We interviewed Bianca Tresoldi, independent lighting designer, member of AIDI (Italian lighting association) and of the APIL (association of lighting designers) advisory committee, on the topic of darkness in urban lighting.
Artificial urban lighting is intended to make cities more liveable at night, and ensure the safety of those living in urban spaces. What are the risks of excessive lighting from a biological and environmental perspective? Are current technologies and regulations enough to reduce unnecessary and harmful lighting?
Public lighting, car headlights, smartphone screens, smart TVs, illuminated signs, etc. all add to the excess of light that floods cities. The excess of artificial light over the territory has transformed the night-time landscape into a confused, widespread and sometimes dazzling brightness; with extremely delicate implications for our health and ecosystem. The illuminated portion of the Earth grows by more than 2% each year, growing in both size and brightness. Tens of thousands of insects and animals are confused by this excessive glow, more or less like every living being; even we are confused by all this light.
This omnipresent light, which allows us to live 24 hours a day, interrupts the natural rhythms that the human body has developed over time, rhythms designed to control more than 15% of our genes, and the impact on our heath is staggering when they no longer function as they should. Some answers are clear, but not all are reliable and documented. We live in a continuous experiment to find out what happens if we expose ourselves to long days, as if there was no night.
Many countries take various measures to reduce unnecessary lighting. Until a few years ago, only enthusiasts of the skies were aware of the problem. Today, numerous scientific studies show the serious implications of having too much light, and there is also an economic factor; more than 30% of the electric bills for public lighting is wasted. As a result, new lightning ergonomics parameters are being defined, which consider not only vision, but also aspects linked to personal well-being and the environment.
Current technologies, regulations and laws help, but they are not enough to reduce unnecessary lighting. It is necessary to light better and with more awareness, with design that can guarantee balanced and sustainable urban development, and planning that is integrated with the surrounding area.
Each player in an environmental redevelopment project must take full professional and legal responsibility for every action, and developers, for one, must inform themselves on the subject in order to choose the right players, and enter into the merits of the project so that they can make informed choices.
Urban lighting can tell the story of a city because it can enhance some areas, routes and architecture, and affect the emotional response of observers by varying the brightness, direction, colour and diffusion of the light. What is the value of shade, and therefore darkness, in urban lighting projects?
Artificial light has become a symbol of wealth, a common commodity to be used without limits, beyond normal human needs. We need to start turning off lights.
We've all been convinced that light increases road and personal safety, that we've defeated darkness, and the night is no longer synonymous with fear, but our cities are not as safe as we thought.
We have to get used to the dark again, the raw material of the universe is not light, but darkness. Through shadows, which are created by light, we can see the shapes in a dark space. Having chased after light, we no longer have shadows. We must darken the territory in order to re-draw the elements that make up the urban space with light, creating an integral harmony that allows the city to tell its story.
Urban lighting is complex work involving great social and environmental responsibility. We consider it important to assign lighting projects for public and private spaces in the city to lighting designers. What is the main obstacle to establishing this professional figure in Italy and Europe today? What could we do to ensure quality urban lighting?
The lighting project is a small piece of an area redevelopment project, and as such it is complex, structured, and requires professional skills. It cannot be a service with the aim of selling goods. Like all projects, lighting design also consists of an idea accompanied by a study of the implementation and execution options, which means a series of technical documents related to the work to be carried out. The main obstacle that I've faced in the last thirty years of professional activity was, and still is, recognition of the work done by the independent lighting designer. If we think of the importance of light, a material that lets us see, perceive, that affects our physical, mental and emotional state, that interacts with architectural and natural elements in the surrounding area, I wonder why lighting design is often left to “providence”. If we do not bestow importance on the professional lighting designer, it will be very hard to guarantee quality urban lighting.
We are proud to announce that we have been awarded a Silver Medal by EcoVadis for our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility.
Can light transform itself from a vision instrument to an object of vision? Can urban lighting have a social impact? How can IoT technology improve the livability of a city? We talked about it with the lighting designer François Migeon.
Sans Serif and Aplos are our two new floor-washers for grazing lighting of urban paths and walkways.
Poli, Dual and Sigma Street are our new proposals for the lighting of urban centres, spaces that are finally returning to life after a long period of unnatural absence and silence.
Discover the new lines: Sans Serif, Aplos, Poli, Dual, Sigma Street
Cariboni Group has been nominated among the 800 "Champion 2020" of the Italian economy: a survey conducted by Corriere della Sera and the ItalyPost Research Centre regarding growth and economic solidity in Italian companies rewards our results
After having stopped all our production activities for a short period, in compliance with the restrictive measures imposed by the Italian Government, we are pleased to inform you that starting from Wednesday 8th April we will reopen both production units in Osnago (LC) and Rovereto (TN). This will occur in compliance with the provisions issued by the Italian Government on March 22, 2020.
Making roads safer, more comfortable and more efficient in order to improve quality and sustainability. How? Thanks to new technology and the Internet of Things. This is the creation of the Smart Road of the future
Light + Building 2020: Cariboni Group confirms its presence in September and will be once again among the protagonists of the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology
Elegant and simple lines, elevated visual comfort, excellent colour rendering, continuous and even light distribution.
The new solution in the Sigma line for the illumination of urban spaces and routes.
Clean lines, considerable visual comfort and a wide and even light distribution.
A city designed for people and not just for vehicles, in which slow mobility - pedestrian - contributes to the well-being of citizens, also through proper lighting. Our interview with Laura Bellia
Nowadays, street network design no longer focuses exclusively on the needs of drivers, but also takes into account the habitability of the areas that the streets traverse, and the well-being of the people that use them. Illumination plays a fundamental role.
Light + Building 2020: Cariboni Group confirms its presence and will be once again among the protagonists of the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology
The use of augmented, virtual and mixed reality is of particular interest in the field of participatory urban planning, particularly when dealing with choices regarding lighting
Urban acupuncture: interventions for the regeneration of urban public space in order to satisfy the real needs of the inhabitants, with illumination playing an important role. An interview with Matteo Pettinaroli of Needle.
M48 Area is the ideal solution for the lighting of industrial and commercial interiors. Offering high performance and capable of responding to all lighting needs, it guarantees excellent light uniformity
WELL certification is the first building standard focused on human health and well-being. And it also includes light.
The mission of architecture to regenerate suburbs also includes public lighting choices
Drive-over, with uninterrupted radial emission and without the need for recessing: Grace is the grazing light solution for public and private drives and open spaces
The Circular Economy, a form of economy created on the basis of regeneration and reuse, in which lighting can and must play a part.
an light recount a city? At night, lighting radically changes the urban scenarios we see during the day, which means it can tell the story of a city by highlighting specific buildings and details. But not only. It can also influence our perception of place, arouse explicit emotions and determine the state of mind with which we experience them.
Kore: an orientable recessed lighting system that is ideal for both accented and diffused lighting
Kosmos Flood is an innovative LED spotlight for the avant-garde lighting of façades, walkways and urban spaces.
Osvaldo Cariboni, founder of the group, from his experiences in America to his return to Lecco and the setting up of Cariboni: a story of courage, entrepreneurship and ability.
Sigma: spotlights and wall-washers that optimise visual comfort while at the same time delivering high performance
Cities are increasingly digital, connected and smart, so light must also be intelligent, interact with users, adapt to environmental changes and respond effectively to external conditions
A traditional style with innovative LED technology, the perfect combination of the past and the future for the lighting of historical urban centres
Transforming basic lighting system structures for today and tomorrow’s Smart Cities: connectivity, data collection, service supplies... the Internet of Things passes through here
The ideal solution for motorways, extra urban roads or large areas: Kairos Medium, reliability, resistance and interconnection for smartcities.
Trail Solid Line, in the IN and ON versions, offers excellent light quality, maximum energy efficiency and reduced maintenance, and can be either fitted to ceilings or recessed in false ceilings.
The fundamental aspect of the glocal philosophy is that it places individuals, people and the community at the centre of every activity. Whether it be a single client or all the inhabitants of an urban area, the aim remains that of offering the best solution for each specific requirement.
A compact and versatile recessed light to be fitted to ceilings, walls, floors or as a step-light.
A recessed orientable lighting system which can be installed in floors or ceilings, perfect for illuminating open areas and monuments: the versatility of Kore
An orientable spotlight for the accent or diffused lighting of external areas and architecture
Visual well-being and optical control for beam projectors and wall-washers which render the light emitting surface almost invisible: Sigma combines high performance and the utmost comfort
In order to design good lighting, it is necessary to have an in-depth understanding of the relationship between space and behaviour in order to improve the usability of areas
Urban lighting can improve even further. We believe that nowadays, all the ingredients needed to create good lighting are available, but laymen are lacking the culture of light
Beauty is but the revelation of a darkness which has fallen and the light which has come out of it. (Alda Merini)
Cariboni is sponsoring the “Formazione in Luce” courses organised by AIDI (the Italian lighting association) and ASSIL (the Italian association of lighting manufacturers)
This year, Cariboni donated lighting to the Dynamo Vegetable Gardens, a new structure which will allow the Camp to offer special new activities for both younger and older children.
Light allows us to perceive colours, space, objects, and it is perhaps the first form of art that nature gives us.
Grace is an elegant and compact grazing light which can be walked or driven over. It is available with two different light beam angles: 360° and 180°.
We are currently in the midst of a phase of radical changes. Innovating is paramount: customer expectations evolve, regulatory requirements become more complex and the competition increases.
The 4.0 revolution in Italy, closely linked to the IoT world, although initially slow, has begun and is producing the first results.
The value of our lighting solutions is to be found not only in the development process but also in the ability to create synergy with the productive realities of the territory.
Cariboni Group with its partner SLF takes part in Belektro 2018, proven industry platform for new product launches. Stand 217 - Hall 2.2 at Berlin ExpoCenter City from 6th to 8th November.
The ideal solution for linear outdoor and indoor lighting where excellent light quality is required.
Made in Italy lighting in 2017 generated an export of 2.2 billion, an increase of 1.9% over the previous year. Abroad, Made in Italy is a renowned brand, synonymous with beauty, passion, creativity, culture and quality.
A new revolution of Lighting seems to be around the corner, which is there for all to see. The LED revolution has already ended, modifying the lighting world, but the change that is about to take place is far greater and deeper.
The introduction of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) in the city thus becomes an essential social need to create an infrastructure able to offer new opportunities to use public spaces and improve the quality of life of people.
Sigma: spotlights and wall-washers that optimise visual comfort while at the same time delivering high performance
Cariboni Group presents the new ORAO system. Designed to discretely illuminate urban space.
The various modes of installation and the orientability of Kosmos respond to specific functional and architectural requirements of each urban context.
Cariboni Group is sponsor of Light for life - Italian Night event organized by its partner Smart Light on 17th May 2018 at Pestovateľská 8A from 6.00 pm.
Cariboni Group is Networking sponsor of 7th Annual Middle East Lighting Design Summit on 2nd & 3rd May 2018 in Dubai.
Cariboni Group presented The Geography of light, at Light + Building, the most important event of lighting and smart building held in Frankfurt from March 18th to 23rd.
From 18th to 23rd March 2018 we will be happy to welcome you at The Geography of light Hall 3.1 Booth B61, an experiential tour through the places we live every day.
On March 1, 2018 Cariboni Group was born, a group that combines the experience and expertise of two Made in Italy brands: Cariboni Lite specialized in architectural lighting and Fivep SpA dedicated to urban street lighting.
Modular system with LED technology for large areas, sports structures, industrial and retail spaces, car parks, stations, tunnels, underpasses and roads.
Our best wishes for happy holidays to all of you! We remind you that our offices will be closed from December 23, 2017 to January 7, 2018 included.
Cariboni group provides designer with its product catalogue in Revit files for BIM projects.
Cariboni group presents the new KOSMOS system. Solutions with LED technology for lighting façades, paths and urban spaces.
On the occasion of the 7th International Symposium dedicated to the LED Professional Cariboni group presented the research: "Impact of spectrum and color temperature of white LED light sources on circadian clock and melatonin suppression".
Cariboni group with its partner Delsana takes part in Kommunale 2017, International Trade Fair and Convention for Public Equipment, Stand 647 - Hall 9 at Messezentrum Nürnberg from 18th to 19th October.
Cariboni group renews its presence at Light Middle East 2017, organized by Messe Frankfurt, 17-19 October 2017 at stand B16 - Hall 2, Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Cariboni group takes part in 7th International Symposium dedicated to the LED professional, 26-28 September 2017 at Festspielhaus Bregenz.
Cariboni group presents Kairos. LED fitting for the lighting of roads and cycle-pedestrian paths.
Cariboni group is responsible for the LED programme for Rome; the largest-scale substitution of public lighting currently under way in Europe, which will allow the capital to save approximately 19 million euros a year.
Cariboni group presents Agathos leaflet. The document contains all the essential information about the lantern designed to house the most advanced LED technology.
Season’s Greetings and All Our Best Wishes to You for 2017! We remind you that our offices will be closed from December 24, 2016 to January 8, 2017 included.
Cariboni group renews its presence at Light Middle East 2016, the most important exhibition in the Middle East dedicated to Lighting, organized by Messe Frankfurt from 31st October to 2nd November 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (United Arab Emirates).
Cariboni group continues its partnership with Energy-Efficient Street Lighting Roadshow, project initiated by dena as part of the campaign for energy efficiency; the last stage is Regensburg.
A lantern specifically designed to house the LED technology. Colour temperature available: 4000K, 3000K and the new 2200K, the most appropriate colour temperature for old villages, old town and tourist centers that require the replacement of products with traditional high pressure sodium lamp.
Cariboni group with its partner SLF take part in Belektro 2016, proven industry platform for new product launches. Stand 116 - Hall 2.2 at Berlin ExpoCenter City from 11th to 13th October.
Ekleipsis and M48 AREA are candidates for the first edition of Archiproducts Design Awards. Until 10th October 2016 you can vote your favourite product getting an extra 10% discount to use on Archiproducts Shop.
The video contest "Riprenditi la città, Riprendi la luce" (Retake the city, film the light), organized by AIDI (Italian Lighting Association) becomes an exhibition at Fabbrica del Vapore, realized on the occasion of the XXI International Exposition, Triennale di Milano.
Cariboni group continues its partnership with Energy-Efficient Street Lighting Roadshow, project initiated by dena as part of the campaign for energy efficiency; the third stage is Karlsruhe.
Cariboni group is partner of Energy-Efficient Street Lighting Roadshow, project initiated by dena (German Energy Agency) as part of the campaign for energy efficiency sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economics Affairs and Energy.
Cariboni group took part in Light + Building 2016, the most important event in the world dedicated to the Lighting, held in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) from 13th to 18th March 2016.
Ekleipsis wins the prestigious Design Plus Award 2016, organized by Light + Building and the German Design Council. Once again "Made in Italy" is synonymous with international quality.
Cariboni group and Euro-Light together for ŚWIATŁO (Light) 2016, 24th International Fair of Lighting Equipment, from 27th to 29th January 2016, stand D28 - Hall 1, at the Warsaw Centre EXPO XXI, Poland.
Cariboni group is "gold sponsor" of the third edition of the International video contest "Riprendi-ti la città, Riprendi la luce" (Retake the city, film the light), a series of short films organized and promoted by the cultural nonprofit AIDI (Italian Lighting Association) in collaboration with the Fondazione Triennale and with the patronage of important institutions such as the FAI (Italian National Trust).
Cariboni group presents Ekleipsis leaflet. The location is the charming former Italcementi cement plant of Alzano Lombardo, the product is Ekleipsis, indirect light luminaire for ceiling, surface, recess, bollard and pole installation.
Cariboni group is gold sponsor of Stadtlicht + Verkehr, the annual meeting, from 24th to 25th November 2015, where the network "LED Smart Lighting" brings together in Leipzig to discuss adaptive street lighting and urban telematics.
Cariboni group sponsored Light Design 2015, organized by ITMO University, Creative Association of Lighting Designers RULD and Higher School of Lighting Design of ITMO University, took place on 8th and 9th October 2015 at ITMO University of St. Petersburg.
Cariboni group takes part in Light Middle East 2015, the most important fair in the Middle East dedicated to Lighting sector, organised by Messe Frankfurt from 6th to 8th October 2015 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The new size SMALL X for the KAI line, protagonist of Porta Nuova Smart Community in Milan. Lighting street professional fixtures extremely compact optimized and manufactured specifically to accommodate the latest generation LED sources.
On the occasion of the International Year of Light and the 20th anniversary of ASSIL (National Association of Lighting Manufacturers) will be held at Casa dell’Energia the General Assembly of ASSIL and the public event "Conjugating energy efficiency, comfort and safety: intelligent lighting for the Well-being of people”.
Cariboni group lights up the path dedicated to urban agriculture as part of the program of Expo 2015 initiatives for "Porta Nuova Smart Community", promoted by Riccardo Catella Foundation with Confagricoltura and Fondazione Nicola Trussardi.
The second edition of the international video contest, organised by AIDI, turned to end. More than 160 videos joined the competition from all over the world.
Cariboni group won the tender for the requalification of lighting of the outer road network of the city of Milan that lead to open the way to Expo 2015.
Cariboni group won the tender for the renovation of the public lighting in Arendal, Norway.
Like in Milan, as result of the Iren S.p.a. tender award, Cariboni group lights up the green areas and the cycle paths of the city of Turin with KALOS lighting fitting.
Lighting is performing a great effect but a low impact, for the respect of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
A project of modernization of all green areas in Milan with the new LED lighting technology on the occasion of Expo 2015.
Cariboni group is "gold sponsor" of the second edition of the International video contest "Riprendi-ti la città, Riprendi la luce" (Retake the city, film the light), a series of short films organized and promoted by the cultural nonprofit AIDI (Italian Lighting Association) in collaboration with the Fondazione Triennale.
Cariboni group took part in Light Middle East 2014, the most important fair in the Middle East dedicated to Lighting sector, organised by Messe Frankfurt from 3rd to 5th November 2014 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Cariboni group sponsored Light Design 2014, organized by ITMO University and Creative Association of Lighting Designers RULD, took place on 9th and 10th October 2014 at ITMO University of St. Petersburg.
Cariboni group took part in Light + Building 2014, the most important International fair dedicated to Lighting, which took place in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) from 30rd March to 4th April 2014.
At Spiga Street, sponsored by the Municipality of Milan Cariboni group switched on permanently the innovative smart city based on the latest "smart lighting" technologies.