The Russian Creative Association of Lighting Designers RULD and the Higher School of Lighting Design at ITMO University (CLD ITMO University) are pleased to announce the 4^th International Research-to-Practice Conference on Lighting Design in 2017. The event will be held at the high-tech New Stage of Alexandrinsky Theatre on October 12–13, 2017, which will bring together Russian and international experts from the fields of lighting design, architecture, multimedia, urbanism, art, IT and engineering.

(Image: ITMO University)

International Research-to-Practice Conference on Lighting Design is a unique annual international research-to-practice conference in St. Petersburg. From 2018 through to 2030, with a look towards 2050, this city will develop as the center of Russian Lighting Culture according to “The Complex Development Program of the city of St. Petersburg”. The International Conference is a key platform for the interaction of domestic and international representatives in the fields of science, business, art and the innovation sector to implement this program.

The main goal of the conference is to connect Science with Business through Art and Innovative technology to develop a competitive market of lighting design and produce new ideas and trends. Over 500 architects, lighting designers, engineers, IT and multimedia specialists, scientists, representatives of Russian government, top-managers, set designers, producers and artists are expected to attend this year’s conference and discuss the main theme “Identity”.

The two-day event features four general panel discussions, more than 20 presentations, workshops and lectures given by key Russian and international experts. In addition to the main program, there will also be cultural and social events arranged, as well as open lectures for the city to promote the development of lighting culture and to increase awareness and knowledge amongst the local citizens in the field of science and light.

Furthermore, during the conference the Award Ceremony of the first International Lighting Design Competition will be held during the Festival "Night of Lights in Gatchina". The competition is organized by St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution of Culture “National Reserve-Museum Gatchina” and the Higher School of Lighting Design (CLD ITMO University) with the support of the Committee of Culture of St. Petersburg. The best installations from the competition will be displayed for the visitors of the festival on the 12th of August 2017 along with professional installations that are included in the event’s main program. The winner of the competition will be chosen by the festival expert jury. The winner of the online poll will get the Audience Choice Award. The prizewinners will be announced at the 4^th International Research-to-Practice Conference on Lighting Design in 2017.

Last year the International Research-to-Practice Conference on Lighting Design gathered 390 participants and attendees. 25% of them were top-managers and business owners. 41% were designers, lighting engineers, architects, artists, set designers, representatives of government, multimedia and the IT market. 34% were scientists, students, professors and staff members of universities and international laboratories. Eight countries were represented by international headliners from Germany, UK, USA, France, Hungary, Italy, Finland and Netherlands. More information about this event is available on this link.