Human Centric Lighting – Artificial Daylight in a Canteen

As part of a conversion procedure, a staff restaurant and associated kitchen from the 70ies were to be improved architecturally and with regards to lighting. The daylight deprived spaces are located in the basement and feature a typical 70ies interior design and lighting. An essential part of the design task was to introduce daylight and a visual relation with the exterior by building a new light well. For structural reasons only a confined well geometry with small windows could be implemented.

Comprehensive studies demonstrated that the daylight intake was only minimal and the positive effects of natural light and views outside are barely noticeable as a result. The added value for the occupant was therefore only attainable by means of an artificial illumination, imitating natural light with its daily and annual variations, dynamics, light color, light direction and intensity thus supporting the occupant's individual circadian rhythm. A floor-to-ceiling, over 20m long artificial panorama window compensates for the lack of daylight and thus emulates a relation with the outdoor environment.

Behind the glazing, linear LED luminaires are concealed in the floor and ceiling. Their light intensity and color are automatically adapted to the time of day by means of an intelligent control system. The dining area is organized in various seating clusters with a light colored design and an almost completely black free flow zone. Some seating areas are illuminated by pendant luminaires in an accentuating manner, while the large, flexibly adaptable table cluster at the center is uniformly lit by a lattice-like light structure. The contrasted accent illumination above the buffets is supplemented by discreet ceiling recessed luminaires in the walking zones. The color temperature of the access illumination and the lighting of the adjacent open kitchen is equally variable and is controlled in sync with the luminous wall.

With this unusual project, Licht Kunst Licht presents the design result of an applied human centric illumination for a daylight deprived space that respects and consolidates the occupant's circadian rhythm.