Stanley Wilson, founder of Urban Cottage Industries, on resolving LED problems
It’s now beyond doubt that LED is the future of lighting. LED light sources and light fittings have the potential to offer excellent aesthetic and technical performance combined with hugely reduced life-cycle costs – ideal for the hospitality industry.
But: LED lighting is still an immature technology which means there are real risks when moving to LED. Products are being developed and placed on the market very rapidly. While some of the products are excellent, many are poor. It’s important not to get locked into a substandard technology or platform.
LEDs are different to most conventional light sources in that they produce light from a flat surface rather than emitting light in all directions. Various techniques are used to overcome this problem, e.g. arranging the LED chips and using diffusers. When choosing LED light fittings it’s crucial to make sure the light distribution meets the aesthetic and practical needs for lighting.
Unlike halogen lamps which just ‘go’ and need to be replaced, LEDs degrade over time. Their light output decreases and colour temperature changes. This can create big problems for visual appeal. It looks odd when some of the lights are less bright and different ‘shades’ of white.
Because LEDs have a significant initial cost and should have a long lifespan, bad LED lighting is expensive to replace. Careful research and planning is required to ensure the LED light fittings chosen are suitable both initially and for the long term. Using the services of a professional lighting designer reduces the risk.
