SHAPE-THE-LIGHT – Boosting co-creation and networking among the lighting design value chain to empower the European creative sector (2024-2026)

SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme – CREA-CULT-2023-COOP – Grant Agreement 101131736

Business, innovation and creativity are interrelated. SHAPE-THE-LIGHT is based on the dual complementary concept of the intrinsic relationships between art and business, focusing on art, design and the lighting industry.

SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project aims at implementing initiatives and an open and inclusive collaborative space for the creation of new creative processes, business models and market developments, and to embrace the digital and ecological transition in the architectural lighting design sector.

The main objective is to create a bridge between the different agents in order to generate co-creation and co-design processes, launching opportunities to test advanced technologies and new innovative solutions to the challenges posed for these industries. These support measures and collaborative spaces will trigger the creation of new creative processes and business models, driving the development of the lighting sector towards the proposals put forward in the European Green Deal and the priorities of the New European Bauhaus.

SHAPE-THE-LIGHT priorities

  • Sustainability. In line with the European Green Pact and the New European Bauhaus, co-create, adopt and disseminate more environmentally friendly practices, as well as raise awareness of sustainable development through cultural activities;
  • Digitalisation. To support the European cultural and creative sectors in their digital transition and business recovery after the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Inclusion. From valuing diversity and equality for all, to ensuring accessibility and consideration for all needs.

SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project will actively contribute to the objectives of the European Green Pact and the transition towards a sustainable and digital society by providing tangible opportunities and experiences, both at local and European level, for creation, co-design, experimentation, knowledge sharing and networking. Among the activities planned to achieve the objectives presented in the proposal, during the 30 months of the project, we will find performance labs, coffees, masterclasses, workshops and forums, among others.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

SHAPE-THE-LIGHT CONSORTIUM:

 SHAPE-THE-LIGHT NEWS

SHAPE-THE-LIGHT NETWORKING SESSIONS

Throughout the initial months, our partners have organized networking and informative sessions to introduce the SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project and its objectives to various stakeholders, such as lighting companies, artists, designers, students and graduates of the Art, Design and Architecture specialisation courses of Academia and technical institutes and cultural associations, and to emphasize the upcoming activities and workshops aimed at fostering the development of new creative processes, business models, and market advancements within the architectural lighting design sector.

  • SHAPE-THE-LIGHT Kick-Off session in Frankfurt (05.03.2024)

Presentation of SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project, its objectives and activities during the Light+Building Fair in Frankfurt, Germany on 05.03.2024.

  • Presentation of SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project during the Lichtfestival Gent (02/02/2024)

Presentation of SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project on networking event at the ‘Lichtfestival Gent by day’, organized by the city of Ghent on 02/02/2024 during the Gent Lichtfestival. The audience consisted of artists exhibiting at the  Light festival, other cities (members of ILO International Light Festivals Organisation), SME members of Groen Licht Vlaanderen, and other stakeholders.

  • Networking event at Light AfterWork SOPEMEA (14.03.2024)

Cluster Lumière organized a networking event in Lyon that started with a presentation of new members and new projects, including the SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project.

SHAPE-THE-LIGHT DEEP DIVE WORKSHOPS IN ITALY!

Great success for the event SHAPE-THE-LIGHT “La beautification degli spazi architettonici interni ed esterni” organized by Rete di Imprese Luce in Veneto, with the sponsorship of the Veneto Region and in collaboration with Università Iuav di Venezia, the Order of Architects PPC Venice, and the Foundation of Architects PPC Venice. Over 70 people attended the event, held at Palazzo Cà Tron in Venice on 11.07.2024. Architects, lighting designers, professors, students, artists, and lighting companies had the opportunity to delve into topics on the use of light and the composition of spaces, as well as explore trends in the design sector.

The SHAPETHELIGHT Deep Dive Workshop began with introductory greetings from Prof. Benno Albrecht, Rector of the Università Iuav di Venezia; Arch. Roberto Beraldo, President of the Order of Architects of Venice; Eng. Alberto Sozza, President of Rete di Imprese Luce in Veneto.

Following, Prof. Alberto Bassi (Università Iuav di Venezia) examined the history of design, highlighting how the constant miniaturization of lighting fixtures, made possible by increasingly compact light sources, enhances the beautification of both exterior and interior spaces, particularly in the enhancement of artistic and cultural heritage.

Next, Arch. Carolina De Camillis (lighting designer/AIDI ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA DI ILLUMINAZIONE) emphasized how sustainability, EcoDesign, and human-centric lighting, combined with a skillful artistic use of light, make the role of Lighting Designers increasingly important in the enhancement of architectural spaces and in new Smart City concepts. Her presentation was further enriched by examples of cultural heritage enhancement, with a particular focus on Roman sites in Rome.

The event concluded with a Fireside Chat on the theme “Women in Lighting”, featuring:

  • Arch. Carolina De Camillis, lighting designer/AIDI ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA DI ILLUMINAZIONE
  • Silvia Betteto, ELESI LUCE S.R.L.
  • Laura Bellia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II and President of AIDI ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA DI ILLUMINAZIONE
  • Arch. Francesca Cremasco, lighting designer/AIDI ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA DI ILLUMINAZIONE
  • Arch. Silvia Codato, Bongiana Architetture
  • Dr. Antonella Venza, Cluster Manager of Rete di Imprese Luce in Veneto

The roundtable stimulated lively discussion and audience participation on the role of women in the professional field of lighting design.