Creating light creates life

Light is a central feature of human-centric architecture: it not only supports us with our everyday and occupational visual tasks, but also has a direct effect on our emotions. Light can also support human beings’ natural biorhythm and improve our sleep quality, attention and motivation.

All three components – the visual, emotional and biological effects of light – therefore make a direct contribution to people’s physical and mental health.

Active Light is the name of our holistic approach to light quality here at Zumtobel. To sum this up, light contributes to a space that is tailored to the needs of human beings and that provides people with positive support over the long term: the best conditions for long-lasting use.

tunableWhite: right colour temperature at the right time

By providing the right colour temperature and light intensity at the right time, tunableWhite supports people’s physiological functions and brain activity. Warm light in the early morning and evening supports well-being and relaxation, while bluish light in the late morning and around midday has a stimulating effect. This supports the circadian rhythm in interior spaces in a positive way, improving fitness and performance during waking phases.

ETH Zürich: research funding in informal settlements

Zumtobel is playing its part in ensuring that Active Light is not the preserve of economically successful workplaces and dwellings in privileged parts of the world. An example of this is our collaboration with Prof. Hubert Klumpner, Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at ETH Zürich’s Department of Architecture. His research focusses on the design of informal urban spaces (‘shanty towns’) from a humanitarian and creative perspective.

Download der Doctoral Thesis "Incremental Lighting Space". ETH Zürich, Prof. Hubert Klumpner. Autor: David Kretzer

Commitment to lighting research

Together with external research partners, we publish study findings into the best lighting in the context of applications and new technologies. For a better quality of life in the future, Zumtobel takes a global and holistic approach.

Some examples:

• Gentle light exposure of exhibits with high quality of perception in museums. (Example ‘Picasso-Study’)

• Increased health and well-being thanks to new findings on light in the workplace. (Example ‘Double Dynamic Lighting’)

• For sustainability, cost reduction and efficient processes in facility management. (Example ‘Customised office areas, Amstein & Walthert study’)

• For success in the retail sector. (Example ‘Limbic® Lighting’)