Cooper products receive the most company awards in the lighting categories with four lighting products and two controls products.

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga., Feb. 16, 2012 - Cooper Lighting, an industry leader committed to delivering innovative products and driving transformational technology in the lighting industry, announces that six products have been recognized for ingenuity in Architectural Products 2011 Product Innovation Awards (PIA). Honored with the most company awards in the interior, exterior and controls lighting categories, Cooper Lighting received four product awards and Cooper Controls, a business unit of Cooper Lighting, was honored with two awards.

The inaugural Architectural Products PIA competition is designed to give recognition of product ingenuity in the built environment. By identifying the most innovative products in 18 major categories, the competition hopes to bring awareness to specifiers dealing with diverse components when designing a building. The judges included 42 top industry experts in their fields.

The winning products include the following architectural solutions:

o Cooper Lighting's Ametrix Arrowlinear LED Luminaires provide a smooth gradient of asymmetric illumination, free from striations and hot spots, for vertical and horizontal architectural surfaces. o Cooper Lighting's Neo-Ray Straight and Narrow Series 22 LED Luminaires create slender lines of continuous, uniform illumination for recessed, suspended, surface- and wall-mounted applications. o Cooper Lighting's RSA Continuous Channel system creates a single, streamlined channel for all ceiling-based lighting and utilities, including the integration of fire suppression, HVAC events, sensors and securities. o Cooper Lighting's io Koi Series integrates a variety of different io luminaires to create elegant wood bollards available in a variety of styles, sizes and finishes. o Cooper Controls NeoSwitch Wall Switch Occupancy Sensor packs multiple functions into a single wall switch, including motion and daylight sensing, and provides an EcoMeter indicator light to reinforce energy-saving behavior. o Cooper Controls Venergy Advanced Metering System, which is a code-compliant energy-saving solution that monitors energy consumption while being easy to use, specify and scalable across any enterprise.

"We are honored that so many of our architectural lighting products and control solutions are being recognized for ingenuity by such a prestigious panel of judges," said Mark Eubanks, President, Cooper Lighting. "Our continued commitment to providing industry-leading solutions gives specifiers unique, high-performing products to satisfy demanding market needs."

Cooper Lighting has made a significant investment in people, resources and technology to ensure the company provides first-class solutions to its customers' lighting challenges. The Company offers a range of indoor and outdoor LED lighting products and controls, all of which are specifically designed to maximize energy and cost savings. For additional information on Cooper's LED product offering, click here, or for information on Cooper Controls solutions, click here.

About Cooper Lighting Cooper Lighting, a subsidiary of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), is the leading provider of world-class lighting fixtures and controls to commercial, industrial, retail, institutional, residential and utility markets. As lighting technologies have advanced over the years, Cooper Lighting has been at the forefront of the industry in helping businesses and communities leverage the latest technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enrich the quality of the environment. For more information, visit http://www.cooperlighting.com.

About Cooper Controls Cooper Controls, a business unit of Cooper Lighting, is a market leader in energy management, architectural, and entertainment lighting controls. A subsidiary of global manufacturer Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), it was formed by its acquisition of Novitas Inc. in November 2005, Polaron plc in March 2007, PCI Lighting Control Systems in August 2007, and ALC Lighting Controls in November 2010. Cooper Controls includes leading brands such as iLight (International), iLumin (North America), Greengate, and Zero 88. For more information, visit http://www.coopercontrol.com.

About Cooper Industries Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE) is a global electrical products manufacturer with 2011 revenues of $5.4 billion. Founded in 1833 Cooper's sustained success is attributable to a constant focus on innovation and evolving business practices, while maintaining the highest ethical standards and meeting customer needs. The Company has seven operating divisions with leading market positions and world-class products and brands, including Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; Crouse-Hinds and CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures; and Kyle and McGraw-Edison power systems products. With this broad range of products, Cooper is uniquely positioned for several long-term growth trends including the global infrastructure build-out, the need to improve the reliability and productivity of the electric grid, the demand for higher energy-efficient products and the need for improved electrical safety. In 2011 fifty-nine percent of total sales were to customers in the industrial and utility end-markets and forty percent of total sales were to customers outside the United States. Cooper has manufacturing facilities in 23 countries as of 2011. For more information, visit the website at http://www.cooperindustries.com.

Read more here:
Six Cooper Lighting and Cooper Controls Products Honored in Architectural Products Inaugural ...

Nimbus II by Berndnaut Smilde, created using a smoke machine and closely controlling the atmospheric and lighting conditions in the room (Photo: Berndnaut Smilde)

Artist Berndnaut Smilde may use simple smoke machines to create his indoor cloudworks, but to achieve such dramatic results requires meticulous experimentation with both lighting and interior atmospheric conditions.

"I wanted to make the image of a typical Dutch raincloud inside a space," Smilde told Gizmag. "I'm interested in the ephemeral aspect of the work. It's there for a brief moment and then the cloud falls apart. The work only exists as a photograph."

The dramatic effect is achieved by backlighting the cloud which creates shadows within, Smilde explained. It's these shadows that lend the cloud the forbidding aspect of a raincloud.

Combined with the empty, almost austere interiors selected by Smilde, as well as the sheer oddity of the sight of a cloud suspended indoors, the clouds give the photographs an unsettling (almost ghostly) yet simultaneously serene, ethereal quality.

But how does Smilde get the cloud to hang around long enough to hide the smoke machine and compose the shot? "By moistening the air you can shape and keep the cloud from falling apart directly as the moist sticks to it making the smoke heavier," Smilde explains. "Also when the space is really cold it prevents the smoke from rising too quickly. Basically that's it, and of course a lot of practice."

Source: Berndnaut Smilde via Architizer

Just enter your friends and your email address into the form below

For multiple addresses, separate each with a comma

Privacy is safe with us because we have a strict privacy policy.

See the original post:
Artist creates stunning indoor clouds

CHARLIE GATES

The life's work of two of New Zealand's most important architects has been largely destroyed in the Canterbury earthquakes.

Modernist architect Sir Miles Warren says the destruction of his built legacy is "dismal", while Peter Beaven is "shattered" by the loss.

Christchurch is renowned for developing a distinctive form of modernist architecture in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

Warren and Beaven were two of the leading exponents of what became known as the Christchurch School, designing many groundbreaking buildings that have now been lost.

Beaven lost the SBS building and the Holiday Inn building in central Christchurch, among others.

Warren'smajor developments in the city included the Canterbury Savings Bank and the Crowne Plaza buildings.

Beaven lost his central-cityoffice in the February quake and has moved to Blenheim.

"I feel shattered really. It is just a huge, shattering loss," he said.

"I have moved to Blenheim. We couldn't cope with Christchurch.

Read more here:
Architects 'shattered' by Christchurch's loss

Advanced Grout System Prolongs Life of Floors to Avoid Costly Repairs

NEW YORK - Stuart Dean, a renowned provider of architectural restoration services throughout the United States, will present its Marcoat Epoxy Grout Floor System as an advanced solution for grout degradation March 4-6, 2012 at the Restaurant Facility Management Association (RFMA) 2012 Annual Conference at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Grout degradation is a common and costly back-of-the-house problem for RFMA attendees, which includes restaurant facility directors, managers, project coordinators, owners/operators, construction managers, and operations and purchasing managers. The company will be at Booth #311.

"Grout deterioration is accelerated in the restaurant environment for several reasons, including heavy traffic, moisture, food by-products, cleaning agents and grease, which cause the average high-performance restaurant chain to re-grout every two to four years depending on volume," said Mark Parrish, president and CEO of Stuart Dean. "Our exclusive Marcoat Epoxy Grout Floor System is a replacement for conventional grout and eliminates corrosion for the long term by standing up to the rigors of daily wear and tear in commercial kitchens."

Marcoat is a nonporous epoxy that eliminates the pockets where food particles, liquid and grease can accumulate in traditional grout and cause health hazards. The product is impervious to oleic acid and enzyme cleaners that are present in the kitchen environment, and also protects tile from breaking and chipping. Additionally, its special formulation is impervious to mold and mildew.

Marcoat comes with a limited two-year warranty on workmanship and an additional manufacturer warranty against product failure of three years, for a total of five years of coverage against product breakdown under normal restaurant conditions. The material features industry-leading return on investment, with a total cost of ownership four times less than conventional grout.

"Marcoat is NSF-certified for use in the food service industry and is designed to be a long-lasting solution in the restoration and new construction of restaurant kitchens," Parrish added. "We are excited to introduce Marcoat to the restaurant professionals who attend RFMA."

RFMA is a professional organization dedicated to advancing industry awareness of restaurant facility management, and promoting professional and ethical standards to serve customers with added value. Drawing restaurateurs from across the country, the RFMA Annual Conference spotlights the latest technological advances in the restaurant facilities' industry. With more than 230 exhibitors displaying products and services, renowned speakers and breakout sessions, the RFMA conference has established itself as the leader in assimilating new information on restaurant facility maintenance.

About Stuart Dean

Stuart Dean is the country's preeminent architectural restoration company, specializing in metal polishing, stone cleaning and sealing, wood refinishing, glass restoration, and commercial-grade grout installation. Thousands of clients entrust Stuart Dean to protect, maintain and restore their buildings, retail stores, institutions and restaurants every day. Stuart Dean offers a portfolio of services to enhance the beauty and retain the value of a wide array of architectural assets. The company has been in business for nearly 80 years, with 22 offices in the U.S. and Canada and over 450 employees. Major markets served include New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, D.C./Virginia, Phoenix, Charlotte, Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Tustin, San Diego, and Toronto. For more information, visit http://www.stuartdean.com.

Contact: Jeff Donaldson For Stuart Dean 412-642-7700 jeff.donaldson@elias-savion.com

See original here:
Stuart Dean Presents Advanced Marcoat® Grout System to Restaurant Industry at RFMA ...

A Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County home in South Scranton will provide shelter for a family and signal the restoration of the charity's reputation when its keys are handed over on Friday.

The new home at 1709 Prospect Ave. with its large windows, wide hallways and a rear patio has a great view of Taylor and West Side, along with the amenities one would expect: ample insulation, plenty of electrical outlets and highly efficient lighting.

On Friday, the keys and the responsibility for the home will be given to Faith Coss, a single mother of four and personal care assistant who works for a local home health provider.

The quaint, yellow vinyl home was a long time in coming. Current president of the local Habitat board Todd Pousley said the charity hit a hard spot in getting donations and support.

"People were reluctant to work with us because issues in the past left a sour taste," he said. "We had to convince people that we are a different group with a different approach and tried to start fresh relationships."

The Prospect Avenue home is the first Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County has completed since 2005. Back then, Mr. Pousley was a student at Marywood University who would recruit volunteers to work on local Habitat projects. Although Mr. Pousley was a marketing major, his father was a general contractor. Growing up, Mr. Pousley would often accompany his father to work and quickly picked up building skills. In college Habitat for Humanity offered a unique way for him apply his special skills.

"I always had an affinity for Habitat and was drawn to their mission," he said.

Problems build

From its inception in 1990 through 2004, the Lackawanna chapter built or remodeled 26 houses.

But the organization's problems were mounting.

Read the rest here:
Habitat for Humanity back in county after 7-year hiatus

5 March 2012 Last updated at 06:54 ET

A newly restored painting by the Dutch master Vermeer will shortly return to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam following a tour of Japanese galleries.

It will be the first time visitors will have the chance to see Woman in Blue Reading a Letter at the world-famous institution since its 2010 restoration.

The removal of varnish and retouches have allowed the work to regain its "cool tones", The Art Newspaper said.

The painting is due to be unveiled at the Rijksmuseum on 30 March.

Painted between 1663 and 1664, the work shows a young woman illuminated by light from what is presumably a window.

The Rijksmuseum website invites us to admire the "subtle gradations of colour" and the way Vermeer "adjusted the balance... by playing with the areas of light and shadow".

In return for a contribution towards its restoration costs, the painting has been recently exhibited in Kyoto, Sendai and Tokyo.

Along with Rembrandt and Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) is considered to be one of the greatest Dutch artists.

Only 36 of his paintings survive, among them his 1665 masterpiece Girl with a Pearl Earring - the inspiration for a 1999 novel by Tracy Chevalier and a 2003 film starring Colin Firth.

See the rest here:
Restored Vermeer returning home

A Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County home in South Scranton will provide shelter for a family and signal the restoration of the charity's reputation when its keys are handed over on Friday.

The new home at 1709 Prospect Ave. with its large windows, wide hallways, and a rear patio has a great view of Taylor and West Side, along with the amenities one would expect: ample insulation, plenty of electrical outlets and highly efficient lighting.

On Friday, the keys and the responsibility for the home will be given to Faith Coss, a single mother of four and personal care assistant who works for a local home health provider.

The quaint, yellow vinyl home was a long time in coming. Current president of the local Habitat board Todd Pousley said the charity hit a hard spot in getting donations and support.

"People were reluctant to work with us because issues in the past left a sour taste," he said. "We had to convince people that we are a different group with a different approach and tried to start fresh relationships."

The Prospect Avenue home is the first Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County has completed since 2005. Back then Pousley was a student at Marywood University who would recruit volunteers to work on local Habitat projects. Although Pousley was a marketing major, his father was a general contractor. Growing up, Pousley would often accompany his father to work and quickly picked up building skills. In college Habitat for Humanity offered a unique way for him apply his special skills.

"I always had an affinity for Habitat and was drawn to their mission," he said.

Problems build

From its inception in 1990 through 2004, the Lackawanna chapter built or remodeled 26 houses.

But the organization's problems were mounting.

Read this article:
Habitat home in Scranton signals rebirth for charity

Published: 12:54PM Monday March 05, 2012 Source: Fairfax

Lombard Finance's former directors. - Source: ONE News

Former cabinet minister Bill Jeffries has stood down as chairman of NZX-listed Insured Group citing ''personal reasons''.

Jeffries, along with former National Party cabinet minister Sir Douglas Graham and two other former Lombard Finance directors were last month found guilty yesterday on four charges of making false statements in documents seeking money from the public in December 2007.

In a statement to the NZX posted this morning Insured Group said Jeffries had stood down effective March 1.

''Hon William (Bill) Patrick Jeffries has been a fine Chairman of unquestionable integrity, honesty and efficiency in his role, which possesses an impeccable skill with corporate governance,'' managing director Wayne Miller said in a statement.

''The Board of Insured unequivocally supports him and wishes him well in his future endeavors.''

He has been replaced by Barry Driscoll. The company said it would seek a waiver from NZX to give it time to find a replacement New Zealand resident director. In 2010 the company was censured and fined $7500 by the NZ Market Disciplinary Tribunal for failing to have the required two New Zealand directors for around a month in 2010.

Insured Group is a general insurance intermediary which specialises in insurance distribution which was spun out of Lombard Group, the parent company of Lombard Finance, after a reverse takeover of Australian Consolidated Insurance. Most of its operations are in Australia.

Copyright 2012, Television New Zealand Limited. Breaking and Daily News, Sport & Weather | TV ONE, TV2 | Ondemand

Read the original:
Disgraced Bill Jeffries quits

Published: 12:54PM Monday March 05, 2012 Source: Fairfax

Lombard Finance's former directors. - Source: ONE News

Former cabinet minister Bill Jeffries has stood down as chairman of NZX-listed Insured Group citing ''personal reasons''.

Jeffries, along with former National Party cabinet minister Sir Douglas Graham and two other former Lombard Finance directors were last month found guilty yesterday on four charges of making false statements in documents seeking money from the public in December 2007.

In a statement to the NZX posted this morning Insured Group said Jeffries had stood down effective March 1.

''Hon William (Bill) Patrick Jeffries has been a fine Chairman of unquestionable integrity, honesty and efficiency in his role, which possesses an impeccable skill with corporate governance,'' managing director Wayne Miller said in a statement.

''The Board of Insured unequivocally supports him and wishes him well in his future endeavors.''

He has been replaced by Barry Driscoll. The company said it would seek a waiver from NZX to give it time to find a replacement New Zealand resident director. In 2010 the company was censured and fined $7500 by the NZ Market Disciplinary Tribunal for failing to have the required two New Zealand directors for around a month in 2010.

Insured Group is a general insurance intermediary which specialises in insurance distribution which was spun out of Lombard Group, the parent company of Lombard Finance, after a reverse takeover of Australian Consolidated Insurance. Most of its operations are in Australia.

Copyright 2012, Television New Zealand Limited. Breaking and Daily News, Sport & Weather | TV ONE, TV2 | Ondemand

Excerpt from:
Disgraced former minister quits insurance firm

HAMISH RUTHERFORD

MAARTEN HOLL/The Dominion Post

From left, Sir Douglas Graham, Michael Reeves, William Jeffries and Lawrence Bryant.

Disgraced former cabinet minister Bill Jeffries has stood down as chairman of NZX-listed Insured Group citing ''personal reasons''.

Jeffries, along with former National Party cabinet minister Sir Douglas Graham and two other former Lombard Finance directors were last month found guilty yesterday on four charges of making false statements in documents seeking money from the public in December 2007.

In a statement to the NZX posted this morning Insured Group said Jeffries had stood down effective March 1.

''Hon William (Bill) Patrick Jeffries has been a fine Chairman of unquestionable integrity, honesty and efficiency in his role, which possesses an impeccable skill with corporate governance,'' managing director Wayne Miller said in a statement.

''The Board of Insured unequivocally supports him and wishes him well in his future endeavors.''

He has been replaced by Barry Driscoll. The company said it would seek a waiver from NZX to give it time to find a replacement New Zealand resident director. In 2010 the company was censured and fined $7500 by the NZ Market Disciplinary Tribunal for failing to have the required two New Zealand directors for around a month in 2010.

Insured Group is a general insurance intermediary which specialises in insurance distribution which was spun out of Lombard Group, the parent company of Lombard Finance, after a reverse takeover of Australian Consolidated Insurance. Most of its operations are in Australia.

See original here:
Bill Jeffries quits Insured Group