Supplier you should know: Zumtobel Group

What is the Zumtobel vision?

GAG: ‘We want to use light to create worlds of experience, make work easier, improve communications and safety while being fully aware of our responsibility to the environment.’

Ever since the company was founded in 1950 by Dr. Walter Zumtobel, this vision has guided Zumtobel in developing innovative lighting solutions that meet ergonomic and environmental standards and create added aesthetic value.

When energy-use is in question, people often turn to lighting and HVAC as the culprits. How do Zumtobel products deal with this?

GAG: According to the International Energy Agency IEA, an average of 19% of the worldwide requirement of electrical energy is consumed by lighting. Therefore, the contribution of responsible and intelligent use of light is correspondingly high. Light can play a huge role in saving energy resources and reducing CO2 emissions.

We address the issue of climate change in all our projects thanks to our ‘Humanergy Balance’ lighting philosophy. The target is to design lighting solutions that perfectly balance environmental and energy needs with those of the individual.

The right way towards increasing energy efficiency is the intelligent use of light and lighting. The first crucial factor is the lighting concept itself. The second step concerns the quality of luminaires and light sources. The greatest potential for saving energy is provided by the intelligent use of lighting control systems, which can be integrated into all Zumtobel fixtures.

Can you expand a bit on the concept of ‘Humanergy Balance’?

GAG: On one hand, you have the individual with his or her expectations, needs and feelings. As human beings, we need light for orientation, work and comfort. Like a plant, the individual also seeks light. Yet, there is a great difference between daylight and artificial light. There is also a big difference between a solitary light source and a dynamic lighting composition.

On the other hand, we have to address the issue of energy. Ever since the green movement happened, the issue of saving energy has been loaded with socioeconomic significance. With its concept of Humanergy Balance, Zumtobel is adjusting the equilibrium between human, economic and ecological aspects of light – always with a view to aesthetically sound design.

Light is more than just an energy consumer. The right use of light is oriented on visual requirements, emotions and biological effects. Human Aspects + Energy Efficiency = Humanergy Balance.

How do Zumtobel technicians and designers reconcile the lack of building standards in the Middle East?

GAG: In the Middle East you will actually find a mix of various international standards. The specifications of most of the projects are either realised from the US or Europe, or by international architects and designers located in the region. Therefore most projects are completed according to European or US standards.

How closely do Zumtobel personnel work with architects and engineers to meet design specifications?

GAG: Zumtobel has a long tradition of working closely with architects, lighting designers and electrical consultants who design, prototype, develop and manufacture non-standard fittings.

Many of the luminaires that are now mass-produced by Zumtobel were really novel when they were first created. They were developed to incorporate new design ideas in luminaires, to shape lighting by using innovative technology, or to break existing standards with new kind of applications. All of this was achieved through close collaboration with architects, designers, planners and engineers.

GAG: Zumtobel, as a global player and leader can provide several benefits to the projects and the people who achieve them.

Close Cooperation. Close cooperation with the customer Integral project solutions are based on high-quality lighting solution concepts, innovative technology in function and design, and a wide range of personal services ranging from support in planning and implementation offered by specially trained lighting solution consultants through to maintenance, care and programming.

Consulting and Knowledge Centres. The Zumtobel Light Forums as well as Light and Consulting Centres all revolve around the customer. Some 30,000 customers worldwide enjoy the benefit of acquiring in-depth knowledge in seminars and workshops, and gaining information on product innovations, lighting solutions and related application options.

Quality Assessment. Lighting scenarios are developed in close project partnership; after the brainstorming and conceptual phase, they are tested and assessed for feasibility in authentic installations before being used in real projects. This enables the customer to make a cogent and realistic quality assessment.

Customised Solutions. International project partnerships with architects, lighting designers and artists provide abundant impetus to fuel ongoing innovation. Joint development of project-related customised special solutions is one important aspect of the firm’s very close relationships with its customers and clients.

Humanergy Balance. Zumtobel conducts research on the health-promoting effects of light and feeds its research results into product optimisations in order to provide people with the best possible lighting quality and experience.

What is the biggest/smallest installation Zumtobel can handle?

GAG: Our portfolio, expertise, technology and people enable us to be able to deal with any type and size of installation.

Lately, we have been involved in the following projects in the Middle East: Yas Island Marina Hotel Abu Dhabi, Meydan Race Course in Dubai, Burj Dubai, Dubai Mall (Porsche Design, Swarowzki Crystal, Paul Smith, G Star), and the Atlantis Palm Hotel, Dubai.



What Zumtobel innovations can the industry expect to see in 2010?

GAG: This year four Zumtobel products—Aero II Hybrid, Linaria Seamless, Supersystem and ZBox—were winners of the 2009 iF Design Award by the renowned Industrie Forum Design.

First, the Aero II Hybrid pendant office luminaire combines inorganic LEDs for a brilliant direct component and fluorescent lamps for indirect ambient lighting.

Thanks to this hybrid design, created by Sottsass Associati studio in Milan, the luminaire system’s overall efficiency can be significantly increased, when compared with conventional luminaires fitted with fluorescent lamps.

Second, ZBox presents itself as a straightforward, versatile lighting control system. Easy to operate through intuitive icons on its keys and an LED status display, it enables hotel guests to choose the lighting scenes and brightness levels in their rooms without any fuss. Moreover, the lighting scenes for the day are different from those automatically activated via ZBox Nightlogic, with their markedly decreased brightness.

This creates a pleasant ambience at any time of the day while optimally using the potential for saving energy. Using the ZBox lighting management system, more than 25% of energy can be saved.

In 2010, we’re planning to launch some very innovative products which feature the latest LED technology…you will hear about all of them very soon.

Also, we invite you to visit us at our booth on the Light & Building 2010 fair in Frankfurt, Germany [April 11-16]. There you will witness some of the most amazing innovations the architecture and lighting industries have ever seen.

What is the Zumtobel Group’s business strategy post-credit crunch?

GAG: We have a long tradition of maintaining relationships with our partners worldwide. The Zumtobel strategy has always been to design joint solutions with our partners that fit the project requirements to address all the topics involved: design, planning, delivery and payment.

Bottom line: How can Zumtobel help architects do their jobs better?

GAG: We offer partnership, customised and state-of-the-art lighting solutions, superb design, real customer service (design, planning, engineering), innovation and passion for light!