Eventi su design ed architettura

Light + Building 2018

Dynamic lighting enhances health and wellbeing

At the end of 2017, the Nobel Prize for medicine went to three US American researchers Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young. By isolating and investigating the ‘period’ gene of the fruit fly, they were able to prove the existence of the ‘inner clock’, which controls the circadian rhythm of humans, animals and plants. The lighting industry, architects and planners, are interested in this, too, and are developing lighting solutions and concepts for a wide range of applications, based on these scientific findings.

Circadian rhythms – the foundation of human-centric lighting

The biological rhythm of the human being is crucially influenced by the progress of sunlight. And it is, first and foremost, the proportion of blue light that is responsible for blocking or stimulating the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. The relatively blue sunlight in the morning blocks the melatonin hormone and stimulates the activity of the stress hormone cortisol. This leads to increased wakefulness, an enhanced ability to concentrate and a feeling of general fitness. In the course of the day, the colour of the light changes into a significantly warmer tone, thus creating a reversal of this effect, so that people become calmer in the evening and are prepared for the imminent sleep phase.

Biologically effective lighting

Lighting solutions that embody the notion of HCL (Human Centric Lighting) try to support the biological process of hormone control by simulating the missing sunshine that actively promotes this natural rhythm. The fact that most people only rarely get to feel the sun on their faces can lead to problems such as sleeplessness, fatigue and even depression. A lamp designed along biological lines follows the same phases as the sun, as far as the colour of the light is concerned, and thus creates healthier lighting. At the same time, however, aspects such as intensity and direction of the illumination must be taken into account, in order to maximise the effects of the installed system appropriately. Sunlight varies in intensity from 3,000 lux (on a dull winter’s day) to 100,000 lux (in direct sun). The direction of the lighting, too, needs to be taken into consideration. For instance, the diffuse light from the sky covers a major part of the human visual field. Broad-surface lighting in the upper part of the room is therefore desirable, as this is what most efficiently reaches the bottom half of the retina, where most of the light-sensitive cells are to be found. All three factors (colour temperature, intensity and direction) must be taken into consideration in any good quality and serious HCL lighting plan, if the effect of sunlight is to be replicated as closely as possible.

Multiple areas of application

Applications for biodynamic lighting are many and varied, ranging from private dwellings to offices, nursing facilities and care institutions. There is a particular focus on lighting solutions for offices and the healthcare system, as it is here that the positive effects have the greatest impact. Equally exciting and relevant for these areas are cost-benefit analyses. The introduction of an HCL based solution in the office, for instance, holds the promise of better work outcomes, positively motivated staff and, at the end of the day, a reduction in down time due to illness, too. This all adds up to definite cost savings. In the health service, the effect of correct lighting can, in certain circumstances, result in staff savings and, with increased sense of well-being and consequent shortened healing periods for patients and those in care, also enhance the image of the establishment as a whole. In other areas, too, such as retail experiences for instance, positive results can be obtained with the correct lighting effects. Appropriate lighting solutions awaken curiosity, make shop interiors more inviting, increase length of stay and foster enthusiasm.

Light + Building showcases huge variety of solutions

Technical implementations of an HCL system can basically be divided into two categories: on the one hand, there are individual solutions, whereby individual lighting elements react on their own or, indeed, as part of an interlinked control network, which regulates the individual luminaires and ensures that they interact sensibly. These include the

so-called ‘swarm technologies’. Here, several light sources communicate with one another and thus ensure a well-balanced lighting scenario. All versions have their own key functions and must be selected for individual requirements in each case. The industry will be showcasing the range of products and the growing choice available to the public at

Light + Building, from 18 to 23 March 2018 in Frankfurt am Main. Visitors will be able to collect information about the many possible solutions to be found on the market and, indeed, bearing in mind the latest lighting trends as well as intelligent lighting control systems. The increasing significance of HCL also makes its contribution to the overarching theme at Light + Building: ‘Aesthetics and well-being in harmony.’

Background information on Messe Frankfurt

Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With over 2,300 employees at some 30 locations, the company generates annual sales of around €647 million. Thanks to its far-reaching ties with the relevant sectors and to its international sales network, the Group looks after the business interests of its customers effectively. A comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services.

http://www.messefrankfurt.com