Outdoor living for well-being. While the pandemic highlighted the need for outdoor space as an extension of our homes, the norms of urban living that were established in its wake have upheld the need for increased exposure to natural light and to the open air. In addition to proposals from furniture companies, growth is also being seen in the sector of structures for protection and transition, such as awnings and pergolas, which have become increasingly complex, versatile and multi-purpose, even going so far as to play an active role in energy production and thermal regulation. In Italy alone, between 2019 and 2024, turnover in this sector saw 54 percent growth, from EUR 1,256 bn to 1,939 bn (source: Centro Studi FederlegnoArredo). “We have undoubtedly benefited from the growth resulting from the effects of COVID and housing subsidies”, explains Gianfranco Bellin, president of Assotende, "but the sector has withstood the ebb seen in 2023, which saw the end of home-improvement discounts, and has settled into a more organic and seasonal form of growth that should also benefit from the simplification in procedure introduced by the Pro-Housing decree, recently made law (105/202)”.

Now is the time to once again invest in products and technology. Italy has always played a pioneering role in this area; italian companies created the pergola-awning around 2000, becoming global leaders, progressively applying design and technology to products such as pergolas, which have gone from being sloped to flat, and that are now versatile elements of architecture. They have evolved from simple sources of shade to complex waterproof and motorised structures controlled with sophisticated electronics, offering lighting, sound and cooling systems. Recently, tilting photovoltaic pergolas have been launched, which are energy self-sufficient. “Assotende, an association that represents 63 leading Italian companies, covering a total of approximately 3.000 employees, promotes increased awareness of product sustainability” continues Bellin. “95 percent of bioclimatic pergolas are in aluminium, and their durability leads to a lower carbon footprint - and we encourage the recycling of components, and the use of fabrics made with recycled polyesters and acrylics. Via Federlegno, we have played a proactive role in European regulations for the sector, and we take part in working groups for the Italian Standards Body UNI for the recognition of new products”.

What can we expect in terms of the boundaries between indoors and outdoors? “The outdoor world has expanded not only in terms of furniture, from lounge lines to outdoor kitchens, but above all in the essence of these new living spaces. At Assotende, we offer protection for these areas. This is why we can no longer simply create structures; we need to participate in intersectoral work groups to understand the direction and demands of the various markets. Outdoor spaces are an integral part of architecture and, considering the more than 3,000 km of Italian coastline characterised by old structures in need of refurbishment, we have a significant opportunity to offer quality and beauty".

Both indoors and outdoors, lighting plays a determining role in the perceived quality of spaces and in personal well-being. Providing outdoor lighting is particularly complex, due to the varying nature of all the elements involved. "Outdoor lighting design begins with identifying the purpose”, explains Thomas Gravanis, the founder of L+GD, a lighting consultancy company based in Athens, with a portfolio of more than 650 light-design projects in a dozen countries. “The setting and the use experience are just as important. Lighting needs to harmoniously blend with the surrounding architecture and the natural landscape, and people need to be able to interact with the space at different times and under a series of conditions. Lastly, planning is also subject to local regulations regarding light pollution, energy efficiency and the positioning of equipment. Often, outdoor lighting is excessive, causing glare and spoiling the atmosphere. Lighting units must be carefully chosen in accordance with the specific application and the aesthetic aims of the space, without neglecting aspects of maintenance and durability. LED lighting continues to be the leading option for efficiency and durability, offering adjustable intensity and colour temperature for more dynamic effects. Intelligent lighting systems are becoming increasingly popular, embracing functions such as motion detection and remote control for better energy management. Technology provides precise and creative solutions that adapt to the specific requirements of each project.

What impact does sustainability have in external lighting design? “For L+DG, it is fundamental. We prioritise energy efficiency, using LED lighting that minimises consumption, and we follow the principles of ‘dark-sky compliance’ to reduce light pollution by directing light downwards and avoiding useless glare. We also promote the use of sustainable materials, such as devices made with recycled or recyclable components. Lastly, we favour adaptive lighting systems that adjust to presence or to the time of day, guaranteeing that lighting is only used when needed. All these strategies are in line with the increasing demand for green certification such as LEED, WELL or BREEAM, encouraging responsible planning that benefits performance and the environment”.