Photos by Nemi on Film unless otherwise stated.

stellar-we-ef.com

stellar-we-ef.com

Supported and developed in conjunction with WE-EF Lighting.

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Press Release:

WE-EF Lighting, together with Light Collective, was proud to host Stellar // Marfa 2026, a dark sky summit in Marfa, Texas, bringing together lighting designers, landscape architects, and lighting industry practitioners for an immersive exploration of responsible lighting under one of the darkest skies in the world. 

According to World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness, published in 2016, more than 80 percent of the world’s population lives under light polluted skies, and across America and Europe, almost 99 percent of the population can’t experience natural night. As a premium outdoor lighting manufacturer, WE-EF plays an integral role in producing quality luminaires that protect the natural night environment. We currently have 14 DarkSky approved luminaires in our product portfolio that meet the rigorous DarkSky International standards. 

“At the center of WE-EF’s design philosophy, is a commitment to creating sustainable lighting that allows present and future generations to enjoy the beauty of all that surrounds them,” said Thiemo Cordes, CEO of WE-EF Lighting. “Stellar // Marfa presented us with the unique opportunity to directly engage industry stakeholders that have the power to affect real change and design solutions that limit light pollution.” 

Set against Marfa’s extraordinary nightscape, the event offered a rare opportunity to step away from theory and engage directly with the principles that define dark-sky friendly design. Through guided night walks, expert talks, hands-on WE-EF product demonstrations, and a collaborative design sprint, we explored how lighting can enhance environments while preserving the integrity of the night sky. We were also deeply inspired by the local art scene, with guided studio tours and a visit to the Chinati Foundation, an arts foundation established by Donald Judd for the installation of large-scale works of art. 

The five principles for responsible outdoor lighting were a core focus of the event: useful, targeted, low-level, controlled, warm-colored. These principles shaped every session—from technical and measurement exercises to real-world case studies and design challenges. Stellar // Marfa also emphasized the broader importance of dark-sky preservation through presentations from Stephen Hummel, Senior Outreach Coordinator at McDonald Observatory, and Amber Harrison, Dark Sky Places Program Manager at DarkSky International.

Three design practitioners presented case studies that focused on responsible lighting and the human and ecological impact of their designs—Nancy Clanton, founder of Clanton and Associates; Charles Stone, co-founder of Fisher Marantz Stone Partners; and Stephen Rabourn of REMOTE architecture. Their work showed that through research, innovation, and collective effort, it’s possible to create lighting solutions that protect the people and planet. 
The event wrapped up with a star party in the middle of the Marfa desert. Surrounded by the vast nighttime landscape, we concluded the event being collectively inspired to deliver sustainable, precise, and responsible lighting. At WE-EF, this mission is embedded in our designs, and we remain committed to minimizing light pollution and protecting our night skies.

WE-EF Lighting

12–15 May 2026
Marfa, Texas, USA
stellar-we-ef.com

Photos by Nemi on Film unless otherwise stated.

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My List

The 'Bucket List for Lighting Designers', was a list of things we should try, visit, do etc before we die. This was wide reaching and epic and it’s now time for a new angle. We are going smaller, quieter and more personal. We are asking contributors to share something from their home. An individual light fitting, a beautifully lit space, a daylight effect or a detail or feature that has meaning to them in the way it is illuminated. My Light is a human and reflective perspective.

1. Paul Nulty / Nulty: arc issue 151

Bucket List for Lighting Designers

For our third back page collaboration with arc magazine, we are asking lighting designers to share with us a place or space that lighting designers should see or experience before they die. Dramatic huh?

1. Light Collective: arc December/January 2017/18 – Issue 101
2. ÅF Lighting: arc February/March 2018 – Issue 102
3. Laura Bayliss: arc April/May 2018 – Issue 103
4. Focus Lighting / Paul Gregory: arc June/July 2018 – Issue 104
5. GavrillLux / Gavriil Papadiotis: arc August/September 2018 – Issue 105
6. WHITEvoid / Christopher Bauder: arc October/November 2018 – Issue 106
7. Light.Fnc / Sakina Sugawalla-Moeller: arc December/January 2018/19 – Issue 107
8. WSP Finland / Annuka Larsen: arc February/March 2019 – Issue 108
9. pamboukian light design: arc April/May 2019 – Issue 109
10. Light Collective: arc June/July – Issue 110
11. Archifos / Katia Kolovea: arc August/September – Issue 111
12. Klaasen Design / Martin Klaasen: arc October/November – Issue 112
13. Sighte Studio: arc December/January – Issue 113
14. Unolai Lighting Design: arc February/March – Issue 114
15. Light Space, Pakistan: arc April/May – Issue 115
16. Auricle Studio / Karen Owens: arc June/July – Issue 116
17. Fisher Marantz Stone / Charles Stone: arc August/September – Issue 117
18. Light, Research & Design / Amardeep M. Dugar: arc October/November Issue 118
19. mldlab / Lisa Marchesi: arc Dec/Jan Issue 119
20. 333 Luxes / ElÍas Cisneros: arc February/March 2021 – Issue 120
21. envision design / Lisa Reed: arc April/May 2021 – Issue 121
22. BERLUX / Berry van Egten & Ellen Goulmy: arc June/July – Issue 122
23. CHROMATIC / Lauren Dandridge: arc August/September 2021 – Issue 123
24. JPLD / James Poore: arc October/November – Issue 124
25. Niha Sivaprasad Lighting Design / Niha Sivaprasad: arc December/January – Issue 125
26. Artem Masorin / CUT: arc Issue 126
27. Diana Joels / ConceptDUAL: arc Issue 127
28. Pilasinee Rattarangsi / Rangsi Atelier: arc Issue 128
29. Durham Marenghi / Durham Marenghi Lighting Design: arc Issue 129
30. Regina Santos / Light Fusion: arc Issue 130
31. Andrew Bissell / Ridge and Partners: arc Issue 131
32. Paul Friedlander / Light Sculptor & Scientific Artist: arc Issue 132
33. Beata Denton / Reform Arkiteker: arc Issue 133
34. Kevin J Grant / LIGHTALLIANCE: arc Issue 134
35. Ghada Dwaik / GD Lighting Design: arc Issue 135
36. Linus Lopez / Lirio Lopez Lighting Design Consultants: arc Issue 136
37. Nathan Thompson / The Flaming Beacon: arc Issue 137
38. Daniel Green / Into Lighting: arc Issue 138
39. Ulrike Brandi / Ulrike Brandi Licht: arc Issue 139
40. Christine Sicangco & Jovi Gonzaga / Christine Sicangco Lighting Design: arc Issue 140
41. Giovanni Zambri / Smith Tait: arc Issue 141
42. Magali Méndez / Women in Lighting Mexico: arc Issue 142
43. Quynh Anh Nguyen / Nulty: arc Issue 143
44. Jean-Yves Soetinck / Acte Lumière: arc Issue 144
45. Professor Steve Millington / Manchester Metropolitan University: arc Issue 145
46. Graham Rollins / Lighting Design International: arc Issue 146
47. Emrah Baki Ulas / Steensen Varming: arc Issue 147
48. Eleftheria Deko / Eleftheria Deko & Associates: arc Issue 148
49. Cherine Saroufim / Atelier Saroufim: arc Issue 149
50. Matt Waring / [d]arc media: arc issue 150

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Light Collective were a strategic partner to Light Middle East consulting on aspects of the trade show, conference and the awards.

arc issue 150

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arc Issue 126 / 2022

Alongside Filix Lighting, Light Collective are reviving the 40 under 40 that celebrates upcoming talent in the lighting industry. The 40 under 40 is a unique annual competition to select young and outstanding individuals who work in a creative capacity with the application of lighting in architecture. Candidates should be passionate about lighting and display outstanding talent and potential, and have demonstrable achievements in the field.

40 Under 40 Website

2026 Winners

2025 Winners

2023 Winners

2022 Winners

Nominees for 2020

See the nominees in arc Issue 126

www.40under40.events

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Alessandri Marchini

Alessandri Marchini

Inessa Lomas

The third Going Dark took place during 2—4 October 2025. 2025 was the year that the weather was perfect. This meant that sky conditions were excellent and alongside our astronomy partners, we were able to see the real difference that sensitive dark sky lighting makes to enable us to see the night sky. Thanks to all our partners and participants for being part of our Living Lab.

Excerpt from “Stars, chats and light play: Going Dark 2025” by Julieta Cignacco (Denmark):
“There are moments in our professional lives when we step outside the familiar hum of emails, drawings and computer screens and remember why we fell in love with our craft in the first place. My time at the Going Dark workshop in the heart of Tuscany, nestled between the medieval castle town of Monteriggioni and the monastery village of Abbadia a Isola, was one of those rare, transformative experiences that reminded me what it truly means to work with light, landscape, and darkness.“

Read full post Going Dark 2025

All photos by Widespace studio - Matteo De Bernardini unless captioned otherwise

2—4 October 2025
Monteriggioni, Tuscany, Italy

goingdark.it

ROLAN Manifesto

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The fourth edition of Disruptia was held in Mexico, marking a new chapter in this unique experience. Through unconventional talks, experiences and dynamics, DISRUPTIA explored topics such as neuroarchitecture, materials, artificial intelligence and their relationship with light, driving new perspectives on how we perceive and inhabit spaces.

5 Nov 2025
Frontera 88, Mexico City
disruptia.net

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DISRUPTIA Madrid was an inspiring day, where we talked, learnt and laughed together and became motivated to create human projects supported by innovative technology.

3 April 2025
di_mad, Madrid
disruptia.net

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2025 saw us celebrate 10 years of the darc awards. In conjunction with darc media and Gavriil Papadiotis, we made a 30 minute film to look back on all the past events, installations and winners.

Installations by:

• Michael Grubb Studio / formalighting — TEN-tacles
• Foster+Partners / Kingfisher — X-Puzzle
• WSP / Artemide — Reflexion
• Nulty / Tryka — Pendula
• dpa / Radiant — Piece of cake
• Speirs Major / Vivalyte — Symbiotic Dream¹⁰
• Hoare Lea / Signify — [d]ecastrike
• Buro Happold / Unibox — [The Choice]*
• Arup / Mesh — Ten years in Neon
• AE7 / RAKO — [d]arc: the Voyage So Far
• Jan Erika / Lutron — darc-X

24 April 2025
Woolwich Works
darcawards.com

All photos by Gavriil Papadiotis

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A second inspiring collection of art that uses light as its main medium from 44 more female artists from around the world.

The response to the first Collected Light book was overwhelmingly positive and this led to the desire to expand to a second volume. There are hundreds of female artists working with light all over the world and this new collection contains the work of another forty four artists. While artistic talent transcends gender, research indicates a notable gender gap in the art world. Male artists are often over-represented in collections, exhibitions and high-paying roles, while female artists face financial disparities and limited recognition in art history and cultural narratives.

Addressing this disparity is not just about rectifying past injustices but also about inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in art and lighting. By highlighting the achievements of women in this field, we not only acknowledge their invaluable contributions but also challenge the stereotypes and barriers that have hindered their recognition. This book aims to elevate these stories, offering a platform for acknowledgement and appreciation. Through these pages, we seek to celebrate the artistry, passion and perseverance of the female artists, encouraging a more inclusive and equitable industry where every contribution is celebrated, regardless of gender.

Artists featured: Alex Leyva, Alicia Eggert, Amelia Kosminsky, Andrea Bowers, Angela Yuen, Aphra Shemza, April Key, Carla Chan, Cecilia Ömalm, Chankalun, Chris Wood, Clara Daguin, Claudia Bueno, Daisy Doig, Diana Rojas, Ecem Dilan Köse, Eve De Haan, Fiona Grady, Flora Litchfield, France Dubois, Giny Vos, Grimanesa Amorós, Hannah Ayre, Inma Femenía, Iyvone Khoo, Jasmine Grace, Jenny Mc Namara, Jeongmoon Choi, Jiayu Liu, Jo Holland, Margareta Hesse, Maria Vera, Meagan Streader, Nicola Anthony, Regine Schumann, Sabine Marcelis, Sandra E. Blatterer, Seohyo, Shirin Abedinirad, So Wing Po, Vanessa Hafenbrädl, Vera Röhm, Viel Bjerkeset Andersen, Ying-Chen Lin 

Book Information >

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Following on from the successful publication in 2022 of ‘Collected Light Volume One: Women Light Artists’, Light Collective have published a third book in the series, ‘Collected Light Volume Three: Women in Entertainment Lighting’ in November 2024. Women working in this field are in a minority and often uncelebrated. This book is a small step towards trying to redress this unfair imbalance. While researching the book, Light Collective reached out across the globe to many women working in this field. The result is by no means exhaustive and there are many women who deserve to be included and who Light Collective hope to connect with in the future.

Book Launch: 20 November 2024
The new book will be launched at an exclusive party hosted by Ayrton at their showroom in Paris on the 20 November 2024 as part of the Women In Lighting Entertainment Sessions, with all 65 contributors featured in the publication invited from all over the world to attend. Speakers at the launch include Clementine Fletcher-Smith from the UK speaking abut Light and Architecture, Clara Daguin on her work with light and fashion and Christina Thanasoula on lighting design for theatre. Light Collective will be speaking about the book at PLASA, London and LDI, Las Vegas.

Ayrton specialises in developing industry-leading intelligent LED and laser lighting solutions for the entertainment and architecture industries, their decision to join the Women In Lighting initiative as a new sponsor, enabled Light Collective to extend their focus from celebrating the professional achievements of women working in architectural lighting, to include those working in entertainment and live events. The aim of this book is to raise the profile of the designers featured in the hope that it offers support, encouragement and inspiration to the next generation of women hoping to work in this sector.

Contributors featured in the book include: Alita Escobedo, Amy D Lux, Anna Turra, Anne Militello, Averil Bott, Bethany Gupwell, Beverly Emmons, Cara Hood, Cat Tate Starmer, Celine Royer, Christina Thanasoula, Danielle Feinberg, Daphne Ting-Yu Chu, Diana Kesselschmidt, Domino Mannheim, Elanor Higgins, Elena Armellini, Elisabetta Campanelli, Eliza Alexandropoulou, Ellen Ruge, Emily Bornt, Emma Weil, Erica D Hayes, Erica Lauren Maholmes, Eve Radwan, Fiametta Baldiserri, Heather Carson, Hema Maskowitz, Hetall Dedhhia, I-Hua Kao, Iga Pop, Jennifer Tipton, Jessica Greenberg, Jessica Hung Han Yun, Karla Lopez, Kat Borderud, Kathy A Perkins, Lauren King, Liliana Ladeluca, Lola Barroso, Lucy Carter, Luisa Fanciullacci Sodergren, Maria T Mendoza, Mary J Varher, Megumi Yatabe, Mildred M Moyo, Natalie Heckl, Natalie Wreyford, Paule Constable, Peggy Eisenhauer, Po- Hsin Liu, Randiane Aalberg Sandboe, Rie Uomori, Roma Flowers, Sian James-Holland, Sooner Routhier, Stacey Boggs, Subul Lodi, Susan M Nicholson, Tess Minor, Tiffany Spicer Keys, Yana Rits, Yang Yu, Zoe Dirse.

Book Information >

Alita Escobedo, la mexicana que ilumina los escenarios // MILENIO // 4 Feb 2025

Women in Entertainment Lighting: Collected Light Vol 3 // MONDO-DR 35-2 // Jan/Feb 2025

Collected Light Volume One: Women Light Artists

Audiovisual Activism – Lighting Practices Benefitting the Industry and the People Within It // MONDO-DR 35-1 // Nov/Dec 2024

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