The Simcoe WaveDeck inspired by the shorelines of Lake Ontario is undoubtedly one of the most unique Canadian urban docks. With its wavelike shape, this distinctive signature piece on Toronto’s waterfront features an informal public amphitheatre-style space with impressive curves that soar as high as 2.6 meters above the lake.

“The Simcoe WaveDeck has created a new public space at the water’s edge by replacing a narrow sidewalk with a grand waterside gathering place. Its whimsical and dynamic design has made the wavedeck one of the waterfront’s most interesting new public spaces. People of all ages are enjoying views of the harbour from its 30 metre-long backless bench, using its steps as a place to eat lunch and taking pictures of themselves sliding on its graceful curves.

The  design teams of  West 8 + DTAH have created a 650 square meter structure made of yellow glulam cedar and ipe wood. The wavedeck’s two large swells feature slender stainless steel railings that follow the undulations of the waves in the deck. These railings are designed to differentiate the curved portions of the deck and help visitors negotiate the slopes.

In addition to the railings the wavedeck includes several other health and safety features including antislip components at the edge of each step and a visual white band to provide contrast and help mark the edge of steps. To provide traction on the slopes, strips of abrasive material called carborandum inserts were used and the deckboards were angled to provide extra traction on the steepest slopes.

In the evening, the deck is lit from below with colourful LED fixtures mounted to the timber structure. These colourful lights cast a glow from beneath the deck creating a beautiful effect on the water and highlight the architecture of the wavedeck.”

The Simcoe WaveDeck is a wonderful example that proves how remarkably well designed public spaces can promote interaction between people and their environment and also provide a coherent urban identity for any neigbourhood.

Well done Toronto!

To help recreate that balance and keep the city as pleasant as possible for everyone, we must bring some nature back into it. This will benefit everyone by giving people that balance. By giving them a break from the predictable.  By helping to clean the air, not only in a purifying way but also in an olfactory way: the scent and aroma of nature. By letting them see the beauty, complexity and amazement of nature as well as the beauty, complexity and amazement of what humans can do.

Different cities have done different things in the past to ensure this balance. Chicago has made the water accessible to everyone. New York City and Montreal have large urban parks in the middle of the city. Toronto has recently redesigned and enhanced their waterfront. Big urban parks are good, but are they enough? Would it be better to have a block of high rise buildings between two blocks of parks, alternating between concrete and nature? Is there a way to integrate it in every block? Is it necessary?

Many cities are now doing the parklets on the streets. This may be one solution. Another solution may be bringing natural elements to the street furniture we use, or lack thereof.

It is about bringing everything full circle. Coming back to our roots. After 100 years of building cities that keep on getting bigger and bigger with lots of concrete, we need to go back to having more natural elements, more natural textures and more natural environments withing our cities. We need to create a balance between technology and the human touch. We need to bring nature back to the city.

SoleCity Vertical LED Light Post with wood inserts

SoleCity bench with wood

Philips today launched the next generation application for the Hue lighting system, allowing consumers to control their light bulbs using a smartphone or tablet with even more flexibility, depth and breadth than before. The new Philips Hue channel on IFTTT (If This Then That) enables the Hue system access to any application programming interface (API) on the Internet, allowing Hue smart bulbs to act as informational gateways and visual cues for updates on weather, stock quotes, sports scores, email, social media and more.

Other features in V1.1 of the system include geofencing and “recurring schedules” – both of which were added to the feature set in response to user feedback collected since Hue launched last fall. Geofencing approximates the managing device’s location and controls lights as a user’s smartphone or tablet approaches or leaves the home. In this way, lights can automatically turn on or change settings as a Hue user arrives home or the bulbs can shut down as a homeowner walks out the front door – all without the user even having to take their smartphone out of their pocket.

With the recurring schedules addition, Hue enthusiasts can now calendarize popular timer settings so that repetitive, daily behaviors in the home, like waking up and going to sleep, are supported and enhanced by Hue without having to reset them each day. The timer function can now also be set to “randomize” lights so that they turn on and off organically at unexpected times when an owner is away from home for extended periods, adding another level of security.

A new “synchronous scenes” feature works in the background to assure that large batches of Hue bulbs change scenes in a smooth, immediate manner. Pre-set scenes are now stored in the bulbs themselves, eliminating a “wave” or domino effect that can currently occur as the bulbs relay a command among multiple bulbs throughout a home.

“People have really taken to Hue with the idea of connected lighting being a stepping stone to the connected home and in the last six months alone it has exceeded sales expectations by 300 percent,” said Ed Crawford, general manager and senior vice president of the Professional Channel, Philips Lighting Americas. “We have built a vibrant, vocal community at meethue.com and the feedback of those voices has been invaluable. The guidance given by our most enthusiastic users was a major factor in bringing our latest updates to life and we can’t wait to see what they think of next.”

Just last month Philips published Hue’s open APIs and released related guides and libraries in an iOS software developers’ kit (SDK), reinforcing its commitment to helping the developer community and the end user leverage Hue to its full potential. In fact, since publishing Hue’s open APIs on March 11, dozens of new apps have already hit the market. Some of these new apps now instruct the bulbs to coordinate with music and album art, adjust according to a person’s biorhythms, assist in planetary study, respond to spoken commands, and synchronize with television screens for an ambient, immersive viewing experience.

Combine this recent proliferation of SDK-inspired apps with the new IFTTT (pronounced like “gift” without the “g”) partnership and the evolution of Hue apps is expected to continue at a steady pace. Like the current capacity for users to share “Light Recipes” or “scenes” at meethue.com, IFTTT will make new API “Recipes” and apps possible that can prompt a user’s bulbs to behave in specific ways based on predetermined “Triggers” and resulting “Actions.” For example, a Hue bulb may be set to change color if it is going to rain or start blinking if the user has received an urgent email.

Using the ZigBee LightLink standard, Hue bulbs can not only communicate with each other, they have the potential for communicating with other ZigBee-based devices such as motion sensors and home thermostats, while offering a broad signal range and using significantly less stand-by power than traditional Wi-Fi systems. Software updates for the bulbs like those announced today are done automatically via the bridge and the bulbs themselves, and additional apps developed for the system are available through app stores or meetHue.com, making it easy and intuitive for users to update Hue with applications and functionality that will enhance their lighting experience.

Current iOS Hue users will be prompted by their hand held device to accept the update or can visit http://www.meethue.com/en-US for more information, with updates to Android and Kindle devices coming this month. Hue starter kits comprising three bulbs and a Smartbridge are available at Apple stores and Amazon. Additional bulbs can also be purchased for $59.

For more information about Philips Hue and its capabilities visit http://www.meethue.com/en-US.

LFI Innovation Awards

Two Philips lighting solutions won four LFI Innovation Awards and two of these were main awards.

BoldPlay received two LFI Awards:

-Most Innovative Product of the Year 

-Best in Class in its category.

Another proud moment for Philips was “hue” winning two LFI awards:

-Judges Citation Award 

- Best in Class in its category.

 To top it all off, Philips was thrilled to receive the award for best booth.

We are very happy to share  with you the Philips tour on video that highlights our latest innovative lighting solutions from Crisp White Technology in retail to Luminous Textiles, from Solar Solutions  to Urban and Roadway Luminaires, from ¨hue¨ and BoldPlay to Lightaide and SkyRibbon PowerCore plus much much more. So even if you could’nt make it to Philadelphia this year, here is a recap of Philips best in class products that were on show at Lightfair 2013.

Philips Tour Video

The region that pioneered Canadian hydroelectricity adopts another game-changing technology—smart LED street lighting—and reduces its lighting energy use by 45%

Known as “The City of Energy,” Shawinigan, Quebec, has been a leader in energy-efficient solutions since the turn of the 19^th century, when it opened one of the first hydroelectric power plants in Canada. In keeping with that tradition, the city is committed to upholding its reputation as an energy pioneer by implementing the most cutting-edge, energy-saving technologies.

“Because Shawinigan is considered to be the cradle of hydroelectricity in Canada, we believe that we should be a technology showcase for all energy-saving projects in the region,” explains Daniel Chauvette, leader of Horticulture & Special Projects for Shawinigan’s Department of Public Works. “Like many cities in Quebec, we’ve been keeping track of the development of LEDs. But before undertaking an LED lighting project we wanted to ensure that we would receive a good return on investment.”

As part of the program, the city wanted to update the 50-year-old, high-pressure sodium parking lot lighting system in one of its most prominent public parks with the latest in LED lighting and controls. After researching the range of available LED roadway lighting manufacturers, Chauvette and his team selected Philips Lumec to provide the cost-effective and technologically advanced system they envisioned. Using its expertise in LED street lighting and controls, Philips Lumec identified the ideal solution for the City of Shawinigan.

To suit the city’s diverse seasonal needs, meet Illumination Engineering Society (IES) recommend light levels, and offer a significant reduction in lighting energy use and associated costs, Philips Lumec created a solution integrating its new RoadView LED luminaires with the company’s Amplight smart street lighting controls and DynaDimmer advanced dimming system. Installed in late spring, the 13 new RoadView luminaires use only 12.68 kWh of electricity per day. They have reduced the site’s lighting energy use by more than 45% when compared to the previous high-pressure sodium fixtures.

“But, the energy savings weren’t all,” adds Chauvette. “We wanted to light our streets and not the sky or the surrounding areas.  And that was a strong selling point of the RoadView luminaire.” While a typical flat-lens cobra head fixtures only produces about 40% downward street side lumens, the Philips RoadView puts more than 70% of its lumen output on the downward street side, resulting in more uniform light on parking lot surfaces and walkways and less wasted light and light trespass into the night sky.

The integrated system offers Shawinigan total control of the park lighting. The city can now tune light levels to accommodate seasonal changes in park attendance, special events and even to further increase energy and cost savings. The comprehensive smart lighting system allows the city to program light levels and monitor the luminaires remotely from a website. Additionally, the solution enables the city to save time and money on lighting maintenance by administering maintenance alerts in real time.

By partnering with a leader in LED street lighting, the city of Shawinigan was able to integrate the future of lighting technology into its present-day operations.

“In my opinion, without Philip Lumec’s knowledge, expertise and involvement, this project wouldn’t have been possible,” claims Chauvette. “The RoadView luminaire’s use of extruded aluminum means better cooling of the unit, which results in longer life for the LEDs, lower maintenance costs, better performance and more functionalities (pathway motion sensors and progressive lighting to avoid glare). As for the Amplight system, we wanted a robust, reliable and easily upgradable management system. Again, we relied on Philips Lumec’s professionalism to help us make our choice.  We knew we could trust their recommendation.”

Project Statistics

The LFI 2013 trade show features more than 500 exhibitors spanning more than 200,000 net square feet; 80+ first-time exhibitors; the addition of two new product categories; solar power and software plus the debut of the new Exterior & Roadway Lighting Pavilion.

The Philips booth is also the biggest and best it has ever been. 10,200 square feet where more than 100 lighting solutions will be on display with many of our experts on hand to explain how they work and show you what makes them different from other products.

Philips has been present at Lightfair since its debut in Manhattan 24 years ago (article). 1990 was the year and Philips’ featured product was the PL-L40 W fluorescent lamp. How times have changed. Lighting has evolved and emerging new technologies are all the rage.

Here is a list of 10 featured lighting solutions from Philips that pair advanced LED technology, intelligent design and undisputable energy savings to look out for at Lightfair.

EcoForm – An LED arm mounted area luminaire combining economy with performance. Capable of delivering 20,000 lumens or more in a compact, the low profile LED luminaire EcoForm offers a new level of customer value. EcoForm features an innovative retrofit arm kit, simplifying site conversions to LED by eliminating the need to drill additional holes in most existing poles.

EcoForm Solar -This Solar Lighting system provides dusk-to-dawn lighting with the ability to dim on sensor or on time-based information.The 40 or 70W system uses solar panels and batteries to efficiently harvest solar energy during the day, and store it for night time use. The system incorporates UL listed/recognized intelligent controls and power electronics that facilitate least panel size and smallest battery capacity for a desired light profile for up to five dark days without compromising its integrity.

BoldPlay – An unrivaled LED luminaire harnessing the full potential of MesoOptics and light guide technology. Brilliant design and engineering fearlessly combine to deliver unprecedented performance while offering exceptional control, true color rendition, and perfect uniformity. Its direct indirect distribution enables ultra wide row spacing, reducing the number of luminaires required in a space, which means a significant reduction in energy consumption.

Flat Panel LED - Edge-lit white LED system that is less intrusive and requires no additional wiring. It delivers high efficacy and clean illumination

LightAide – Helping visually impaired children to achieve their full potential. Knowing that many visually impaired children can detect and respond to light, LightAide uses arrays of colored LED lights to assess, engage and teach children who are blind/low vision.

LUXEON T - High-efficacy, Illumination Grade LED Light Source. LUXEON T emitters are illumination grade LEDs designed to deliver high efficacy with high flux density to enable tight beam control in directional and high lumen applications.

LUXEON 3535L - In addition to delivering specified Correlated Color Temperature and Color Rendering combinations, these emitters deliver the efficacy and reliability required by the indoor and outdoor illumination markets.

FluxStream – Revolutionize linear lighting with the benefits of LED Technology. FluxStream family of LED luminaires offers you dramatically improved, new standards for flexibility, maintenance-free long life and enduring lighting quality versus fluorescents.

PAR LED Retail Optic Lamp Family – Designed with Airflux technology this single source optic is specifically design for the Retail & Hospitality Specialty Segments where visual comfort and impact are important. The high efficacy LED reflector lamps are available in PAR30S, PAR30L, and PAR38. They will help provide store merchandisers, restaurants, hotel owners and lighting designers a clean look that blend seamlessly into the ceiling while focusing light where it is needed.

CDM MasterColor Evolution – Single-ended, highest-efficiency, longest-life Ceramic Metal Halide discharge lamp producing crisp white sparkling light with high color rendering.

Follow us on Twitter for daily updates, breaking news, highlights and photos regarding Philips’ presence at Lightfair International 2013.

Energy efficient lighting is part of the solution to both climate change and the energy crisis. It will also help speed up the revolution towards a new world energy audit in which renewable energy sources will radically change the way our energy supplies are produced and distributed.

Did you know?

• Lighting accounts for more than 19% of the world’s total electricity consumption

• Approximately two thirds of all lighting installed around the world is based on older, less energy-efficient technology

• Energy-efficient general lighting has the potential to achieve average energy savings of 40%

• Changing all US outdoor lighting to LEDs could prevent the emission of as much as 90 million metric tons of CO₂

• Europe has 80 million roadway lights that consume 59 TWh (Terawathour) / year
• US has 50 million Roadway Lights that consume 52 TWh (Terawathour) / year
• Canada has 17 million roadway lights that consume 12 TWh/year

• Cities outdoor lighting systems account for 40% of the total electricity bill

• Most car dealership could save 50% of energy with a 2 year ROI without compromising security and safety (IESNA recommendation)

• Adding motion sensor to parking garage lighting fixtures could provide between 35% to 60% energy savings

• Philips became the first lighting company to call for a phase out of all incandescent light bulbs in December 2006

• Cuba was the first country to phase out incandescent light bulbs in 2006 to capture the energy savings CFLs offer

• Philips created the world’s most energy-efficient warm white LED lamp delivering 200 lumen per watt high quality light

• The 200lm/W TLED lamp is expected to hit the market in 2015

• CFL lamps offer 80% energy savings

• Eco Classic Halogen 50% energy savings

• Master LED 80% energy savings

Here is a list of Philips lighting solutions that will help you switch to energy efficient lighting.

LAMPS – RETAIL, HOSPITALITY, OFFICE AND RESIDENTIAL LIGHTING

Available now

A19 60W can be replaced by Philips 11W……………………………..81% energy savings

BR30 65W can be replaced by Philips 13W……………………………80% energy savings

PAR30L 75W can be replaced by Philips 12W Retail Optic……….84% energy savings

BR30 65W replaced by Philips 9.5W CorePro BR30………………..85% energy savings

120W Halogen PAR38 replaced by Philips 19W Retail Optic……..84% energy savings for 101W savings

Available  June/July

PAR38 90W can be replaced by Philips 13W Retail Optic…………85% energy savings

PAR30S 75W can be replaced by Philips 12W Retail Optic……….84% energy savings

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Roadway

StreetView

RoadView

RoadStar

Urban

SoleCity up to 65% energy savings…………99% recyclable

UrbanScape up to 60% energy savings…….82.5% recyclable

MetroScape up to 60% energy savings ……82% recyclable

SlenderForm up to 65% energy savings

PureForm up to 65% energy savings

Moreover, this year, Philips will be showcasing The Walk from Dutch artist Titia Ex, courtsey of the LightArtCenter. The art piece is a sphere that demonstrates the balance between art and technology using 5,000 pixels and LED innovations to create a unique and inspirational experience. Motivated by the works of poet Dante Alighieri, Titia Ex worked closely with Philips to realize her vision, depicting the journey through life using light to communicate the story.

Other highlights include:

• Philips Hue BR30 – A preview of the latest form factor to be added to the game-changing Philips Hue line-up. Benefitting from the same great light quality and mobile application approach as the Philips Hue A19, the new Philips Hue BR30 downlight, a 65-watt equivalent with a 91 CRI in the 2700k white range, allows for general illumination as with traditional downlights.

• For retail, Philips will introduce CrispWhite, an LED light source that rivals halogen, allowing whites to appear pure and bright, and colors vivid and intense, making them ideal for showcasing merchandise in store. Additionally, the company will be launching a broad range of retail specific single optic LED solutions in lamps and luminaires to answer the need for more visual appealing accent LED lighting.

• The FluxStream family of LED linear luminaires deliver high-quality, uniform light with easy installation, offering an LED alternative to fluorescent light sources.

• New SpaceWise technology provides application-specific intelligent dimming for open plan offices, resulting in occupant-friendly deep energy savings. Suitable for replacement-in-place in existing buildings or new layouts, it uses wireless control with embedded occupancy and daylight sensors in LED luminaires, eliminating the need for additional wiring.

• Innovative new LED lighting technologies, including IntelliPower for easily and affordably deploying dynamic, digitally controllable LED lighting solutions using existing electrical systems, and IntelliHue for producing both high-quality tunable white light and color-changing effects from the same fixture. Also being introduced is the Flat Panel LED, an edge-lit white LED luminaire that delivers high efficacy and clean illumination.

• New flexible outdoor LED lighting solutions such as Streetview and EcoForm offer cities and commercial organizations an affordable LED lighting solution to meet sustainability goals, yet can rival traditional lighting solutions like High-Intensity Discharge (HID) in cost. For organizations that want to take sustainability to the next level, Philips will also be highlighting the Philips EcoForm Solar solution.

• The LUXEON CoB (chip-on-board) high-efficacy LED with a small light emitting surface and greater uniformity of light. The  LUXEON CoB from Philips Lumileds is the latest entry to an expanding portfolio of application-specific LEDs.

Creating Livable Cities

Working with artist Leo Villareal, Philips has helped to turn the Bay Bridge into the world’s largest LED light sculpture, demonstrating the art of the possible with LED technology. Philips will be showcasing the LED technologies that have put some of the world’s most iconic structures in a new, efficient light, helping cities to create destination points, a sense of community, and energy savings

Office & Retail Spaces

With LED systems that are less intrusive and require no additional wiring, the latest DualLED and Flat Panel LED offerings from Philips demonstrate that  innovation, elegant design, sustainability, and intelligence can be combined harmoniously. The addition of products such as the EvoKit, a low-cost, easy to install LED retrofit for troffers,  give lighting partners and building owners alike many different paths  to meet lighting  and energy-efficiency goals, easily and affordably.

LED Retrofits

Philips continues to innovate its extensive portfolio of retrofit lamps with the only Energy Star qualified 100-watt LED equivalent and the next form factor in the Philips hue family.   With the broadest line-up of LED retrofits with beam angles and color temperatures that are ideal suited for retail and hospitality, including Crisp White technology and single optics, Philips helps retailers put the focus on merchandise to enhance the shopping experience and the hospitality sector to create the right atmosphere.

Special thanks to April Ruedaflores, Segment Manager at Philips Lighting for writing today’s blog post.

Today Philips  introduces the new PAR LED Retail Optic lamp family which is designed with Philips exclusive AirFlux technology to improve the shopping experience with visual comfort, aesthetics and optimal thermal efficiency.

The new PAR LED Retail Optic Lamp family by Philips is a single source optic specifically design for the Retail & Hospitality Specialty Segments where visual comfort and impact is important. The high efficacy LED reflector lamps are available in PAR30S, PAR30L, and PAR38 consisting of 15, 25 and 36 degree options in 900 and 1200 lumen outputs to provide store merchandisers, restaurants, hotel owners and lighting designers a clean look that blend seamlessly into the ceiling while focusing light where it is needed. The PAR LED Retail Optic is designed with Philips exclusive AirFlux technology, an airflow cooling system that eliminates the traditional distracting heat sink fins needed for thermal management of LED lamps. The energy efficient family saves facility and operations managers up to 75% in energy and reduces maintenance frequency compared to traditional sources.

Benefits

• Visual Comfort. Single source optic reduces glare distraction.
• Beautifully smooth, finished lens blends seamlessly into surroundings & contemporary fixture design allowing merchandise to be the focal point
• Makes your goods visible & more appealing with high quality lighting
• The Retail LED optic is designed to maximize the beam “punch”, resulting in a 20-25% more center beam candlepower
• Smooth transitioning, dimmable LED reflector lamps for flexible illumination.
  PAR38 and PAR30L only.
• Up to 45% additional lm/W savings compared to a multiple optic platform
• Virtually UV/IR free in the beam. Reduces color fading, avoids inventory spoilage

• Energy Star ® Qualification scheduled for May/June, 2013

PAR LED Retail Optic Lamp Family Overview:

• Three shapes, three sizes
• Available in 25 and 36 degrees for all models
• Available in 15 degrees (PAR38 model only)
• Available in 2700, 3000 and 4000K color temperatures for all models
• 83 CRI for excellent color rendering
• 5-year warranty

Models:

PAR30S. Non-Dimmable. Ideal lamp for Accent applications.
PAR38. Dimmable. Ideal lamp for Accent or Downlight applications.
PAR30L. Dimmable. Ideal lamp for Accent or Downlight applications.

In Montreal one of my favorite urban squares is the popular Saint-Louis Square in the famous Plateau neighbourhood. A classic Victorian fountain is situated in the middle of a painted water basin where people can cool off in the summer. There are also several benches to sit, rest and read or simply watch people go by. The Saint-Louis Square gazebo serves snacks and ice cream just a few feet away from the bust of the renowned French Canadian poet Emile Nelligan who owned a home nearby. Saint-Louis Square is a few steps away from Prince-Arthur Street, the lively pedestrian walkway, a haven for artists and musicians who add character and ambience to the area.

But what I really love is the architectural quality of the 19^th century Victorian houses decorated with delicate wrought iron trim bordering the square. Some residences have architecture that is reminiscent of 17^th century French castles. At a certain period the elite of the French Canadian bourgeoisie resided around the famous square.

A livable city definitely needs urban squares that are rich in history with wonderful architecture and well thought out landscape architecture. These spaces are part of the urban fabric of the neighbourhood and of the city itself. They are also a reflection of its culture.

Do you have a favorite urban square?

Here are links to articles on urban square and public spaces that got me thinking about one of my favorite urban square.

The Re-emergence of the Public Square     http://www.pps.org/reference/the-re-emergence-of-the-public-square/

Seeking the Top 100 Public Spaces in the U.S. and Canada            http://www.planetizen.com/node/51345

North America’s Top 12 Public Squares  http://www.pps.org/reference/uscanadasquares/

Are you familiar with www.urbansquares.com. It’s a website that offers virtual tours of urban squares for 26 different countries along with beautiful photos of the area surrounding the square in question. It is very well done. The Urban Square website also has a photo blog that explores the visual and artistic aspects of urban spaces.

http://www.pps.org/reference/uscanadasquares/