The design for the NY Santoni Boutique at 667 Madison Avenue has brought sophistication to the Architetto Patricia Urquiol-designed building while simultaneously guiding the visitors to the desired item. In order to illuminate the double-height venue, the design company Effetto Luce Lighting – Recanati used several types of lighting cleverly layered for optimal effect. The project won first place in the LED Interior Lighting Design category at the 2025 Lighting Design Awards.
Precision Lighting With Purpose
The first lighting is general lighting that mimics uniform daylight for a warm, welcoming feeling. The lighting is incorporated into a thin luminous ceiling between generously exposed beams. Adjustable LED spotlights with compact-beam optics are located right below, on a track sunken into the beams. Boasting a high colour rendering index (CRI), the LEDs truthfully render the product’s natural colours. By merging these two types of lighting (the general ambient lighting and the product accents), the space epitomises the innovative spirit of Santoni while keeping in touch with its well-known traditional craftsmanship. To additionally draw attention to the products, the small LEDs with control optics have been added below most shelves. By matching the architectural elements of the space, the lights emphasise the visual hierarchy of the retail.
Easy-to-use magnetic systems
Dimmable LED technology throughout the entire system ensures that artificial lights complement the natural lighting, which allows employees to test various scenarios throughout the day in the store. Effetto Luce Lighting ensured maximum results with minimal energy consumption. The maintenance of the lighting is simplified with a magnetic anchoring system, which keeps the light panels attached to the metallic structure, and the magnetic fastening of the tiles. The fast removal and replacement technique minimises the amount of material disposed of. All other lighting fixtures in Santoni Boutique are reusable with interchangeable electric and electronic parts to maximise energy savings and resource management.
Effetto Luce and Santoni collaboration goes way back
Since its creation in 1985, Effetto Luce has transmitted the passion for light with their memorable, versatile projects. The company, founded in the Italian city of Recanti, has become one of Europe’s most well-known lighting designers, completing many residential, rental, industry, contract, and even museum projects over the years. Over the past forty years, Effetto Luce has worked with the world’s finest artists, designers, and private and public clients to create functional, top-notch lighting. From the meticulous analysis of the client’s tastes and needs to the finished project, the company ensures a functional, aesthetically pleasing design. This approach has brought them the trust of the Accademia di Egitto, Fondazione Prada, Hotel Excelsior in Pesaro, Crown Plaza in Geneva, and Hotel Ferragamo in Rome. The company designed several Tod’s fashion retailer stores in Tokyo, Zurich, Dubai, and Al Bahrain, among others, and of course retails by Santoni. Apart from this award-winning Santoni New York design, Effet also designed the lighting systems at Santoni’s Milan and Corridonia venues.
Photo Credits: Santoni Shoes
