Correct. Individual. Planned.
OSRAM Lighting Solutions develops custom-designed Human Centric Lighting concepts based on the existing, generally valid standards for office lighting. You can count on us!
The key to success of any HCL concept, meaning the well-being of people, is individual planning and precise coordination to the specific project. Human Centric Lighting applications from OSRAM Lighting Solutions begin with the generally valid standards and regulations for human visual perception. The applications are either activating, relaxing or neutral according to the time of day. The basis and starting point for this biological-emotional effect is the holistic integration of the HCL application into the architectural context. The design and interaction of the luminaire with the room and all its elements is decisive.
Due to energy-related factors, HCL solutions are more complex than pure on/off solutions. In both cases however, the EnEV (German Energy Savings Regulation) as planning basis sets the framework conditions for the energy-efficient operation of buildings. In these times of high-efficiency LED technology and intelligent LMS solutions, HCL concepts and applications from OSRAM Lighting Solutions only marginally differ from conventional LED solutions, although with a significant difference in terms of quality of light, well-being, flexibility and an upgrading of offices as 'habitats'.
Important quality criteria for functional office lighting
In Europe the EN 12464¬1 standard defines minimum requirements for the lighting of indoor workplaces and forms the basis for planning office lighting. Precise regulations have been formulated in accordance with various quality criteria and according to visual tasks.
Illuminance together with the specific reflection factor ensures a corresponding lighting level, and because glare reduces visual performance and therefore well-being, glare limitation or complete elimination of glare is important. The suitability for computer screens depends on adjacent luminance, the ingress angle of the light and the screens used.
Light colour (colour temperature) has an influence on mood, whereby warm white has a calming effect and neutral white is more stimulating. The colour rendering index Ra measures the rendering of colours compared to colour display in daylight which has the best colour rendition. Ra ≥ 80 is required for offices. Light distribution influences visual performance and visual comfort. The light direction is also important. Everything should be clearly identifiable in a pleasant way, with balanced contrast as well as a suitable ratio of diffuse and directed light.
The ten principles of HCL design
Utilise daylight
Due to evolution, daylight is our most important synchroniser. Daylight provides the highest quality of light with regard to spectral distribution and colour quality in the visible spectrum, and in the non-visible spectrum sunlight contains many health-promoting components. As far as possible, use natural daylight in the concept stage of lighting design. Also consider that possibly disruptive effects such as glare or an excessive exposure to heat due to direct sunlight should be avoided.
The right light at the right time
Design the lighting solution for both visual and non-visual perception. Biologically effective light is especially effective in the morning following darkness, and warm white light during the evening supports relaxation and "calming down".
Recommend that customers also use the right light at the right time for their own light at home. The impact of all light sources should be considered if possible, including those not intended directly for lighting such as computer screens.
Designing ecologically and sustainability
Apply the light only to where it is needed and as required for well-being.
This is always where people stay for a longer period of time. HCL is not required for infrequently used areas. Integrate a sensible, dynamic light management system, utilise daylight resources, integrate yourself actively into the interior design, and if possible check whether the LMS can be connected to the existing building system technology. Attempt to sensitise the user for the conscientious handling of light.
Design according to the user
For whom is the lighting solution intended, and which user-specific information must I consider during design and planning? When do the first and last people come to the place of work (chronotypes)? The lighting solution should positively influence spatial perception and older people need more light than younger people.
Design according to the application
Analyse the specific task – what is the aim of Human Centric Lighting in the specific application? – and demonstrate the potential. A focus on people – well-being, concentration and performance capacity are positively influenced.
Design architecturally
Plan light appropriate for the material – the lighting solution must become part of the architecture and support it. Divide into zones and guide with light, design and display with light, create a sense tension between light and shadow, and definitely take into account the visual effects of light. Consider that surfaces absorb light and only partly reflect these.
Because melanopic effects are mainly communicated via blue light, strong colours leaning more towards red, brown and yellow dramatically reduce the effect because they absorb blue.
Fetching the sky indoors
Be aware of the quality of light contained in daylight, design wide-area light (with either wide distribution indirect light or light ceilings) for cool white illumination across the day akin to the sky, and warm white light to simulate the lighting quality of the sun. During evenings use task-orientated light to sufficiently brighten walls or ceilings to avoid a cave-like character and to keep the melanopic impact as low as possible.
Integrate more than one light colour – designing with dynamic light
Think of daylight and the local and time-based distribution of warm and cool white light colours and brightness levels, design cool light colours with high illuminance and warm white light colours with low brightness – cool white light instigates biological activation and warm white light has a positive influence on relaxation and calming down.
Circadian-based light sequences support people's daytime rhythm, brief "showers of light" contribute to activation at specific times, and the natural course of light across the day is the conceptual model.
Planning in the right components
Design with pendant luminaires that emit light both directly and indirectly and implement wide-area, cool or dynamic white lighting for walls and ceilings with wallwashers, floorstanding luminaires or light ceilings. Use downlights or spotlights for warm white accent light, always select a solution integrating a combination of dynamic light management and luminaires to implement an optimum HCL design approach, and use components with verified melanopic data.
Discover indoor luminaires
Design according to standards
With all HCL lighting concepts a focus is placed on illumination of workplaces conforming to appropriate standards – relevant regional rules and regulations for lighting provide information about this. Based upon this, activating concepts are then implemented. For recommendations about correctly designing with biologically active light, see for example the DIN SPEC 67600 and DIN Spec 5031-100.
HCL lighting concept: fetching the sky indoors
The best light comes from the sun Our HCL concepts precisely follow this ideal. For this reason, HCL concepts from OSRAM Lighting Solutions are orientated to the natural course of light through the day and wherever possible, always integrate this valuable and free resource.
Thanks to outstanding technical solutions, it is also possible to fetch the sky into indoor spaces:
blue light distribution can be individually set across the complete course of the day via the separately controllable DW white component in the direct and indirect components of the Scriptus. As a consequence this simulates the genuine daylight sequence in the indirect light component, while the direct component enables individual selection of the light atmosphere.
Very close to the sky: one of the essential components of genuine HCL solutions.
