When we think about water, some of the first things that come
to mind are drinking, swimming and fountains. Very few people think about ‘relief’
for people in developing countries. When we think about artificial light, the first
things that come to mind are lamps, bulbs, media façades and spectacular show-effects.
Very few people think about ‘relief’ for people all around the world!
Like plants, every human being
seeks light, either to feel less stressed or to be stimulated. The question is:
are we sure that every type of light is equal to the next? As a leading global supplier
of professional lighting solutions, Zumtobel’s answer is no. Just as there are obvious
differences between natural and artificial light, there are also differences in
lighting solutions in terms of suppliers, technologies and benefits – socially,
aesthetically and economically speaking. With its Humanergy Balance concept, Zumtobel
can guarantee, with each lighting solution, an equilibrium between the human, the
economic and the ecological aspects of light.
To enable people to move safely from one place to another, they
need a minimum of light. But where concentration, efficiency and creativity are
required, increasingly higher demands are made on lighting. What light is the right
light depends on the type of visual task to be performed. Guidelines applying to
presentation and retail are entirely different from those in areas of production,
for example. Nevertheless, there is a striking parallel: light gains through diversity
and change. Multiple luminaires and dynamic light changes lead to significantly
better results than static solutions with only one type of lighting. Brightness,
colour, light distribution and their dynamism influence our mood. If it’s very hot
outside, we instinctively move into a cool-lighting store or office to find some
relief.
Research proves that good light can even accelerate the recuperation
process. The human biological clock adjusts itself according to the natural changes
of light during the day. The hormone secreted by the pineal gland induces sleepiness
and thus influences the waking and sleeping rhythms of the body.
Bad light may cause extensive harm. Poor or monotonous lighting
soon tires the eyes and overtaxes them. People are more cheerful and active on a
bright summer’s day than on a grey one in November. Clearly, light can truly influence
emotions and health.
From the financial point of view, everyone is aware of the energy
bill. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), an average of 20% of worldwide
electrical energy consumption is linked to lighting. Therefore, the greatest potential
for saving energy is provided by the intelligent use of lighting control systems.
Ideally, up to 60% less energy for lighting is required in buildings
with a daylight-based control system that reduces artificial light as a result of
the increased incidence of daylight. The same savings are provided by control systems
based on time and user presence, which switch the light off in unused interiors.
The future lies in LED light sources. With a light output of
up to 100 lumens per watt, the performance of LEDs has increased to beat that of
fluorescent lamps. Numerous are the benefits of LED technology. For instance, highly
compact dimensions and constant brightness throughout an amazingly long service
life: over 50,000 hours at an almost constant luminous flux, with excellent colour
rendition properties. In order to emphasise this quality standard, Zumtobel has
been providing a five-year guarantee on all its luminaires since April 1. Customers
can be certain to buy products that are excellent in terms of both design and quality.
Zumtobel LEDs provide millions of colours and hundreds of white
tones to create dynamic effects, making them outperform conventional light sources
in terms of design, accents created and room atmosphere. Being digital modules,
they can be programmed, providing virtually infinite scope for creating impressive
lighting effects.
Today’s opportunities present a world of challenges. The question
is: are we smart enough to see the opportunities in a challenge?
Danny Achkar is the new regional
manager for Zumtobel Lighting in the MENA region, based in the Design Forum, Dubai. He is pictured above
at the Porsche Design concept shop in Dubai Mall. For more information, contact
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