IIR announces support of dpa, one of the world’s leading lighting design practices, for Lighting at Middle East Electricity 2007

“It’s a major coup for us that dpa has chosen to work with us on Lighting at Middle East Electricity 2007,” said Sarah Woodbridge, Group Director Exhibitions, IIR Middle East - organisers of the event. “With nearly 50 years of experience, dpa is one of the largest and longest established lighting design practices in the world, and the only 100% independent international lighting consultancy based in the Middle East – as it has no association with manufacturers or suppliers, it purely offers impartial expertise, and this will add incredible value to the show.”

Established in 1958, dpa’s early commissions included The Mandarin Hotel in Hong Kong, Westminster Abbey and the original Oriana. The practice, which has offices in Dubai and the UK (and is soon to commence operations in Japan), has now completed around 4,000 projects in 40 different countries around the world.

“Our work doesn’t just include the design of artificial lighting solutions for interior and exterior spaces and structures, but also encompasses lighting masterplanning, environmental impact reports, daylight and sun penetration studies and work as expert witnesses in the field of light. Although a small part of our work, we have also been involved in lighting for shows, parties and exhibitions,” said Barry Hannaford of dpa. “One of the reasons that we are so happy to be involved with Lighting at Middle East Electricity is that the exhibition deals with the big picture rather than niche areas, which is fully in line with our approach - central to everything that we do is that solutions should always balance innovation with practical thinking about maintenance, durability and investment to ensure that an appropriate balance for every client is achieved - the high quality of the visitors attending the exhibition gives us a unique opportunity to communicate the importance of this fully integrated approach.”

dpa’s work involves the application of all types of light, both natural and man-made, for a wide range of projects including airports, bridges, hotels, corporate offices, retail showrooms, restaurants, bars, galleries, museums, historical buildings, public buildings, leisure, residential and the use of lighting as an art form in its own right. The practice also has a wealth of expertise in the public realm and masterplanning, having worked on projects including Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester, UK and lighting masterplanning for Pittsburgh, USA, Dubai International Finance Centre and the Palm Jumeirah.

Barry Hannaford has over 30 years of experience, and the company as a whole has, combined, hundreds of years of experience in architecture, interior design, the theatre and landscape design – this diversity ensures that creativity is consistently maximised.

The wide range of projects that dpa has worked on in Dubai includes Le Reve, The Grand Hyatt, The Palm Jumeirah, interior lighting for Bin Hendi Avenue at Deira City Centre and the Business Bay sales office. The company is also currently reworking the interior lighting for the conference centre at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. International projects include a Castle in Tipperary, Eire, Nimrod Bridge and the Europier at London’s Heathrow Airport, Hilton Hotels in Athens and Dusseldorf, The Natural History Museum, Royal Academy of Arts in London and Hong Kong’s Museum of Coastal Defence.

Hannaford points out that research has shown that people need darkness as much as light, and that too much constant light can be bad, not only for health but also from the point of view of light pollution and energy waste. “This is one of the areas that will be covered during Lighting at Middle East Electricity 2007,” added Woodbridge. “Light pollution results in energy waste and can be a real nuisance to others - subject to legislation and industry codes of practice in other countries, the correct application of light results in reduced cost and energy conservation.”

Lighting at Middle East Electricity, which takes place at Dubai’s International Exhibition Centre from February 11-14, 2007, is firmly established as the Middle East’s largest and longest established showcase for the global lighting industry. The event, which is already over 90% sold out for 2007, comprehensively covers the entire spectrum of the energy industry, with specific sections for Gas, Power Generation, New & Renewable Energy and Water, reinforcing its position as the power behind the Middle East energy industry.