The Virtual Lighting Design (VLD) Community has yet again stepped into unchartered territories, this time by teaming with Zhu Rong Awards for curating a unique global recognition program called Lux Futurum (LuFu).

LuFu is a global recognition program with its roots in China, which actively looks to identity, explore and promote future-oriented ideas, projects and people that are pushing the boundaries of design, thinking, technology and innovation in lighting design. The intent of this program is to also build a firm connect between the East and the West by honouring ingenuity, originality, forward-thinking, and impactful contributions towards the future of lighting design while addressing important global issues. The criteria for selection will include current and pressing considerations such as environmental or social stewardship, health and well-being, innovation, professional excellence, technological advancement, and user experience.

LuFu will recognise three (3) key categories:

• Ideas – Conceptual ideas embracing future-oriented approaches or research initiatives towards lighting
• Projects – Realised projects demonstrating future-oriented approaches or research initiatives towards lighting
• People – Contributions of people advancing future-oriented approaches or research initiatives towards lighting (careful consideration will be given to this category due to its personal nature)

LuFu will provide firms, individuals and organisations with an opportunity to gain global recognition for their achievements in the future of lighting. This future-focussed recognition program highlights ideas, projects and people achieving great things in their respective realms within the lighting community. Winning entries will be rewarded a fully sponsored trip to attend the winners’ gala event in China.  The intention of this program is to carve out a niche where exceptional work is celebrated and rewarded. It provides a solid springboard for today’s ideas, projects and people to morph into tomorrow’s stalwarts.

LuFu encourages entries that:

• demonstrate their potential or actual impact towards shaping the future of lighting design, addressing global challenges, and advancing the industry
• represent a diverse range of perspectives, backgrounds, and geographical locations to ensure global inclusivity
• showcase forward-thinking ideas, solutions, and projects that anticipate and address potential world issues such as social inclusion, sustainability, and energy conservation

LuFu aims to champion the spirit of the lighting community, instead of being just another awards or competition program. The diversity of the entrants, spanning various realms in lighting such as design, education, manufacturing and research, will enrich this narrative. The story of each entrant will testify to its perseverance, innovation, and lasting impact. The ethos of LuFu is firmly built on the vision that as we venture into the future, the blend of recognition and the drive to innovate will propel the lighting community to new horizons…

The LuFu judges’ panel consists of seven esteemed experts from diverse backgrounds, including architecture, design, education, and research, hailing from countries such as France, India, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE, and USA: Acharawan Chutarat, Bianca Gortárez, David McNeil, Manish Gulati, Mariana Figueiro, Roger Narboni and Uno Lai. Shortlisted entries will have the chance to present their work in-person to this distinguished panel at the final gala event in China.

Last date for submitting entries to LuFu: 30 September 2024

For more information about LuFu, visit: http://www.luxfuturum.com

Also visit LuFu social medial channels on: Instagram, LinkedIn, Meta