The Osservatorio Allestimenti in search of the secret of light
Emiliano Morgia who, with more than 30 years of experience in the sector, has taken excellence Made in Italy all over the world with projects implemented in various countries, including Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, the United States, Mexico, Great Britain, Africa and the Middle East talks to us about trends in the lighting design sector. Morgia describes his innovative solutions as being “light years ahead”. He has lived in several countries, including Ireland (Dublin) and Israel, and currently lives in Dubai, from where he directs lighting design projects on a regional and global scale.
What role does light play in exhibition and conference design and what is new in the industry?
Lighting in exhibition and conference design is a fundamental element that goes way beyond the simple need to illuminate a space. Light has become a silent form of direction, capable of transforming an environment and creating a visual narrative that guides the participants’ experience.
This need is amplified by the growing importance of light quality and the possibility of advanced control over lighting points, made possible by recent innovations in LED technology. Today’s LEDs have a very high CRI or Chroma Render Index, allowing lighting designers to create illuminations that not only make colours brighter and deeper,but are also fully customisable.
Another level of complexity is introduced by the growing importance of cameras in the context of stage lighting. In an age dominated by social media presence and the importance of live streaming, lighting design must be pursued in consideration not only of the physical experience of the participant on site, but also of the visual image that will be captured by cameras and recording devices. This introduces a level of professionalism and expertise that goes wa beyond simply lighting the stage or the speaker. It is no longer enough to illuminate a podium; lighting has to envelop and define the entire space, helping to create an ambience that is both elegant and attractive.
Integration with video projections represents another revolution in lighting. With the aid of LED screens and high-intensity video projectors, it is now possible to create illuminated spaces that are dynamic and fully controllable. This extended control allows the creation of constantly evolving stage sets using digital tools to transform space in real time.
Future challenges for lighting designers and exhibitors include the adoption of a more cinematic approach to lighting design. It is no longer sufficient to consider only the lighting of the room and the participants present. With the advent of live streaming and the possibility of archiving events and watching them again, it is essential for lighting to be designed with an eye on cinematic performance. This requires a new mindset and an investment in training and technology, representing a cost which, if well managed, translates into an investment in the added value that a high quality installation can provide.
In conclusion, the future of exhibition and conference lighting is a rapidly evolving landscape. Creative and innovative use of the technologies available, together with meticulous design and attention to detail, can help create unforgettable experiences for all participants, both those physically present and those following the event from a remote location.