Light and Design: Study Day at the University of L’Aquila
L’Aquila – The intensive Study Day “A Look into the Future: Designing with Light” was held at the Engineering Campus of the University of L’Aquila, in Monteluco di Roio. The event was promoted by professors Tullio De Rubeis and Dario Ambrosini, heads of the G. Parolini and Las.E.R. laboratories at the DICEAA department.
Academics, professionals, and students gathered to explore the interaction between light and architecture from a transversal and multidisciplinary perspective.
At the heart of the discussions was the role of light in contemporary design, including:
- Visual comfort
- Energy efficiency
- Spatial enhancement
- Environmental sustainability
Scientific and design contributions were offered by experts such as:
- Prof. Laura Bellia (University of Naples Federico II, President of AIDI)
- Arch. Yuri Costantini (Model Unit Manager at MCA – Mario Cucinella Architects)
- Filippo Cannata (Lighting Designer)
- Arch. Giulio Podestà (Founder of Nitter-BetaNIT Srl)
The University of L’Aquila recently acquired two advanced instruments from Nitter-BetaNIT:
- A manual Orchard heliodon
- An 8-channel RGB mirrored artificial sky "Lobelia "
Giulio Podestà presented the experience behind the development of sun and sky simulators for architectural and urban design, emphasizing the importance of natural light and physical modeling in the design process.
After the individual presentations highlighting the many dimensions of lighting, a round table on “Light in Architecture” brought together DICEAA professors and lighting designers in a lively and stimulating exchange.
The day concluded with a visit to the laboratory, giving students and professionals a chance to experience the tools firsthand.
Professors De Rubeis and Ambrosini reaffirmed the importance of hands-on teaching and their commitment to making the labs an open, dynamic space for the academic and professional community of L’Aquila.
The event was a high-level educational and scientific moment, reinforcing the central role of light as a strategic element in contemporary architectural design.
Prof. Laura Bellia is Full Professor at the University of Naples Federico II and President of AIDI. She is a leading figure in the field of lighting, with an integrated approach combining research, technological innovation, and education. Her expertise ranges from natural and artificial light to lighting for cultural heritage, smart lighting, and visual comfort. Author of over 150 scientific publications, she is actively involved with the CIE and coordinates national and international projects on lighting and sustainability.
Arch. Yuri Costantini is the Modeling Unit Manager at Mario Cucinella Architects, where he leads the development of models for complex architectural projects. Specialized in large-scale architectural modeling, he has worked since 2011 on schools, hospitals, and urban masterplans. He teaches at the Academy of Bologna and has gained extensive international experience in the physical representation of architectural projects.
Filippo Cannata is a renowned Italian lighting designer with thirty years of experience and founder of Cannata&Partners. He designs light as an emotional language, blending art, research, and sustainability in award-winning projects such as Piazza Conti Guidi. He is dedicated to visual comfort, energy savings, and the integration of natural and artificial light. Cannata is also active in university teaching and international professional networks.
Giulio Maria Podestà is the founder and Managing Director of Nitter-Beta Nit, a company specialized in natural light simulation. His devices are used by prestigious universities for solar analysis and the study of building interactions. With a strong foundation in applied research, Podestà integrates technology and experimentation in architectural and urban design, actively contributing to education and innovation in the field of natural lighting.
Media
- Sun simulated on MCA Scale Model with Heliodon, 19.9 KB, Evaluation of the sunshade in an urban project by Mario Cucinella Architects using the Orchard Heliodon at the DICEAA laboratory at the University of L'Aquila.
- View of the conference room, 333.3 KB, no description available.
- Podesta at University Entrance, 1.2 MB, no description available.
- Measuring in the Lobelia Artificial Sky, 17.2 KB, The conference participants will be given a demonstration of how daylight factors are measured inside a 3D-printed model of a house in the Lobelia artificial sky. This demonstration will take place at the Laser Laboratory at the University of Aquila's DICEAA.
- Programma dettagliato, 411.8 KB, Programma della giornata di studio intitolata: "Uno sguardo al futuro: progettare con la luce".
Contact
betanit.com
Phone: +39 0523 650217
email: info@betanit.com