by Ann Withanee — June 27, 2011—Humanscale showcased Horizon, the first task light to utilize Thin Film LED Technology, at the NeoCon World’s Trade Fair, held at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Created by award-winning designers Peter Stathis and Michael McCoy, the sleek, high-performing Horizon LED task light pairs unprecedented LED technology with visually striking aesthetics to satisfy the focused lighting needs of any environment, says Humanscale.
Horizon received a Silver award in the Best of NeoCon competition, in the task/desktop lighting category.
Humanscale says Horizon’s aesthetics represent two great traditions in modern design: platonic minimalism and organic form. Stathis and McCoy employ only three main components in Horizon’s design: an ultra-thin, rectangular lamp head; an elegant, round base; and a minimal support stem connecting the base and lamp head. An organic, membrane-like skin forms the cover for the lens and base, leaving no exposed wiring or mechanical fasteners to distract from the luminous beauty of the light.
As the first task light to utilize the groundbreaking Thin Film LED Technology, Horizon reportedly overcomes the weaknesses of conventional LED task lights by offering brilliant color and excellent light distribution in a slender profile. Floating a radically thin sheet of light above the desktop, Horizon’s technology uses a number of high-intensity micro LEDs that surround several layers of polycarbonate and optical films to create an ultra-wide footprint of warm, glare-free light.
Horizon’s built-in dimmer control offers seven levels of adjustable illumination, as well as energy savings. The spherical joints in Horizon’s head and base facilitate smooth, fluid and effortless positioning. The lamp’s head offers a full range of adjustability in all directions and variable height control for exact positioning.
According to research at Cornell University, eyestrain is the top health-related complaint among office workers. Research by Brusking/Goldring shows that up to 80 percent of office workers experience at least one negative effect from poor lighting and 75 percent want more lighting control. By supplying the right amount of adjustable illumination for each user, task lights improve employee wellness and productivity, while reducing glare and computer vision syndrome—a condition causing eyestrain, eye fatigue, dry eyes, light sensitivity, blurred vision and headaches.
Engineered for high efficiency and hassle-free operation over its life span, Horizon consumes only nine watts of power and is rated for up to 50,000 hours of use, equal to 25 years in most single-shift work environments. Its advanced design dramatically minimizes the number of components and simplifies disassembly, making it one of the most environmentally friendly task lights available, claims Humanscale. Made predominantly of recycled aluminum, Horizon’s content is 95 percent recyclable.
Horizon will be available for purchase in August 2011 at a U.S. list price of $475.
For more information visit the Humanscale Web site.
