Luceplan and Modular Lighting Instruments Open New York Showroom

Courtesy Luceplan USA View of the showroom from Wooster Street.

Luceplan, the internationally recognized Milan-based design-focused lighting company and Belgian architectural lighting manufacturer Modular Lighting Instruments have opened a new co-branded showroom at 14 Wooster Street in Soho in New York City. The two companies will celebrate the joint venture with a series of receptions on March 11.

"Linking a major Italian design brand to an architectural and technical lighting innovator was a logical and strategic pairing for both companies,” said Luceplan’s general manager Patrizia Vicenzi in a press statement. “This showroom serves as a source for engagement where architects and interior decorators, design professionals, builders and consumers can view and experience the products and understand their capabilities in person.”

The new showroom, which features a material palette of etched aluminum walls and pine wood slats, is designed by Milanese architect Amedeo G. Cavalchini of Studio Cavalchini. The new space captures the “synergy between decorative and architectural high-end lighting fixtures,” and provides design professionals a showcase to see the best of both types of luminaire offerings.

Cavalchini took inspiration from the luminaires that will be on display. The main level is divided into a series of 22 light boxes that allow the specific fixtures to be arranged as if objects in a still life painting. The lower level, which is below grade, showcases the historic architectural elements often found in Soho buildings. Original redbrick columns provide the backdrop for lighting displays, a meeting space, and an informal seating area.

Courtesy Luceplan USA A view of the new showroom looking toward Wooster Street.

Courtesy Luceplan USA The lower level features two red brick columns, part of the building's historic architectural fabric.

“Having a space that gives designers a chance to experience and test out products at length and in a conducive and dedicated environment gives both brands an edge over the competition,” said Giuseppe Butti, CEO, Luceplan USA as part of the press release. “In a city such as New York and even in the creative Soho setting, this gives us tremendous advantage and we are truly grateful.”

The new showroom comes at a time when the real estate, office, and contract markets are experiencing economic recovery. Luceplan, as a design company focused on light, continues to push the creative and technical envelope as it integrates LEDs into some of its most iconic fixtures and develop a new generation of solid-state lighting focused luminaires. Modular's approach is in line with this thinking. “For Modular Lighting Instruments now is the ideal time to conquer the US market. We are investing a tremendous amount in the UL certification of our current portfolio because we truly believe in the growth potential in the US,” said Bart Maeyens, general manager of Modular Lighting Instruments in the press release. “Getting Modular and Luceplan both visible to the customers in the mecca of lighting design is a dream come true. The Soho district in New York is the perfect window to display our offerings and to create a central inspiration hub for our main target groups of architects and lighting designers.”