THINKLIGHT 2025 to explore culture, creativity and community in lighting design at Light + Intelligent Building Middle East
Iain Hoey
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THINKLIGHT 2025 to focus on culture and creativity in lighting design
THINKLIGHT will return to Light + Intelligent Building Middle East from 14-16 January 2025, bringing together over 30 industry experts to discuss the latest trends in lighting design.
As reported by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the event will feature keynotes, panel discussions, and open dialogues from top professionals in the field.
Now in its 18th edition, Light + Intelligent Building Middle East is co-located with Intersec to create the MENA region’s largest trade fair for the building services sector.
THINKLIGHT aims to unite international and regional leaders, allowing them to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and discuss best practices.
With speakers from renowned companies such as dpa Lighting Consultants, ACT Lighting Design, and Licht Kunst Licht, the 2025 edition will focus on the theme ‘Building Commonality through Culture, Creativity and Community.’
This theme highlights the evolving role of lighting in shaping design and architectural practices.
Key speakers and topics at THINKLIGHT 2025
The conference will begin with a keynote from Lee Sweetman and Nikos Moskofidis, Partners at dpa Lighting Consultants, focusing on ‘The Evolution of Lighting Design in the Middle East: 25 Years of Shaping the Region’s Lighting Design Practice.’
Following this, a panel discussion moderated by Martin Lupton from Light Collective UK will examine Saudi Arabia’s mega projects, such as Neom and the Red Sea project.
The discussion will highlight how innovative lighting solutions can shape these developments into iconic landmarks.
Another important session on day one, moderated by Andrea Hartranft from Hartranft Lighting Design, will focus on ‘Immersive Design Approaches and Light Art as a Community Builder.’
The panel will explore how light can foster communication and cultural expression within communities.
Light as a tool for urban cohesion
On the second day of THINKLIGHT, Koert Vermeulen, Principal Designer at ACT Lighting Design, will deliver the opening keynote, followed by a panel discussion on ‘Light as a Medium to Create Cohesive Cities.’
This session will explore how lighting can transform urban spaces by encouraging interaction, cultural exchange, and a sense of belonging.
The discussion will focus on the role lighting plays in connecting diverse communities within cities and enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
Illuminating iconic buildings in the GCC
The final day of the conference will feature a keynote speech by Konstantin Klaas, Director at Licht Kunst Licht Berlin, followed by a panel discussion on ‘Illuminating Iconic Buildings.’
This session will focus on lighting the GCC’s most famous structures, including the Burj Khalifa, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the Kingdom Centre.
The session will explore how these buildings, through thoughtful lighting design, not only become landmarks but also reflect the cultural values and aspirations of the communities they represent.
The discussion will also touch on how lighting enhances their architectural significance.
THINKLIGHT 2025 to focus on culture and creativity in lighting design: summary
THINKLIGHT 2025 will take place at Light + Intelligent Building Middle East from 14-16 January in Dubai, focusing on the theme ‘Building Commonality through Culture, Creativity and Community.’
With over 30 expert speakers, the event will feature discussions on lighting’s role in shaping design practices, urban spaces, and iconic buildings in the Middle East.
The conference will offer a platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore how lighting can foster cultural connection and innovation in architecture.
