half of the creative couple, namely the copy, now find themselves to propose products that are very close to multimedia art. Even the latest devices (plasma TV, round screens, tablets and mobile that evolve quickly), are conceived and designed so as to exploit light in all its forms.

However, light is not coveted by lovers of photography only. Light is psychedelic, magical. It is able to make amazing even the most obvious thing. A renowned car manufacturing company (Audi) understood it well, since it made its new commercial a play of lights lasting thirty seconds. Lines, tunnels, palaces with lights that intertwine and blend until converging in the car that, at the end of the commercial, everyone would want to have in his/her garage.

And if even one of the most famous bands in the world, the Coldplay, prefers light spells rather buxom girls in its music video, there is a reason why. In “The speed of sound”, the lights dance accompanied by Chris Martin’s voice and become more intense and dynamic as the music flares up, in fact. However, light is not just poetry. It is also or, above all, used to sell. In a store, proper lighting plays a fundamental role, both to attract the attention of potential customers and to enhance the merchandise. Did you know that butchers use warm color lights (3000 / 3200K), just to enhance the shades of red meat? In addition, did you know that in clothing stores they advise a light with a CRI (Color Rendering Index) at around 90, which allows to realistically render the actual colors of the fabrics and the difference between them?

Which is the best Rossini product for a store? Of course, MAYA: a LED projector for three-phase track. It comes in three different sizes and relative powers (13W, 25W and 32W), in warm color temperature (3000K) and cold color temperature (4000K). By using an accessory, you can even change the opening of the light beam, from the standard opening to 40° up to reach 10° and 20°. You can also choose the color of the device: gray or white. To be mounted on a compatible three-phase track already installed in a store or on our GROOVE track, available in the ceiling version or built-in version. Light has the great gift of improving what is before your eyes and, as you know, in the shopping malls, it changes to enhance the characteristics of the products on display: jewels shine in a particular way, some food has more attracting colors, even fruits look riper and the seafood fresher.

 In the end, light can be many different things: the light of the sun’s rays that wake us up in the morning, the light we see on stage when the curtains open, the light that invades us when we are at a concert or the light that enlightens our PCs. However, in all its forms, light has the power to make everything it touches more attractive.

The first bioluminescent plant, inspired by jellyfish and fireflies has been brought to life.
“Over time we have gradually removed ourselves from the natural world and repudiated the need for dependency on it. Science, which initially encouraged this separation process, is now proving that the consequences of this process can be harmful for us and for our biosphere. It is fundamental for our well-being that we recreate a connection with nature in all its sustainable aspects, bringing it to our cities and buildings in every way possible and at the same time increasing the sense of urbanity.”
(Peter Buchanan, Synchronizing with nature / DAmagazine, Autumn 2014).

If there is a designer who has brought this philosophy into his work, strongly believing in the value of light and the importance of illumination for our everyday life, it is Dean Roosegaarde.
He amazed everyone with his creation of a bicycle track illuminated with thousands of sparkling stones recalling Van Gough’s Starry Night, opened in Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Roosegaarde’s homeland, for the “Van Gogh International Theme Year 2015”.
The concept that deeply inspires all his work is focused on the determination to conceive urban environments where nature and technology can coexist side by side thus creating a dimension where awareness and interaction are foremost.
Of course these themes bond perfectly with the ever increasing need for sustainable and ecological solutions in art, architecture and urban development (from a social aspect). From this point of view, technology is no longer just an automated tool but it is transformed from being a ‘means’ to becoming an ‘end’. The project roadmap is inverted so if previously ideas were perceived and then a way to materialize them was studied, now a new scenario is designed and inspired by the means that will make it possible. It is therefore necessary to invert the binomial civilization-environment. The stereotype of a city that grows on the margins of nature has become obsolete, reclaiming spaces and tackling the borders to create a concept of nature that undermines the material project.

This happens in an innovative dimension: nature is not only a source of ornamental inspiration (like in the Art Nouveau period for example), it bears systems, organisms and solutions which are biologically accessible. This is how biomimetics began, a type of study that observes scientific matter and tries to find a sustainable solution to the continuous challenges of innovation and development by copying models, forms and strategies that already exist in the world of nature.

It is in this area that Roosegaarde decided to go in depth into the study of the possibility of exploiting the natural ability of some animals, like jellyfish and fireflies, to produce light without any help from external electricity or ultraviolet light. The first result, brought about thanks to the close work with the designers in the New York State University and the research centre Bioglow Tech, has led to the creation of a bioluminescent plant. The effect is amazing, the stem and the leaves of the small plant, genetically modified by introducing the DNA of electroluminescent bacteria in the genome of a common plant, emit a faint luminescent glow. It goes without saying that further development of this project is destined to revolutionise the world of lighting design.

Glowing Nature Paint
There is also another project that the Dutch designer is developing called Glowing Nature Paint, it is evident that he is fascinated or even more so, obsessed with light in nature. This project refers to the creation of biological paint which when applied to the bark of a tree and its leaves, makes them luminescent. This biological paint which is harmless for the tree, charges during the day and then emits bioluminescent light during the night.

 -“Bioluminescent forest” work of Tarek Maward e  Friedrich van Schoor.-

He was inspired by a particular type of mushroom (for example Neonothopanus gardneri, one of the biggest and most luminous florescent mushrooms) that during the night glows to attract insects thus dispersing its spores effectively.
A part from these projects which can be more or less achievable, from this information we can see that there is a clear drive towards retrieving what is extraordinary in nature and applying it to well-being and sustainability, which is widespread among visionaries at the helm of urban planning. We all hope that we are far from the day when our plant will not be habitable but this is certainly the way forward for the realization of sensible projects and let’s not forget what Albert Einstein wrote: “Everything you can imagine, nature has already created.”

And if he said it…

Pythagoras believed that the eye was like a lighthouse for the soul, that shone a light to help us explore the environment around us and allow us to perceive it. Democritus, a very influential exponent of the atomists, believed that light travelled from the object to the eye thus triggering sight.

In the Middle Ages light represented the divine, during the Age of Enlightenment it reached its peak becoming a metaphor of the means by which man can “emerge from his self-imposed nonage”, as written by Kant, portrayed by the obscurantism of the Counter-Reformation as the human incapacity to autonomously make use of one’s intellect.

Why does light have such a deep relevance? Only when it is absent and darkness fills its place does man acknowledge its importance and its magic. Light is what allows man to experience reality and interpret its beauty with our own eyes, giving us the freedom to live appreciating its magnificence without limiting life to a struggle for survival. Without light the world would be a place of confused colourless masses because thanks to light we can perceive colours, important elements that make reality seem like a painting and transform ordinary shapes into works of art. From its brightness colours are born and from colours beauty is born, this is the primary characteristic of the reality man can perceive thanks to the brilliance and pure energy of light; it is the fulcrum, the fifth element that gives origin to the first four, passing through our eyes and reaching our intellect allowing us to be aware of water, air, land and fire, all things that without light would not exist in our sight.

So let us close with a quote from Plato: “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”
Maddalena Bellasio

To summarize, the summer solstice is the first day of summer and it is when the sun appears highest in the sky thus initiating the warm season. Now, let’s forget about the commonplace comments about the weather and the seasons that have become so unpredictable and let’s concentrate instead on the meaning of this symbolic event.
On June 21 and for some of the days which will follow, the sun will remain still (in a ‘steady state’) rising and setting at the same point. This phenomenon lasts a few days so it is not wrong to say that June 22, 23 and 24 are part of the same solstice.

To be precise, we should specify that the solstice happens six hours later every year but it is repositioned every four years thanks to the leap year which was introduced specifically to avoid this misalignment of the seasons in the calendar. That is why the astronomical solstice takes place in the boreal hemisphere on June 20 or 21 for the summer and on December 21 or 22 for winter.

This ‘still’ sun which kindly looks down on us, gives us the gift of life. Since ancient times it has been celebrated all over the world with pagan ceremonies which over the centuries were recast as Christian celebrations.
One of the most famous ceremonies is celebrated at Stonehenge by the modern communities of druids and contemporary pagans and is called ‘Midsummer’ or Midsummer’s Night as written and fostered by Shakespeare. The place, as we all know, is full of mystery and is constantly subject to diverse theories about the famous monoliths that appear to have been positioned exactly in line to capture every hour of the solstice. It is only natural to let oneself be captivated by the magic of this moment where earthly and unearthly worlds meet, where (cosmic?) energy wraps everything in a surreal dimension.

For many cultures the summer solstice represents a moment of intense belonging: ancient legends, stories handed down from the Celts which are still relived today by old and new generations that by word of mouth have handed down traditions and Irish culture over the years. Also the native Americans, are deeply connected to the heartbeat of the Earth, a true Mother that the natives celebrate with ceremonies and prayers and with Inipi sweat lodges for the purification rite. The lodge is made of wood and has a fire pit in the centre where hot stones are placed, their heat together with the prayers that are chanted during the rite purify body and soul.
The summer solstice, in our culture, is associated with the celebrations for Saint John. Farmers celebrate with bonfires on high ground as an act of purification but also as a propitiatory rite to the god of light, of life and of abundance, yet also as a ploy to keep bad spirits away.

The Rossini team loves light in every form and therefore cannot but join the celebrations for the light solstice certain that it will start the summer season full of blue skies, starry moonlit nights and if there are some fireflies, then the magic will be complete.

Fonte

Otherwise, the arrangement of the lights must be managed carefully, because obviously it affects the quality of the environment (and therefore of health), and can also modify the energy costs: if at home lighting affects normally for 15% of the electric bill, for shops and offices, the percentage may be higher than 20%.

Often, the lights stay on all day, along with the glow emanating from the video terminals. So, if we really don’t have a window helping us to manage the general lighting, we must rely on artificial “lux”.

In the workplaces used sporadically, or in passageways, from 100 to 150 lux may be enough, while for environments in which we work constantly with a monitor from 300 to 500 lux are required. Finally, for particularly demanding tasks, we can also get to the average of 1000 lux.

As for the colour tones, we should choose warm or neutral light, never cold, with a colour temperature of about 3000K or 4000K.

It is also true that not to tire the eyes, it is important that light is not too much, especially in the presence of furniture and finishes that reflect refractive light, creating an overload of reflections. That’s where the UGR (Unified Glare Rating) or glare effect, intervenes. This value depends on various elements, including the arrangement of the illuminating devices and the characteristics of the environment (size, indices of reflection) as well as of the appliance itself. The smaller the value, the lower the glare: a number considered appropriate for a situation such as office, is 19, so that the devices suitable for installation in spaces with monitors often have a symbol indicating UGR <19.

One of the latest creations in Plexform production is Sistema9 which owes its name to the incredible UGR<9! But this is not the only product produced by Plexiform and Rossini Illuminazione suitable and recommended to illuminate an office. In this gallery, a selection of our products among the most tried and tested for use in environments with VDT and some of our creations.

As for the eyes instead, try to take breaks and do not forget to “blink”; it often happens that we stare at the screen too long, fatiguing the view for too much concentration. Of course it will be your ophthalmologist to recommend any lenses with specific filters, now on the market to cope with the increasing use of video terminals. And if you want to know more about health, here is the link to the INAIL website, where you can download the dedicated brochure.

and don’t forget that those who work with a computer must learn to assume the correct posture, to evaluate the required distances and ultimately to prepare properly / ergonomically their desks.

Good job!

Assuming that our body is crossed by several energy points, they noted that by stimulating them properly, you can prevent and treat several psychosomatic diseases. Stress, anxiety, feelings as anger and sadness accumulate in specific areas of the body causing disease states.

Chromotherapy uses the stimulating and soothing qualities of the colour spectrum – the same as the iris and the rainbow – to restore the balance of the chackra, namely the entire body. Of course, you cannot expect to treat serious diseases only and exclusively using colors but, undoubtedly, many ailments can be relieved, not to mention that associating chromotherapy, which has no side effects, with traditional drug treatments, is useful to enhance the effects and give relief to the psyche.

Let’s see the benefit offered by each colour and how you can use them through the several treatments:

Red: warm and stimulating color par excellence, it is useful against low blood pressure, increases respiratory rate, stimulates the liver and endocrine activity. Furthermore, it helps wound healing, relaxes the muscles and, therefore, it is useful to relieve contractures, sprains and fibre inflammation. Finally, red helps to decongest the respiratory tract and to reduce and fluidize mucus and catarrh. It has an energizing effect on the psyche and stimulates the “tired” libido.

Orange: is a warm color, but less intense than red. It is ideal for sports people but, above all, it is beneficial for the thyroid activity; it is antispasmodic and gives joy. For the psyche plagued by depression, fear, neuroses and mania, it is extremely positive, as well as on anorexic people, because it stimulates a natural appetite and helps to regain the love of life.

Yellow: warm color that helps relieve all digestive disorders, especially abdominal swelling due to colitis, cleanses the blood and brings a sense of joy and positivity. In addition, it also helps mental focus and troubleshooting.

Green: is a neutral colour, curative for a wide range of problems. For example, it is beneficial on overexcited psyche, it gives serenity and induces calm in case of anxiety and stress; it relieves the cramps and gastrointestinal disorders (especially gastritis and ulcers); it is a natural antibacterial and disinfectant. It is also helpful in case of insomnia and sleep disorders.

Blue: cold color that helps to slow the arterial pressure and, therefore, is useful for those suffering from high blood pressure and tachycardia. The blue induces relaxation and has a natural analgesic effect. It is considered beneficial for treating a variety of inflammations, especially in the throat, joints and teeth, skin irritation, burns and insect bites. In addition, it acts as a febrifuge and helps relieve migraines and headaches.

Indigo: cold color located between blue and purple. It is useful for all disorders affecting the head, including eyes, nose and ears. It favors intuition and calms the hyperactive thyroid being useful in case of hyperthyroidism.

Violet: is a cold color and has very powerful effects on the psyche. It fosters dreams, intuition, inspiration and creativity. From the physical point of view, it is beneficial on the nerves, stimulates the production of white blood cells and the activity of the spleen and strengthens bones and joints. It helps in case of inflammatory skin diseases, has a healing effect and analgesic in case of neuralgia.

Chromotherapy is used in different ways. At wellness centres and Spas, there are many sensory paths and treatments with chromatic radiation. For example, colour baths, both “dry” and in water, are considered very beneficial to the body, but you can also target different colors depending on their effects on various organs in the reference chakra using the chromopuncture (akin to acupuncture and acupressure).

Finally, even nutrition can exploit the benefits of chromotherapy. Especially fruits and vegetables help us to improve our health based on their color. Therefore, we should vary the ingredients of our dishes also according to the colour of food, in order to benefit from all the possible healing and balancing effects of colours.

Source: blogo.it

I found that cycling and reaching a place using my legs as an engine was gratifying to me, as well as being outdoors and having a thorough view of the world opened up new horizons. Moreover, the world seen from my two wheels was adrenaline and pure freedom. Thus, I began to look for different ways to customize my bike and make it unique. I made it safer and more visible without sacrificing image and style.

The bike4light is the result of such radical change. ”

Here is the story of Pier Roberto Perzy, a brilliant biker who works for the safety and fun of biking through … the light.

How Bike4Light came out

It came out from the need to cross our streets by two-wheel means in a safer and more visible way, using LED lighting not only to “see”, but to let other people “see you”.

An innovative idea

Avoid the major cause of accidents, the side view of the vehicle, integrating the type-approved reflectors with the latest LED reflectors. Bike4light improves the full visibility of the means by lighting the spokes.

Passion and enthusiasm

Having always loved the originality without sacrificing “beautiful and functional things”, Roberto Perzy selected safe and original products to highlight the Bike4Light…

LED for safety

“In 2014, they awarded three physicists with the Nobel Prize thanks to their Light Emitting Diode invention, since this technology will revolutionize and light the world.”

For the amateur cycling, LEDs represent the evolution of traditional reflectors and improve the visibility of those who ride a bike, especially the side view of the vehicle, a quality that the normal current tools do not guarantee totally and that instead would help to avoid a major cause of accidents on two wheels.

www.bike4light.it