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ERCO Light Factory 1

When ERCO signalled that it was the first established luminaire manufacturer worldwide to develop, produce and sell light based entire-ly on digital technology, the news caused great excitement in the lighting and architecture sectors. “light digital” has since become our leitmotif, summarising our approach to recon-sider lighting in every possible aspect based on the opportunities of LED technology. Devel-opment and production at ERCO are deliber-ately located in Germany, enabling us to guar-antee ultimate precision and quality of our lighting tools – one more reason why we call ourselves the Light Factory. But is the meta-phor of a factory not a touch outdated in the era of digital light?

Not at all, actually. Whilst development work for ERCO LED innovations may, in some ways, be more representative of the agile, networked approach of digital start-ups, it is firmly grounded in the experience of an industrial company with a long tradition, pro-viding us with the means and momentum to

Editorial. The Light Factory in the digital ageContents

The Light Factory in the digital age

The Light Factory

Lighting design

Efficient visual comfort

Expertise

ERCO LED technology

Simplicity

ERCO lighting tools

Diversity with light

Work

Planning office lighting

Shop

Planning shop lighting

Culture

Planning exhibition lighting

Community

Planning light for public buildings

Hospitality

Planning light for gastronomy

Living

Planning light for homes

Public

Planning light for public places

Contemplation

Planning light for sacred buildings

Editorial

The Light Factory

Our application areas

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concen trate on what ERCO has always done best: perfecting architectural light with ulti-mate precision.

Every aspect of the process, from the design and development through to production and assembly, is handled under one roof. The short distances promote interdisciplinary dia-logue whilst maintaining the superior qual-ity for which we are recognised. Working with an international network of ERCO consultants, we keep our finger on the pulse of time and beyond, committed to the continuous devel-opment of products that meet the current requirements of architects, lighting and elec-trical designers in the field.

One year after our complete and radical change to digital light, ERCO LED tech nology has now become a natural choice for creative and technical designers as a tool for more user-friendly and energy-efficient concepts of perception-orientated architectural lighting.

light digital means reconsidering light in every dimension.

ERCO Light Factory 32 ERCO Light Factory

Top: Welcome to ERCO – in talks at the Light+ Building booth. Right: The international ERCO team engaged in dis-cussing digital innova-tions and current light-ing issues.

The Light Finder as our interactive online plan-ning tool with efficient ERCO product search function can be found at www.erco.com/ lightfinder. Alterna tively, it can be downloaded as an app.

ERCO supports design - ers at every stage of their work – with an efficient product search, inspiration from refer - ence projects and light - ing expertise. More at www.erco.com

The ERCO catalogue, all product data sheets, didactic knowledge- based modules and ERCO brochures can be down-loaded at www.erco.com/ download. To order the printed catalogue go to: www.erco.com/ product-catalogue

ERCO is a leading international specialist in architectural lighting, using 100% LED tech-nology. The family business, based in Lüden-scheid, in the heart of Germany, now oper-ates as a global player with independent sales organisations and partners in 55 countries worldwide.

Founded in 1934, ERCO pioneered archi-tectural lighting across Europe in the 1960s, and today, less than 50 years later, is the first established luminaire manufacturer with a portfolio based entirely on LED technology. Around 1,000 committed and dedicated ERCO employees worldwide ensure that LED tech-nology is developed from a pure tech nology into a sophisticated lighting tool – because perception-orientated lighting design, imple-mented in the context of efficient visual com-fort, is our mission.

Focus at ERCO is given to open, interdisci-plinary and international cooperation: While our ERCO luminaires are developed and pro-duced carefully and with an eye on the future by our team at the Lüdenscheid Light Factory, our competent and motivated consultants at international ERCO sales offices ensure that they are used in thousands of different appli-cations around the globe.

We would be delighted to offer you the possibility of experiencing ERCO lighting tools in operation: in any of our ERCO showrooms worldwide as well as in workshops at our headquarters, and of course at trade fairs and other industry events.

More information at: www.erco.com/service

The Light Factory

Be inspired by our pro-jects around the globe and subscribe to our Digital Lichtbericht at www.erco.com/ newsletter


Lighting design

Qualitative lighting designERCO lighting tools afford the creative scope required for the lighting design of complex building projects. With this in mind, our prod-ucts are developed on the basis of a percep-tion-orientated approach to lighting design. The American architect and lighting designer Richard Kelly (1910-1977) distinguished the qualities of light into three basic functions: ambient luminescence, focal glow and play of brilliants. This “language of light” is an opti-mal solution for the illumination of architec-ture – from the large open-plan office and boutique through to the library – as it con-tributes significantly to meeting the require-ments of its users. Experience has shown that lighting concepts are considered to be pleas-ing and successful when all three components – ambient lighting, directed accent light and decorative lighting effects – are present in a well- balanced relationship. The “language of light” is a reliable approach used to analyse and structure lighting concepts and to select the right lighting tools. With a variety of light distribution patterns, warm white and neu-tral white light, different sizes and lumen cat-egories, the system design for the luminaires in our extensive ERCO range offers all the components required for a differentiated and user-focused lighting concept.

More information at: www.erco.com/lightfinder

Ambient luminescenceThis type of lighting refers to uniform general light-ing, e.g. through down-lights or through uniform vertical illuminance. It enables users and observ-ers to find their bearings and provides them with a feeling of safety.

Focal glowThis typifies accent light-ing used to emphasise objects, areas and specific zones in a space and to create hierarchies of per-ception. It is a primary consideration in the sce-nographic illumination of art and fashion, façades and monuments which are intended to attract attention.

Play of brilliantsThis is the decorative light, the light that attracts attention; it is light as an aesthetic end in itself and includes light effects using coloured light as well as decorative luminaires and objects of light art.

Light is essential. Light is poetic. Light pro-vides atmosphere and orientation. People have always used light as a way of creating harmo-nious places. ERCO understands light as the fourth dimension of architecture. As a design feature in its own right, light can model space and objects using different levels of illumi-nance and alter the nocturnal appearance of architecture significantly.

The ERCO product range is based entirely on LED technology, as a logical consequence of our position in delivering perfect light. LED light, with its flexibility and precision, has widened the options of modelling architecture significantly and can now satisfy any and all requirements.

Our lighting tools are developed in close collaboration with architects, lighting design-ers and electrical consultants. Intensive dia-logue with the industry stakeholders gives ERCO a clear, realistic and yet also a visionary idea of what the designer requires. Creative thinking inspires us, and we want to share this inspiration. We see our role as consultants, working in the background to support design-ers in the implementation of their concepts with targeted solutions.

Digital light is the fourth dimension of architecture.

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Vertical illuminanceWallwashing enhances the impression of bright-ness, making rooms appear more spacious. A differentiated lighting concept with a signifi-cant component of verti-cal illuminance holds the secret to superior effi-ciency and light quality. Combined with accent light, it reduces contrasts that cause premature eye

Effective and efficient technologyERCO has developed optical systems for LED technology to meet var-ious different lighting requirements efficiently and with enhanced visual comfort. This includes lens systems with ERCO’s patented Spherolit tech-nology, enabling light to be directed precisely where it is needed using

Intelligent lighting controlLighting control is essen-tial not only for sceno-graphic effects and con-cepts, but also to improve energy efficiency. ERCO LEDs perform superbly when dimmed, making them great for flexible installations, and with ERCO control gear, they can be dimmed down continuously to 1%.

Lighting requires energy. Manufacturers, designers, engineers and users are obliged to use limited resources to the greatest effect. ERCO helps you rise to this challenge by sup-plying only the most efficient LED technology. Efficient visual comfort (EVC) for ERCO means a permanent and consistent optimisation of both the energy efficiency and the light qual-ity through innovative technical concepts that enable sustainable lighting design. EVC, as a strategy, rests on the intent of designing light with focus on the user based on the princi-ples of human perception, requirements of the space and efficient glare control, thereby min-imising energy usage. We have defined five quality factors that describe efficient visual comfort at ERCO.

Qualitative lighting designIn putting people at the heart of its strategy, ERCO develops and designs its products with focus on a careful, perception- orientated approach to lighting design. ERCO lighting technology uses light to create hierarchies of perception, and specifically, to ensure opti-mised performance of the visual task at hand. Qualitative lighting design centres on vertical illuminance and accentuation, as well as glare control. Glare-free surroundings with con-sistent luminance levels are easier on the eye, eliminating the need to adapt constantly to changing lighting conditions. This enables the designer to produce an energy-efficient solu-tion based on lower illuminance levels and subtle contrasts.

Vertical illuminance Due to the natural orientation of our visual field, the vertical planes of an environment constitute around 80% of our perception, making them far more important to the sub-jective perception of brightness than the light on horizontal surfaces. Vertical illumi-nance, therefore, is a characteristic feature of well-designed and economical lighting concepts. ERCO offers an exceptionally wide range of appropriate lighting tools. Our wall-washers produce a wide and spacious impres-sion of the room whilst reducing visual con-trasts to provide excellent lighting for the workplace with minimal energy requirements. The use of LED technology pays off yet again here by producing light of utmost precision and uniformity and ensuring maximum effi-ciency in energy use and maintenance. The large luminaire spacing possible with ERCO’s wallwashers supports the cost-efficient con-text of vertical illuminance.

Effective lighting technologyEfficient, precise optical systems lower the energy requirement for lighting. A compre-hensive array of solutions ensures optimised light distribution for specific lighting tasks. This extends from the asymmetrical wallwasher

Efficient visual comfort

to various spotlight characteristics. ERCO lighting tools offer highly effective technology designed to direct the light specifically onto surfaces relevant to perception. The projected light of LEDs, combined with the high-quality lens systems provided by ERCO, ensures signif-icant efficiency advantages over conventional light guidance through reflection.

Intelligent lighting controlERCO offers luminaires for different control technologies, such as DALI control and phase dimming. This makes scenic lighting uncom-plicated and accessible. Typical scenarios include the use of presence detectors to dim or switch off lighting in unused rooms. Sim-ilarly, ambient lighting sensors or analogue daylight sensors can be used to recall light scenes to supplement the available daylight. ERCO lighting tools combined with control gear developed in-house guarantee optimised dimming characteristics, making most of them ideal for filming, with continuous dimming down to 1%.

Efficient LED technologyERCO’s accomplishments and leading role in architectural lighting with LED are based on the decision to draw on its own expertise in opto-electronics. With in-house development – from LED PCBs and electronics to thermal manage-ment – ERCO is always in control of its prod-ucts and their specific characteristics. Therein lies the basis for the efficiency of our lumi-naires and the principle at the core of each and every ERCO lighting tool: specifying the high-est standards for our high-power LEDs, based on criteria such as colour rendering and constancy, luminous flux and thermal stability, enables us to guarantee consistently exceptional quality in terms of luminous efficacy and long life. By changing to LED technology, ERCO now focuses its approach on creating lighting tools with light source and photometric technology com-bined into a single integral element to support maximum planning efficiency.

the full spectrum of light distribution options. ERCO sources the best high-power LEDs avail-able in the market, spec-ifying the highest stand-ards of colour deviation, lumen maintenance and forward voltage. Combined with excellent thermal management, this ensures optimum operating conditions and a long life of the LEDs.

fatigue. With the vertical planes of an environment making up around 80% of our visual perception, this explains why vertical illuminance plays such a crucial role in qualitative lighting design as well as for the efficiency of the lighting concept.


The timely decision that ERCO made almost 10 years ago to begin a complete migration to LED has proven an enormous advantage for today. After just eight years of con centrated development work, we were the first estab-lished luminaire manufacturer in 2015 with a range of products based completely on LED technology. Our close interdisciplinary colla-boration with lighting technicians, engineers and designers enables us to maximise our innovative capacity without compromising on quality. We are, and remain, committed to our Lüdenscheid base on the edge of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan area, which offers the optimum infrastructure for networked and innovative thinking.

Research and developmentThe complete and consistent change to LED technology had ERCO reconsider light in every possible aspect. Since then, the course for ERCO to take the lead in architectural LED lighting is set in our development department, where our digital technology originates at the interface between optical systems, electron-ics and information technology. The decision, back in 2006, to form our own dedicated opto-electronics team to focus our development work on LEDs as the technology of the future, is now coming to fruition – in the form of digital lighting tools designed to the highest standards. Our holistic approach to light as a coherent entity, from the selection of LEDs and the development of control gear and optical systems through to the design con-cept, makes ERCO unique in its development methodology.

Expertise

Product designDesign has always played a key role at ERCO. Strong concepts and creativity form the back-bone of a design team focused on the crea-tion of a distinct design language for our LED product range on the principles of functional minimalism. At the same time, our team is permanently engaged with advancing our archetypal and flexible system design, which enables creative designers to select the opti-mal ERCO products for their project and combine them with each other as required.

Production and assemblyERCO has its manufacturing base in Germany. The production and assembly processes at our site in Lüdenscheid are closely monitored and optimised consistently to guarantee effi ciency and superior quality. At the same time, the short distances between development and pro-duction increase and channel our efficiency in the best possible way, ensuring that the close dialogue between our experts reflects in highly agile product development and premium solu-tions. All our electronics are manufactured with ESD protection in a carefully monitored and controlled reflow process – for optimised assembly based on a meticulously researched time and temperature profile. The result is products that ensure long life and remarkably low failure rates. Our suppliers are just as care-fully selected for lasting partnerships built on trust so ERCO customers can rely on our prod-ucts 100%.

"Made in Germany": Globalising the art of German engineering.

Short distances at the Light Factory: ERCO lumi-naires reflect the close dialogue between phy-sicians and engineers, designers and architects.


LED lensesBe it for downlights, spot-lights or wallwashers: ERCO develops all its lenses in-house, guaran-teeing maximum preci-sion and efficiency for any application.

Projection replaces reflectionConventional point light sources emit light in a solid angle of virtually 360°, whereas the inher-ent design of LEDs means their light is directed in a solid angle of <180°. The result is reduced losses due to spill light or light emitted towards the lamp holder. Furthermore, the higher transmission

Today, the architectural lighting branch is well on the way in its migration to LED technology. The focus is now on exploiting the full poten-tial of state-of-the-art digital lighting tech-nology in all areas of creative lighting – from shops to offices and administration buildings through to museums. ERCO has taken the lead in optoelectronics, by developing LED products in response to the lighting requirements of modern architectural, cultural and corporate projects. Our strengths in putting this technol-ogy to use for your benefit are outlined below.

LED modulesERCO is known for its perfectionist approach to details: We source the best high- power LEDs available in the market from reputable manu-facturers – specifying the highest standards of luminous efficacy, colour rendering and con-sistency, luminous flux and forward voltage. Using the same LEDs for all our products in a yearly LED upgrade cycle ensures that all ERCO luminaires can be combined with each other. Utmost attention is given to the LED PCBs as the basis for the characteristics of the rele-vant lighting tool. Based on state-of-the-art LED technology, ERCO develops and populates its PCBs in-house. This approach enables us to guarantee a consistently high quality in all product details.

Long functional life: L90/B10Lumen maintenance is a critical performance metric for luminaires and explains our focus on ensuring the best values for the LEDs in our products. ERCO therefore uses LEDs with the specification L90/B10 for a very consistent lifetime performance, supported by advanced thermal management in great lighting tools. This means that over a period of 50,000 hours, effectively 90% of the LEDs or more still achieve 90% of their original luminous flux. As well as this impressive performance, the LEDs used at ERCO have an amazingly low fail-ure rate of 0.1%, and even then, the luminaire remains fully operational. Our focus on the highest quality means that ERCO LEDs exceed the standard specification currently used in the market, offering the lowest possible main-tenance requirements for the highest possible efficiency of our lighting tools.

LED lensesAs the quality and design of the lenses affects the performance of an LED luminaire signifi-cantly, we have invested considerably in supe-rior lens systems. Be it shops, offices or exhibi-tions: ERCO has developed optimised lighting systems to meet the various different lighting requirements. This includes solutions such as the modular lens system with Spherolit tech-nology and the cost-effective assimilated lens system as prime examples that perfectly illus-trate the potential of LED technology. Under-standing the effect of light distribution in a concept, we apply ourselves to providing the

ERCO LED technology

widest array of precise photometric options to support a differentiated lighting design.

Maximum precision: Projection replaces reflection With the 100% migration to LED technol-ogy, ERCO has perfected the principle of light projection – in preference to conven tional reflection. The LED as a compact point light source is ideal for projections with highly pre-cise light distributions achieving a high light output ratio without spill light. The directed light of the LEDs is focused through special ERCO optical systems ensuring an optimum luminous efficacy and maximum precision in guiding the light only and exactly where it is needed. The brilliance and flexibility of the projected ERCO LED light open up a diversity of new options in the design of rooms and ensure that the light arrives on the target sur-face with no losses.

Thermal managementThermal management is a key design factor in ensuring the longevity of LEDs and elec-tronic components, and ultimately, in optimis-ing the lumen maintenance of the luminaire. ERCO uses passive heat sinks that dissipate heat through convection, ensuring efficient and quiet operation. All our LED modules are designed to operate comfortably within their approved temperature range to achieve their rated life and output for the specified power, and that throughout their entire operational life. As a result, thermal management at ERCO contributes to implementing an effective and sustainable lighting concept.

Control gearERCO’s luminaires are always provided as a unit, with matched, pre-connected control gear for DALI and phase dimming. The con-trol gear is precisely matched to the relevant LED module to ensure maximum efficiency of the LED over the specified number of oper-ating hours with high luminous power. Every combination of luminaire and connected control gear is tested in-house so the user is ensured ideal operation and safety, including full compliance with EMC (electromagnet-ic compatibility) requirements. ERCO designs and manufactures the control gear for most of its indoor luminaires in-house. Using the constant current dimming method, with con-tinuous dimming down to 1%, makes ERCO control gear particularly ideal for filming.

efficiency of lenses com-pared to that of reflectors produces a higher light output ratio which results in the greater luminous flux from the luminaire. In practice it comes down to how much light arrives on the target surface.

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ERCO light distributionsERCO’s product range includes a broad spec-trum of precise light dis-tributions: from focused narrow spot and highly efficient extra wide and linear beams through to even wallwashing.

Consistent light qualityERCO ensures optimum consistency in the quality of light throughout its range by using LEDs with the same properties, including light colour, colour locus and lumi-nous flux.

Product designSystematic miniaturisa-tion: In the era of digital light, ERCO’s in-house design team has created a distinct design language focused increasingly on the principles of conven-ient and functional mini-malism.

The ERCO luminaire system As important as light is for human perception, its significance is difficult to measure and compare in daily life. As a unique selling point in the market, ERCO explains complex lighting technology in a way that makes it easy to understand and operate. Focused on the user, ERCO lighting tools guarantee consistent quality, compatibility and comparabil ity. This simple luminaire system, applied to our prod-uct range, provides all our partners with true added value. Consistent light quality ERCO uses the same types of LEDs for all its products. The LEDs are updated every year for the annual product launch. Through strict specification of the components ERCO guar-antees consistent light quality in terms of colour rendering, colour temperature, colour locus and luminous flux. ERCO offers LED luminaires in neutral white (4000K) or warm white (3000K), enabling the designer to pro-duce subtle contrasts in a given space and emphasise the tactile qualities of materials.

ERCO light distribution options Lighting concepts are as diverse as the archi-tecture, the exhibition or the brand for which they are developed. In order to meet the dif-ferent demands on light, ERCO offers specific application-oriented lens systems with differ-ent light distributions based on an easy-to- understand system. This includes a broad spec-trum of beam characteristics, such as the full bandwidth from narrow spot to flood and oval flood through to wallwash for spotights. These optionally create efficient ambient lighting, uniform wallwashing or directed accents.

Simplicity

Downlight replaces linear fluorescent luminaireERCO is motivated by the desire to perfect the key advantage of the LED – optimised efficiency from a compact light source – for office lighting. As a result, our new digi-tal downlights offer an aesthetic alternative to linear luminaires, integrating discreetly into the ceiling design for brilliant light with excellent visual comfort. This approach dis-plays the full capability of ERCO photo metric technology particularly with the oval flood characteristic: using a linear beam, it provides an exceptionally energy-efficient solution for the uniform illumination of elongated areas such as hallways and work desks.

Product designERCO’s compact system design blends into both classic and modern architecture. Based on simple geometric shapes, all product ranges are easy to combine with each other and in different sizes. The enormous range of lumen packages covered by ERCO lighting tools gives the designer flexibility to execute projects of any scale and complexity. For even greater ver-satility in use, the ERCO in-house design team has developed a distinct functional design lan-guage that reflects the requirements of LED technology for the housing even from a visual aspect.

Light understood in the system – designed for practical diversity.

Work light from point light sources Downlights offer a diver-sity of aesthetic and efficient alternatives to linear luminaires and fluorescent lamps with-out dominating the ceil-ing design.


Digital diversity Be it spotlights for accentuated exhibits and fashion, efficient downlights for pleasant office lighting or wallwashers in long office corridors – ERCO’s product range offers a comprehensive set of tools for qualitative lighting design in any application. Extending the design concept to the outdoor area, we have launched digital projectors, floodlights and wallwashers delivering excellent perfor-mance with a level of efficiency and glare control that may surprise even experienced designers.

The diversity of our photometric technol - ogy and design options enable architects, lighting designers and electrical consultants to develop a comprehensive concept of indoor and outdoor lighting with ERCO luminaires: Major fashion labels use ERCO to create a dis-tinct corporate lighting concept and present their products in brilliant light, but also for in-house art displays. Exhibition venues value our luminaires for their ability to render art-work in the most natural colours as well as for the efficient visual comfort they provide in the back office, whilst companies equip their workplaces with ERCO light and create strik-ingly illuminated façades that draw attention in the outdoor area.

More information at www.erco.com/products

ERCO lighting tools


Our application areas. Diversity with light

Every room needs its own lighting concept, to support the users, as well as to complement the archi-tecture and the interior. ERCO’s extensive experience in creative architectural and object lighting for different architectural seg-ments links up with state-of-the-art LED technology.

We have summarised the indi-vidual advantages of ERCO LED lighting tools for modern office, retail, museum, airport and façade lighting on the following pages, which also address the main issues arising in the context of architec-tural lighting with LED against the backdrop of our eight main appli-cation areas.

More at: www.erco.com/planning-light

WorkOffice buildingsOffices

HospitalityBoatsHotelsRestaurants and barsSpas and wellness architectureSports facilities

PublicBridges Car parksMonumentsParksPublic places

ShopCar dealerships Retail and chain storesShopping mallsSupermarkets

CultureExhibition spacesGalleriesMuseums

LivingCare and retirement homes Private residences and apartments

CommunityAdministration buildingsAirports, railway and bus stationsConference facilitiesEducational facilities Entertainment venues

Contemplation ChurchesMosquesSynagoguesTemples


Work Office buildingsOffices

Law firm Pinsent Masons, Belfast / Northern Ireland. Architecture: Niels Torp Architects, Oslo / Norway.

New premises of graphic design specialist Gráficas Varias, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia / Spain. Architecture (renova-tions): Pere Pujol Rosell, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia / Spain. Interior design: Maria Esteban Reche, Metre Quadrat Studio, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia / Spain.

Office of Gruppo Lercari Insurance Services, Milan / Italy. Architecture and lighting design: Simone Paoletti, Genoa / Italy.


Planning office lighting

In which phase of an office project does lighting design become cru-cial?

Digital light is the fourth dimension of archi-tecture – it is therefore a crucial part of the planning process, particularly in challenging spaces such as offices. Our global teams of consultants support creative and technical designers from the first stages of the concept with project-specific advice. Each lighting concept can also be viewed before implemen-tation in our showrooms or by running mock-ups in the field. Our knowledge of the com-plexities of a building process reflects in the system design of our products: separate instal-lation components for dry construction and electrics, such as mounting rings for down-lights, optimise the logistics on site.

Is there a flexible alternative to linear fluorescent luminaires for modern offices?

The demanding situations of working in a spe-cialised knowledge society pose a challenge to conventional lighting solutions. Unlike square or linear fluorescent luminaires, downlights enable a wide variety of lighting solutions that integrate discreetly with architecture to accommodate any type of working situation: different light distributions such as oval flood illuminate open-plan offices, conference rooms and circulation areas, whereas lighting tools such as wallwashers produce a wide and spa-cious impression of the room. Downlights are a point light source and therefore allow work-place arrangements to break away from the direction of linear luminaires, enabling flexible room concepts designed to harmonise with the architecture.

How can light be conducive to an environment for concen trated and productive working with high visual comfort?

Ergonomic light in the workplace requires uni-formity, high vertical illuminances and effi-cient glare control – this is precisely what ERCO downlights offer. The enhanced visual comfort of an oval light distribution for desks is opti-mised further with uniform wallwashing. Com-bining bright vertical and horizontal surfaces, meanwhile, creates a balanced contrast that prevents premature eye strain. In addition to this, the glare-free light of downlights and wall -washers enhances the impression of brightness in the room and facilitates orientation.

What makes office lighting economical?

Different light distributions in an ERCO range enable application-oriented and therefore economical solutions: The ERCO downlight lens technology improves the efficiency of the optical system by guiding the light precisely onto the target surface with no losses. Opti-mised thermal management, ERCO control gear and LED modules with excellent lumen maintenance through to the end give rise to efficient lighting systems with low mainte-nance requirements. Oval flood distributions allow the luminaires to be spaced far apart for workplace lighting, thereby reducing the connected load of the system.

A comfortable work environment with out-standing visual comfort is one of the keys to bringing out the best in every employee. As well as ensuring appropriate illuminance lev-els, this philosophy includes optimum glare control and the harmonious effect of vertical illuminance. With this in mind, ERCO has con-tinually optimised its lighting tools to com-bine powerful and effective lighting technol-ogy for high light output ratios with optimum glare control. Compact LED downlights are the core of this approach and allow us to offer an aesthetic and cost-effective alternative to dominant linear luminaires and fluorescent lamps.

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Gebr. Heinemann logistics centre, Ham-burg / Germany. Architecture: ifb Con-sulting Engineers & Architects, Hamburg / Germany.


Shop Car dealerships Grocery storesRetail and chain storesShopping malls

Mykita store at the Bikini Berlin / Germany. Interior design: Mykita, Berlin / Germany.

Antonia store, Milan / Italy. Architecture: Vincenzo De Cotiis, Milan / Italy. Lighting design: Black Out, Milan / Italy.

Mercedes showroom, Lugano / Switzerland. Architecture: MERBAG Immobilien AG, Schlieren / Switzerland.


Planning shop lighting

How do I surprise my customers occasionally with new lighting concepts short of changing lumi-naires?

In the shop, a track system with spotlights designed to be mounted without tools form the basis for a flexible lighting design. The system provides the infrastructure that allows flexible spotlight deployment on ceilings and walls or on suspended light structures. Just a few precise lighting tools can create eye- catching contrasts. Interchangeable lenses allow very creative photometric solutions whilst using a uniform product design.

How can customers be guided through the shop with high- contrast illumination?

Dramatic lighting effects are a staple in merchandising. ERCO lighting tools, for this environment, offer the creative scope to use the light in the room to tell a story, high-light products effectively and apply the lat-est trends in retail design: accentuation with different light distributions such as narrow spot stage specific products perfectly, whereas oval flood distributions emphasise object ensembles and long items such as shelving, thereby dividing the shop into zones. Uni-formly wallwashed surfaces have an almost magnetic effect, drawing customers even fur-ther into the room. Switchable ERCO spot-lights perform superbly in retail applications that require powerful yet efficient light. The reason is excellent thermal management that ensures optimum power supply to the LEDs with 1050mA, resulting in higher illuminance on the target surface. As each offers the same long life, hierarchies of perception in the shop are easy to create with a minimum of invest-ment and operating costs.

How does light point up the high quality and natural properties of my products?

Actual physical shops, unlike their digital counterparts, offer the advantage of an authentic and tangible shopping experience. Perception-orientated lighting concepts for effective product presentations combine accentuation with vertical illuminance. ERCO LED luminaires deliver a quality of light that reproduces colours faithfully, emphasises textures in the material and brings out even the most delicate surface features. The light spectrum is, in essence, free of ultraviolet and infrared components so colours remain stable and heat-sensitive products such as fresh produce remain protected.

How do I transfer the lighting concept for my store accurately and consistently to my interna-tional branches?

Recognisable light structures help to trans-form your brand into a spatial experience, by using contrast, light colour and zoning for a unique corporate lighting concept. ERCO showrooms and professional mock-ups let you test the visual effect of your concept before implementation, which ERCO will make easier for you with many years of experience in inter-national chain store projects and a thorough understanding of sector- specific requirements. With the worldwide ERCO consulting and sales network, we can assist you in the execution of your project, for example by offering opti-mised site logistics with on-time deliveries, pre- assembled luminaires for instant installa-tion, and full documentation.

Striking corporate lighting enhances the iden-tity and image of international labels. Local brands, in contrast, maintain their status against competitors with inventive concepts, exquisite quality, individual service and, of course, the right lighting. ERCO spotlights and downlights include diverse and efficient light solutions for corporate lighting to present products in a professional and eye-catching style – thereby creating a recognisable image for the brand environment.

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Kiton showroom, Milan / Italy.Architecture: Franco Raggi, Milan / Italy. Lighting design: Gruppo C14, Milan / Italy.


Culture

Louvre-Lens, Lens / France. Architecture: SANAA, Tokyo / Japan. Lighting design: Arup, London / England. Exhibition design: Studio Adrien Gardère, Paris / France.

Barbican Centre, “The Brits Who Built The Modern World” exhibition, London / England.

Museo de las Culturas del Mundo, Barcelona / Spain.

Exhibition spacesGalleriesMuseums


Planning exhibition lighting

How does light emphasise the effect of art?

Light quality and visual comfort have a huge impact on the atmosphere in an exhibition. ERCO LED modules and the proprietary photo-metric systems help to present art realis tically thanks to optimal colour rendering, identi-cal light colours and a consistent colour locus through to the end. The LED light projected through the precision Spherolit lenses creates very uniform light distributions with a pre-cise beam that sets each object apart. Superb glare control offers optimal visual comfort for the visitors.

How do you illuminate art as an eye-catching feature without damaging it?

The light emitted by the ERCO LED lighting tools is effectively free of ultraviolet and infrared components, thereby minimising the damaging effect of photochemical and ther-modynamic processes that cause materials and colours to deteriorate. In addition, the different light distributions, along with dim-mer settings of up to 1%, let the user design perception-orientated lighting concepts with varied, high-contrast lighting effects that focus maximum attention with low illumi-nances. Vertical illuminances with wallwashers add a complementary touch that gives the room a bright impression when using low illu-minance levels.

How do you come up with ever new exhibition concepts in a modern design?

You may work with a cool White Cube or take a narrative approach to your sceno-graphic concept – the fact is that light can focus attention and provide orientation in any room. A track system as infrastructure offers the greatest flexibility here. ERCO spotlights are easy to mount on track without tools and are quick to adjust and align. Interchange-able Spherolit lenses enable the designer to work with different light distributions. Be it narrow spot, flood, oval flood or wallwash characteristics – a single luminaire range cov-ers the full spectrum required to direct the view, model objects and shape the perception of space. When using phase dimmable spot-lights, the luminous flux can additionally be adjusted directly on the luminaire so the level of brightness can be regulated precisely with-out the complexities of a control unit.

Is the “museum angle” still a useful formula to use with LED technology?

Established lighting principles such as the museum angle are useful even in the age of LED technology to implement lighting solu-tions with efficient visual comfort. Light with an angle of incidence of 30° models the three-dimensionality of sculptures and helps to illuminate pictures without causing glare. To reduce glare still further, the luminaires are best mounted next to, not above, the art-work. The light quality of the ERCO LED mod-ules and our specially developed optical sys-tems ensure that art is presented realistically thanks to optimal colour rendering, identical light colours and a consistent colour locus through to the end.

Effectively staging artwork and scientific objects in exhibitions, naturally in the best possible light, is defined as much by the core curatorial requirements as by the cultural environment and the zeitgeist. We have devel-oped a wide range of LED spotlights with Spherolit lens technology to give exhibition organisers the broadest possible scope for design, from the neutral presentation of objects through to dramatically accentuated specialities. For decades, ERCO has given focus to the perfect perception of art enhancing it with precise and efficient lighting technology to preserve the art while rendering it in bril-liant colours.

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Musée Bourdelle, Paris / France. Architecture (renova tions): Christian de Portzamparc, Casablanca / Morocco.


Community

Restaurant at the CEA (Commissariat à l'éner-gie atomique), Saclay / France. Architecture (renova-tions): Olivier Delaittre, Paris / France.

Linz Music Theatre / Austria.Architecture: Terry Paw-son, London / England. Lighting design: Kress & Adams natural and arti-ficial lighting design stu-dio, Cologne / Germany.

Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco, Montevideo / Uruguay. Architecture: Rafael Viñoly Architects, New York / USA; Carla Bechelli Arquitectos, Buenos Aires / Argentina. Light-ing design: Ricardo Hofstadter, Montevideo / Uruguay.

Administration buildingsAirports, railway and bus stationsConference and entertainment venuesEducational facilities


Planning light for public buildings

What are the specific challenges of lighting design for public buildings?

Light plays a crucial role in the design of public buildings, as it must balance the inter-ests of the general public with those of the individual. Circulation zones as well as work, waiting, communication and break areas each present their own challenges in terms of visual comfort and privacy. They therefore require specific lighting solutions that rec-oncile the seemingly conflicting priorities of a perception-orientated approach and low operating costs. ERCO’s homogeneous system design enables a cross-functional, perception- orientated lighting concept by providing dif-ferent design sizes, diverse light distributions and a wide variety of lumen categories with-in a luminaire range. We are committed to making the whole project, from start to finish, as easy as possible on the designer and build-er, with planning aids and the experience we offer in dealing with the challenges on site.

How does light aid orientation in administration, education and transport buildings?

Vertical planes make up around 80% of our visual perception. Illuminated walls support human orientation by increasing the percep-tion of ambient brightness, while creating ref-erence points that help us perceive a space and its dimensions. ERCO lens wallwashers are excellent for uniform vertical illuminance, and better still, the luminaires can be spaced far apart. Complemented by accent lighting to focus attention on specific zones and infor-mation elements, the perception-orientated approach can be applied even to large rooms.

What does efficient lighting in the public sector imply?

Luminous efficacy and light output ratio describe the efficiency of a luminaire in quantitative terms and are often mandated in standards. For a luminaire to be efficient in every aspect of its application, however, the light needs to arrive on the target sur-face with as little loss as possible. This can be achieved, for example, with the precise opto-electronic systems that ERCO designs and manufactures in-house. A qualitative lighting concept supports this aspect of efficiency, in that light is used only where it serves to enhance perception. An optimised, cohesive system consisting of control gear, thermal management, LED and lens ensures that the light is generated efficiently and guided precisely where it needs to be. Our durable luminaires are easy to operate, particularly in areas that are difficult to access for mainte-nance. What is more, efficient ERCO photo-metrics minimise the number of luminaires required, as the luminaires can be spaced un- usually far apart, offering high visual comfort.

How do you achieve glare-free yet efficient light in areas with high ceilings?

In rooms with high ceilings, such as reception halls or event spaces, the narrow-beam light distribution of the double-focus downlights enables broad use for efficient ambient light-ing with excellent glare control. The room appears brighter, with a balanced contrast between horizontal and vertical illuminance levels, particularly in combination with lens wallwashers. In prestigious spaces with ceil-ings of less than 5m, we recommend using downlights with a wide beam distribution, as this allows wider luminaire spacing for more uniform ambient lighting. Efficient glare con-trol is vital here in minimising the view into the lumi naires – with a 90° emission angle and a 40° cut-off, Quintessence downlights are a superb choice.

Economical solutions with high visual com-fort are crucial for the illumination of educa-tional, administration and transport buildings since they have to support low long-term operational costs. As well as accentuating the architectural concept, light in administration buildings, conference and entertainment facil-ities, airports and railway or bus stations facili-tates orientation and therefore helps to ensure the safety of large crowds. In many cases, this requires illumination of monumentally large and often high spaces by using high levels of luminous flux as well as efficient glare control. ERCO’s double-focus downlights, in particu-lar, facilitate effective lighting solutions and deliver an optimal environment for adminis-tration, education and work with focus on the requirements of the public, but also the indi-vidual.

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Head office of insurance firm HDI Gerling. Architecture: Ingenhoven Architects, Düsseldorf / Germany. Lighting design: Tropp Lighting Design, Weilheim / Germany.


Hospitality

Guillaume at Bennelong restaurant in the Sydney Opera House / Australia. Architecture: Jørn Utzon, Copenhagen / Denmark and Dale Jones-Evans, Sydney / Australia (res-taurant). Lighting design: Barry Webb Design, Pym-ble / Australia.

Ameron Hotel Speicher-stadt, Hamburg / Germany. Architecture: Winking Froh Architekten, Berlin / Germany. Lighting design: team licht, Hamburg / Germany.

Parkbad Volksdorf water park, Hamburg / Germany. Architecture: bs2archi-tekten GmbH, Hamburg / Germany.

BoatsHotels, bars and restaurantsSpas and wellness architectureSports facilities


Planning light for gastronomy

How do you create a cosy dinner setting particularly in large rooms with high ceilings?

The solution – whether you are looking at a factory hall, a former church or a modern con-crete cube – is accent lighting, precisely tar-geted to illuminate each table separately from above. Creating light islands gives guests the feeling of privacy, particularly in sizeable res-taurant, bar or hotel dining rooms. Whereas the oval flood distribution is a good solution for long tables, spot or narrow spot adds the finishing touch to a romantic setting for two. The ERCO narrow spot 6° distribution, for example, produces an exceptionally narrow beam of powerful LED light for optimum illu-mination where high ceilings are involved. Warm white light creates a pleasant ambi-ence where efficient glare control is a must, more so still in high rooms, to provide opti-mum visual comfort without disturbing the customers at the tables. Alternatively, point light sources, suspended from the ceiling, are a good solution to create an atmosphere of privacy.

How can light enhance the appeal of freshly prepared dishes?

Good food, a pleasant ambience and scintil-lating conversations are crucial factors for the success of a gastronomic concept and as such define its lighting requirements. Colour ren-dering is critical for good quality light and can enhance the appeal of food. This requires direct lighting to accentuate each table (see question 1), a simple fact that is often ignored in favour of diffuse lighting, which effectively gives the meals a matt appearance. Our per-ception of colour is dependent on the colour of the light and of the object, in other words, on the body colour. Tomato soup and red wine, for instance, have a warm body colour that is emphasised by light with high red compo-nents, whilst fish looks freshest in light with blue components. Pizzerias often favour a traditional Mediterranean setting with warm white light (3000K), whereas ice cream par-lours prefer a cooler ambience using neutral white light (4000K). Food looks exceptionally appetising in the brilliant light of quality light-ing tools, creating reflections that give fruit and vegetables a wholesome, fresh appearance and drinks a more intense colour.

How do you use light to tell a story that communicates the gastronomy concept?

You want the visual features in a restaurant to enhance the culinary experience, not to com-pete with it. This is where architectural light-ing comes in, providing a diversity of sce-nographic options that are subtle and yet effective. In creating zones, the perception of spatial order can be maximised, facilitating general orientation when entering the room, for example by emphasising the bar and the dining area. Just as in the museum, light that contrasts the ambient lighting with a lumi-nance ten times higher is considered particu-larly pleasant in a gastronomy setting. Ver-tical illuminance, meanwhile, has a magical quality that creates an inviting atmosphere, and as grazing light, where the luminaires are positioned close to the wall, for example, can emphasise the surface texture and materi-al of walls for a three-dimensional effect. Sce-nographic light also uses a coherent dramati-sation to provide the customer with variable light scenes that set the mood as required. Dimming options and light effects are quick and easy to create using a lighting control sys-tem or, alternatively, a simple rotary controller on the luminaire.

How can the counter as the pri-mary focal point in a bar or hotel draw in customers with attractive lighting?

The lighting concept for counters must man-age the balancing act between inviting and eye-catching light for the customers, to facil-itate orientation in the bar or hotel, and high visual comfort for staff behind the counter. This balance between glare-free workplaces and evocative counter lighting is achieved by combining vertical illuminance behind the counter with pendant luminaires suspended above. Wallwashing gives the room a spacious and inviting appeal that draws customers inside whilst ensuring efficient visual comfort for work behind the counter – especially in a reception area with computer screens. Lighting accents elegantly projected onto the counter give it further prominence. By the same token, the precise light and the pendant luminaires as defining architectural elements segregate the space around and above the counter.

Hospitality projects today are a testing ground and platform for new ideas, concepts and trends: The promise of exquisite cuisine is underlined by an interior of unique character. Be it design hotels, themed restaurants or tem-porary bars: Every concept applied to gastron-omy requires a scenic frame to carry and com-municate the relevant theme. ERCO provides architectural lighting solutions with a diversity of scenographic options for room situations that convey enjoyment and pleasure.

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Halle 32, Gummersbach / Germany. Architecture: Heinrich Böll, Essen / Germany. Lighting design: Licht-werke, Cologne / Germany.


Living

Villa Linari, Hamburg / Germany. Architecture: Dibelius Architekten, Hamburg / Germany. Lighting design: Sineplan Ingenieurbüro für Elektrotechnik und Gebäudeleittechnik, Hamburg / Germany; Ingenieurbüro Beyer, Neumünster / Germany.

Schnabel residence, Berlin / Germany. Architecture: Ingenbleek Architekten, Berlin / Germany.

Carpe Diem Retirement Park, Rommerskirchen / Germany.

Care and retirement homes Private residences and apartments


Planning light for homes

What should you look for in luminaires for space with more than just one light source?

The primary factor, in a nutshell, is consistent light colours with the same chromaticity coor-dinates, to achieve a tranquil and harmonious ambience in the home whatever the light source above the tables, in shelving and behind the suite. With LEDs just as established for res-idential applications as elsewhere, it is impor-tant here as well to consider new lighting parameters: As with all semiconductor prod-ucts, LEDs exhibit a degree of production tol-erance in areas such as the light colour. By selecting the best possible LEDs, ERCO ensures that its high-power LEDs have a chromaticity variation of less than 2 SDCM (Standard Devi-ation of Colour Matching), which is currently the highest standard available in the market. The higher the SDCM value, the greater the variation of light colour from the chromaticity coordinates specified in the technical data of the light source. A value of less than 2 SDCM means that any colour deviation between indi-vidual LEDs is barely perceptible to the human eye.

The kitchen is central to the home serving different functions. What is the best lighting concept to use here?

The kitchen is a room where good colour ren-dering is essential, to ensure that the food looks appetising. Our perception of colour is stimulated by the colour of light as well as that of the object, referred to as the body col-our. When the body colour of an object is illu-minated with the same colour of light, the result is a more intense colour impression. The orangey yellow body colour of bread rolls, for example, appears richer with more yellow com-ponents in the light – which explains why bak-ers generally prefer light in the warm white to orange range, whereas butchers favour red and violet tones for their products. Generally speaking, uniform light is a good option for the kitchen, with focus on the work surfaces. The luminaires are best positioned off-centre above the work surface, to provide the right amount of light without causing glare or hard shadows on the target surface.

How can you create a link between living space and out - door area?

Gardens and terraces are an important part of our home. A good approach to creating a link between indoor and outdoor areas is to illu-minate trees and vegetation using precisely targeted accent light. In the evenings, glazed façades often create a mirrored effect of the inside: looking out becomes challenging, as the glass – transparent during the day – turns black. This effect can be mitigated with visi-ble elements outside. Vegetation can be illu-minated much like a wall, to help delineate space. “Moonlighting”, for example, adds a natural effect whereby spotlights mounted on façades illuminate the trees and bushes from above, whereas vertical illuminance on hedges brings out the natural texture of the leaves and branches. Good glare control is another aspect to remember, as brightly lit surfaces in the interior result in reflections on glass panes that can obscure the view outside. By the same token, glare can be caused where lumi-naires in the outdoor area are directed towards the windows – especially as our pupils dilate in dim surroundings, making them even more sensitive to glare.

In what way can light be used to create the impression of space in small rooms?

Uniform wallwashing gives small rooms and narrow hallways a higher and more spacious appearance. As well as that, vertical illumi-nance in private homes achieves sustainable and efficient ambient lighting more effectively than horizontal light of the same connected load, by optimising the spatial impression of brightness. Thanks to the brilliance and uni-formity of LED light, wallwashing adds a dec-orative effect to shelves and, for example, makes book spines easy to read. Wallwashing combined with accent lighting gives the room a structured and tidy feel, whereas bright accents emphasise central elements in the room, such as the reading corner, artwork on the wall or a design icon.

Designing the places in which we live deserves our fullest attention, as they mirror our atti-tude to life and provide a place of refuge from everyday life. When we’re at home, we want to be with people we love and value. Working, eating, reading, sleeping, playing, thinking – hardly any other place combines such diversity of functions in so small a space as the places in which we live. ERCO lighting solutions bring this flexibility to any situation. Wallwashers and downlights in a compact shape make room to live even in confined spaces. Light scenes combine ambient lighting with striking accents; architectural lighting and decorative luminaires harmonise to create ambient lumi nescence, focal glow and play of brilliants (based on Richard Kelly, see p. 5). Lighting accents from spotlights or direc tional lumi naires, created with a few simple means, underline the character of a private residence: setting off the collector’s vase on the side - board or adding a scenic frame to artwork on the wall. Vertical illuminance, on the other hand, achieves an expansive spatial impression. With age especially, light effectively becomes vital; wallwashing combined with accent lighting creates optimum visual conditions in retirement homes, whilst bright and pleas antly illuminated rooms with balanced brightness contrasts convey a sense of security.

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Private residence, Dort-mund / Germany.Architecture: Heiderich Architekten, Lünen / Ger-many. Lighting design: LDE Kober, Dortmund / Germany.


Public

Imperial Forums, Rome / Italy. Lighting design: Francesca and Vittorio Storaro, Rome / Italy. Photo-grapher: Vittorio Storaro, Rome / Italy.

The New York Times Building. Architecture: Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Genova / Paris / New York; FXFowle Architects, New York / USA. Lighting design: OVI Office for Visual Interaction, New York / USA.

Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, Nîmes / France.Architecture: Atelier Marguerit, Montpellier / France. Lighting design: L.E.A Les Eclairagistes Associés, Lyon / France.

BridgesMonumentsParks and car parksPublic places


Planning light for public places

Weissenhaus Castle Estate Resort and Spa, Weissenhaus / Germany. Interior design: Markus- Diedenhofen Innenarchi-tektur, Reutlingen and moodworks, Lensahn / Germany. Landscape architecture: MUHS LandschaftsArchitekten, Kiel / Germany.

How can façades and architec-tural elements be illuminated to create eye-catching features?

The key is using the right light distribution in a design concept that integrates the illu-minated façade into its setting or sets it off in contrast to it. Accentuation of historic façades generally draws attention to features relevant to their architectural era, such as columns or ornamentation, whereas contem-porary architecture tends to give focus to the building structure. Modern façade systems are enhanced effectively with dynamic pro-gressions of light, whilst linear grazing light up against the façade brings out the material nature and texture of the wall surface. In a different strategy, vertical illuminance with a uniform light distribution illuminates the façade symmetrically from the ground up to the top edge, emphasising the whole surface as a single unit. This approach achieves a bright spatial impression and brings the wall to the fore in its function as a delineating sur-face. Regardless of the design concept, how-ever, it is wise to use luminaires with good glare control and precise light distribution to achieve a qualitative lighting design and pre-vent spill light as a source of light pollution.

What makes a good lighting concept for landscape gardens?

Illuminated greenery attracts the attention of the observer, thereby determining the atmos-phere and spatial perception of the exterior. Trees as objects in the wider space become vis-ible from several sides. Light positioned close to the trunk grounds the tree – the crown appears to shine from within. The further away the luminaires are placed from the trunk, the more intense the crown seems to be outlined. “Moonlighting”, in contrast, adds a natural effect whereby spotlights mounted on façades illuminate the trees and bushes from above. Similar to other wall surfaces, hedges and shrubbery are generally good design targets for vertical illuminance, giving the impression of space and depth (see question 1).

How can I ensure a long life for luminaires that are frequently exposed to moisture, dirt and stress?

The main criterion to consider in selecting out-door luminaires is to ensure a robust housing offering reliable protection against damage particularly if the luminaire is exposed to fre-quent moisture and mechanical stress. A good indicator for the longevity of ERCO lighting tools is the high IP rating in addition to the robust design of the luminaires with a high- quality, corrosion-resistant special surface coating. A characteristic feature of all ERCO in-ground luminaires, as well as a moisture- proof junction box, is advanced capillary pro-tection designed to prevent water penetrating into the housing through pressure compen-sation when the luminaire cools down. In bollard luminaires, for instance, the LED tech-nology is generally sealed off from the rest of the housing to ensure optimal protection of the luminaire head. In addition, because ERCO lumi naires are offered as a complete system with integrated control gear, they are easy to install even under difficult conditions.

What is important to remember when using in-ground luminaires?

In-ground luminaires are noticed eye-catchers since the light source is positioned at ground level and the distinctive upward light direction immediately attracts attention. In this respect they also assume some tasks of directive light-ing, e.g. by marking pathways or highlighting entrances. In addition to these applications, the luminaires can also provide highly effec-tive architectural lighting, such as for façades. Bearing in mind that in-ground lumi naires obviously are at greater risk of corrosion, the ERCO Tesis in-ground luminaire is made of long fibre reinforced polyamide instead of aluminium because of its optimised material properties, including excellent corrosion resist-ance and good load bearing capacity. This in-house design has earned ERCO the “Metall-ersatz Award” for the most innovative metal replacement solution.

Parks, public places, monuments and façades shape the face of a city at night with their illumination. Their glow provides orientation for various user groups, contributes to safety, enhances spatial details through accentuation, and creates atmosphere. ERCO lighting tools for the outdoor area are designed to define urban space after dark with exceptionally effi-cient LED light and are optimally shielded to recede unobtrusively into the background.

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Contemplation

Sheik Zayid Mosque, Abu Dhabi / United Arab Emirates. Architecture: Yusef Abdelki, Syria (design), Halcrow International Partnership, Dubai / United Arab Emirates (execution). Interior design: Spatium Archi-tects, Milan / Italy. Lighting design: Speirs + Major, Edinburgh / Scot-land.

Siegerland Motorway Church, Wilnsdorf / Germany. Architecture: schneider + schumacher, Frankfurt am Main / Germany.

ChurchesMosquesSynagoguesTemples

St Catharine’s main church, Hamburg / Germany. Architecture: Helmut Riemann Architekten, Lübeck / Germany. Lighting design: Peter Andres, Beratende Inge-nieure für Lichtplanung, Hamburg / Germany.


Planning light for sacred buildings

How can light be used effec-tively to emphasise architectural details?

Sacred architecture translates the beliefs and importance of a religion into a physical struc-ture – light enhances this message. The dig-nity of monumental temples can be accen-tuated with light from tools such as wall and ceiling washlights. Ceiling washlighting also emphasises the protective character of domes and other roofs and gives greater visual prom-inence to aspects such as ornamentation and wall paintings. Accent lighting is ideal for modelling wall paintings as well as the surface textures of ornamental details, it emphasises religious symbolism, whereas discreetly inte-grated floor washlights, finally, but impor tantly, add glare-free light that supports the feeling of safety and orientation through to the end of the ceremony.

How can light produce a contem-plative ambience that focuses attention on the liturgical setting?

Light can enhance the liturgy of a religious service by allowing essential aspects of the room as well as protagonists to come to the foreground of attention. A differentiated lighting concept with light shining from dif-ferent directions at precisely defined illumi-nance levels creates perceptions of hierarchy without violating the contemplative ambi-ence with excessively harsh light. Using three-point lighting as the basis, a strong key light as the principal illuminator accentuates a per-son or an object in the room. Contrasts and shadows are reduced by adding softer and less bright fill-light positioned at 90° angles rel-ative to the key light. Optional backlight that illuminates the subject from behind is useful to highlight contours, whilst additional verti-cal illuminance strengthens the tranquil and contemplative atmosphere in the room.

What are the main challenges in selecting luminaires for sacred places?

Every place of worship is unique. Unusual spa-tial geometries and materials make it neces-sary to test samples on site. ERCO consultants assist lighting designers in the implementation of individual lighting design concepts with professional advice throughout the project. As well as powerful luminous flux to illumi-nate spaces that are regularly beyond normal dimensions, and precise light distributions for altars and other liturgical elements, good glare control of the luminaires is an impor-tant aspect, particularly as it ensures that prayer and hymn books are easy to read. Ver-tical illuminance brings walls to the fore in their function as delineating surfaces – or, just the opposite, lends them an immaterial qual-ity. Special grazing light wallwashers, on the other hand, emphasise natural stone, wood or concrete and make a feature of unusual sur-faces. Finally, and with the goal of giving mate-rials a deeper, richer colour, such elements will need to be illuminated with the same colour of light – warm wood tones, for example, are enhanced effectively using warm white light at 3000K, whereas slate requires neutral white light at 4000K for emphasis.

What are good luminaires to use so they operate as long as the building they illuminate?

LED luminaires are the optimal answer to light for sacred buildings, as the luminaires are often mounted at significant heights that are hard to reach. With extremely low-main-tenance requirements, LED options therefore save a significant amount of trouble. The lon-gevity of LED lighting tools is explained by two factors – the quality of the LEDs used as well as advanced thermal management. ERCO selects the best high-power LEDs avail-able in the market based on strict criteria and has taken thermal management to a level that ensures efficient illumination with high lumen maintenance over a very long period of time: for up to 50,000 hours, effectively 90% of the LEDs or more still achieve 90% of their origi-nal luminous flux (L90/B10). Total failure of an LED in ERCO lighting tools is very rare, at only 0.1% – and even with a slightly reduced lumi-nous flux, the luminaire remains fully opera-tional.

The language of light is pan-cultural and more than its use as a way of creating places to enjoy, light in any religion is a distinct symbol of the divine. Light in sacred places creates a contemplative atmosphere for religious meet-ings. In any place of worship, accentuated light helps to direct the attention to essential things. ERCO illuminates both ancient and modern places of worship using light to pro-duce a separate, timeless language. Light emit-ted from wall and ceiling washlights enhances the perception of a protective and tranquil environment. Accentuated light helps to direct the attention to essential aspects of the room, such as the altar or other architectural details. Glare-free LED light ensures optimal visual comfort for the congregation and mirrors the quality of the incident daylight.

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Milan Cathedral, Milan / Italy. Lighting design: Ferrara Palladino e Associati, Milan / Italy.

ERCO GmbHPostfach 246058505 LüdenscheidBrockhauser Weg 80–8258507 LüdenscheidGermany

Tel.: +49 2351 551 0Fax: +49 2351 551 [email protected]

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ERCO GmbHPostfach 246058505 LüdenscheidBrockhauser Weg 80–8258507 LüdenscheidGermany

Tel.: +49 2351 551 0Fax: +49 2351 551 [email protected]

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