Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Luce tra artificio e L’ora magica scatta inesorabile. E chi lavora sui Lighting: la progettazione della luce tra
set sa che insieme alla “luce a cavallo” se ne va tecnologia ed arte
natura anche l’onirico desiderio di immagini virtuose ma La progettazione della luce è un’attività molto
Rossella Letizia naturali. L’artificio della natura di creare per pochi complessa in quanto risultato di molteplici fattori
attimi una situazione di luce spettacolare, unica che spaziano dagli aspetti psicologici ed emozio-
Mombelli e irripetibile svanisce. La luce è stata indagata nali che la luce è in grado di innescare sino a
nel corso dei secoli poiché elemento indispensa- questioni puramente fisico-tecniche. Il progettista
bile sul piano funzionale, tecnologico, estetico e deve garantire la luce più funzionalmente adatta,
di confort. L’alternarsi di luce naturale e artificia- sufficiente a svolgere con sicurezza il compito vi-
le trova una primaria spiegazione nel quotidiano sivo assegnato in condizioni di comfort ed il ri-
ritmo altalenante di notte e giorno ma in realtà sparmio energetico. Gli strumenti attualmente a
rientra in un gioco ben più complesso che non disposizione hanno raggiunto dei risultati ecce-
possiamo riferire se non ad un concetto spaziale. zionali, riescono a calcolare e a visualizzare alla
L’indagine pittorica protrattasi per secoli chiarisce perfezione la luce diurna, progettano e forniscono
questo aspetto e mi si consenta di dire che chi documentazione realistica di scene luminose con
ha la possibilità di visionare l’evento multimedia- il supporto di standard nazionali e internazionali
tico “L’ultima cena di Leonardo” presentato tra la tramite visualizzazione interattiva 3D.
primavera e l’estate 2008 a Milano nella splen- Programmi di visualizzazione della luce come “Vi-
dida cornice della Sala delle Cariatidi a Palazzo valdi” sono formati da una serie di tool con tre
Reale di Milano ha avuto un’ulteriore occasione potenziali di base: la visualizzazione interattiva di
per riflettere su questo tema. Greenaway agisce impianti illuminotecnici e relativa ottimizzazione
su un clone dell’Ultima Cena (foto 1) con l’intento energetica, il calcolo del consumo energetico (LE-
di “risvegliare” il capolavoro tramite multimedia, NI) e la quantità di luce (ELI) oltre al calcolo dei
focalizzando la sua opera non solo sull’uso leo- costi di installazione, funzionamento e manuten-
nardesco della luce ma anche sulla bidimensio- zione delle lampade.
nalità e la tridimensionalità dell’opera. “Le luci Certamente oggi è possibile simulare situazioni
che animano il dipinto sono un'analisi e un'inter- ad elevato grado di affidabilità anche se i calcoli
pretazione dell’opera. Il mio lavoro è ipertesto del illuminotecnici, i rilievi fotometrici e i programmi
capolavoro leonardesco” dice il registra. Il lavoro avanzati di simulazione non andranno a surrogare
da lui operato come ipertesto è in un certo qual il progetto di lighting, sorta di espressione arti-
modo il medesimo del lighting designer che lavo- stica che non sostituirà in alcun modo l’evento
rando con architetti e tecnici focalizza sulla qua- virtuale. “La macchina non potrà mai dare la “per-
lità dello spazio accertandone i requisiti in base cezione integrata dell’ambiente luminoso”: essa
alla funzione e al luogo. comprende il gioco (di luce e d’ombra), le sfumatu-
140
Technical
Light: artifice and The magical hour inevitably comes and goes. It embraces issues ranging from the psychologi-
People who work on sets know that when twilight cal and emotional responses that light produces
nature goes so does the dream-like desire for authentic, to purely physical and technical matters. The de-
Rossella Letizia natural images. Nature’s artifice creates just a signer has to create the best light in functional
few moments of spectacular, unique light, and terms, one that is adequate to safely per form
Mombelli then it is gone. Light has been studied for centu- visual tasks in comfortable, energy saving con-
ries. It is indispensable functionally, technologi- ditions. Current available tools have achieved
cally, aesthetically and for our comfort. The pri- excellent results, per fectly calculating and visu-
mary explanation of the alternation of natural and alizing daylight, designing and creating accurate
artificial light is the daily loop of night and day, representations of lighting scenarios, compliant
though it is actually part of a much more complex with national and international standards, through
interplay that we can only describe as a spatial interactive 3-D display.
concept. Paintings’ many-century investigation Light display programs like “Vivaldi” include a
of light makes this point clear. Those who have series of tools with three essential abilities: the
the chance to see the multimedia event “Leon- interactive visualization of lighting systems with
ardo’s Last Supper” presented in the spring and energy optimization, the calculation of energy
summer of 2008 in Milan in the grand setting of consumption (LENI) and amount of light (ELI), in
the Sala delle Cariatidi in Palazzo Reale in Milan addition to calculating costs of installing, operat-
will find further food for thought on the matter. ing and maintaining lights.
Greenaway works with a copy of The Last Supper Needless to say, though we can now stimulate
(photo 1), using multi-media to “reawaken” the situations with a high degree of reliability, lighting
masterpiece, focusing both on Da Vinci’s use of technology calculations, photometric surveys and
light and two- and three-dimensionality. Greena- advanced simulation programs will not replace
way says, “The lights animating the painting are lighting design. Lighting design is an artistic ex-
an analysis and interpretation of the work. My pression and virtual simulation cannot take its
piece is a hypertext of Da Vinci’s masterpiece”. place.
His hypertext work is in some ways like that of “A machine could never have the “integrated per-
lighting designers working with architects and ception of the light environment, a perception that
technical specialists to focus on the quality of includes the interplay (of light and shadow), nu-
spaces, determining their needs based on func- ances and gradations of color”1.
tion and place. Beyond this integrated perception, Pablo Bono-
core2 notes that the phenomenon of light in ar-
Lighting: technology and art of lighting chitecture cannot be considered in isolation as
design it has to be interpreted in parallel with colors,
Lighting design is a highly complex undertaking. sounds, the tactile feeling of materials, indoor
temperature, humidity and odors that form the the dynamic balance between light and dark that – Cheer ful, friendly and optimistic personalities
foundation of architectural projects. determines life. Darkness proves as important as prefer light, delicate and warm colors, therefore
light in psychological and physical regeneration3. incandescent light sources with warm white light
Light: nature, biodynamics and customization All functions of the human body are affected by (2700K). The preference for a certain quality of
Human Aspects+Energy Efficiency= Humanergy the alternation of day and night. Studies have light can be a power ful key to the unconscious of
Balance shown that people have receptors sensitive to children and adults alike.
Light is an essential regulator of biorhythms. It light’s visible spectrum in more than just their – Cool, refined, balanced, soothing personalities
positively affects the body through the amount eyes. We also have receptors that have a biologi- choose cool, delicate colors rather than luminous
of heterochromatic light, the composition of light cal effect producing the two hormones: melaton- colors.
radiation of different frequencies, and variability. in, which relaxes us, and cortisol, which makes – Warm, sociable, trustworthy and down-to-earth
“Physical and psychological well-being comes us active. personalities choose warm, much more intense,
from what could be called a “dynamic of oppo- Luminosity and the perception of light vary on a colors, warm lights (in yellow-orange tones) be-
sites”, with exposure to light and time in the dark, sensory level from person to person, depending tween 2500K and 20000K.
in a daily cyclical alternation (Circadian cycle), on many factors, including: – Modern, “high-tech” personalities favor hard,
lets the body produce substances (endocrine hor- a) one’s character. According to the eminent psy- strong colors, corresponding to light in white-blue
mones) that work like orchestra conductors to chotherapist Lüscher, the preference for, dislike hues (fluorescent light sources usually have a
govern a complex series of chemical and physical of or indifference to certain light qualities can ac- white-blue light of 4-6000K)
processes at the foundation of the human body’s curately reveal an individual’s personality traits, b) geographic origins
primary functions. Other hormones are involved aspects of character and emotional tendencies in Warm colors are preferred in the north with soft
in these processes”. This contradicts the “light their life and relationships. distributions of luminance and muted light varia-
equals life” equation found in the myths of al- The psychologist Angela Wright identifies the fol- tions. Strong, vibrant light is preferred in Mediter-
most all cultures and religions. Biologically, it is lowing correlations: ranean countries.
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Technical Light: artifice and nature
1
Photo from the multi-media
event “Leonardo’s Last
Supper”
by Peter Greenaway
2
Harvard Medical School
and Jefferson Medical
College have been
conducting many recent
studies on light’s biological
effects. The results of
these studies confirm
that artificial and natural
light is not only for sight,
playing an essential role
in maintaining our body’s
equilibrium. (courtesy of
iGuzzini)
3
Further developing
an original project by
architects Douglas
Skene and Piera Scuri, a
computerized system was
designed for controlling
luminosity, based on a
complex scientific study on
the biodynamic clock and
light’s psycho-physiological
function (courtesy of
iGuzzini). 2
c) the function of the space a) Light quality and luminous efficiency lighting level should increase again and the light
– in hospitals, light should create a serene, but – dynamic lighting should become a cool white to combat the “post-
stimulating atmosphere – customized lighting lunch dip”.
– in schools and reading rooms, light should fos- – advanced operational systems 3:30 PM – Intervals with greater luminous inten-
ter a creative atmosphere The innovation in this area that has certainly had sity increase attention. The best way to achieve
– in work spaces, it should stimulate concentra- the greatest impact over the last twenty years this effect to light walls in daylight tones.
tion and activity has been dynamic, customized lighting that can 5:00 PM – Just before the end of the workday,
– in museums and exhibition spaces, it should create a “natural”, stimulating light scenario by the shift to a cooler white light injects us with en-
help visitors see and examine displayed items controlling lighting based on user preferences. ergy, making us better equipped for the trip back
without straining Let’s imagine spending a workday in a space with home or to tackle the day’s last meeting or task.
– in indoor areas for animals, it should recreate biodynamic artificial lighting. What are our bod- For those staying late at work, warm white light
different habitats ies’ reactions? What kind of light is needed to (3000 K) creates a pleasant home-like atmos-
– in recreation spaces, it should create a comfort- get the most out of lighting phenomena with the phere, conveying a sense of warmth like the sun
able atmosphere and help make optimal use of least strain? as it sets. Medium-intensity generalized warm
the spaces 9:00 AM – The light of morning (dawn: 4000° K) lighting combined with accent lighting makes for
– in large, indoor areas like airports and stations, tells the brain to increase production of cortisol, a cool, relaxing atmosphere like a sunset. (2000
it should create a comfortable, yet formal atmos- the hormone responsible for stimulating the body. ° Kelvin).
phere. At this time of day, we feel active and have no 8:00 PM – Warm tones are still favored; dinner is
A wide variety of strategies can be used for intel- difficulty concentrating. White daylight (5600 K) by candlelight (1700° Kelvin).
ligent lighting design, which can prevent psycho- stimulates and energizes the human body. Like- In preparation for going to sleep at night, emotion-
logical and physical disorders like SAD (Seasonal wise cold, bright light raises energy levels in peo- attuning light colors the bathroom a restful blue,
Affective Disorder), SBS (Sick Building Syndrome) ple arriving to the office and makes for a good a stimulating red or a cheer ful green, or all these
and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), increase in- start to the day. colors in alternation, increasing the relaxing pow-
dividuals sense of wellbeing and thereby boost 11:00 AM – During daylight hours, cortisol levels er of a soak in the bathtub.
motivation in places like work environments, remain high enough to keep us alert and full of 3:00 AM – The absence of natural light raises
increasing per formance levels. Some of these energy. The strong elements of indirect light with levels of the hormone melatonin in the human
strategies include: neutral tones evoke the sun’s high position, creat- body. This is why night shift workers feel sleepy
a) seeking to improve the quality of light by in- ing a connection with the outdoors. and have a drastic drop in concentration levels
creasing luminous efficiency If a high degree of concentration is needed, there around this time of night.
b) adopting construction strategies to improve should be a cool, but intense light on desks and The architects Douglas Skene and Piera Scuri
lighting areas for per forming certain tasks. drew from scientific studies from university labo-
c) choosing materials according to a profile of 12:30 AM – Lunch break (6000° Kelvin). A view ratories to design a computerized system with the
needs, including modern systems for directing outside and contact with natural light become es- support of Spazio S.a.S. in Milan, the CNR (Cen-
light, optimal reflection properties and optimizing sential for “taking a breather”. tro Nazionale Ricerche, the Lighting Research
thermal regimes 2:00 PM – We often feel sleepy after lunch. The Center of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in
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Technical Light: artifice and nature
4, 5, 6 in Troy, New York and Futuro in Florence. They of play (Metamor fosi). The design process in its
Lighted surfaces affect based the design on a new conception of arti- more advanced stages led to “The Human Light”,
emotions, enhancing
architectural works by ficial light that goes beyond the visual function and then evolved into the A.L.S.O. project in which
creating atmosphere. of light to consider its psychological and physi- research was expanded to other variables in the
However, these effects ological functions. Sivra was the first fruit of a environment, such as sound and air quality.
are not always easy to project started in 1988 to find solutions to cer- The Luxerion project was presented at Light &
implement. The Cielos
modular system is a simple tain lighting problems in the Himont and Enichem Building 2008 in Frankfurt under the motto “light
tool for defining spaces control rooms in their chemical plants in Ferrara. that breathes”.
using color-changing tiles. Later modified and fine-tuned, Sivra is a dynamic The project introduces the idea of multi-functional
(Nicholas Grimshaw) light system that produces light stimuli and cre- light fixtures that combine lighting and air treat-
ates a temporal rhythm in artificial spaces and ment. Michele De Lucchi, Karim Rashid and Ales-
a dynamic/biological light that changes intensity sandro Pedretti-Studio Rota & Partners conjured
and color as the day progresses and can achieve new forms for air purifying systems and suction
very high lighting levels. A multidisciplinary group hoods.
coordinated by Architect Carlotta de Bevilacqua Customized lighting offers the advantages of ad-
and Professor Paolo Inghilleri of the University of justing light and color temperature levels to user
Milan designed the My White Light program. Its preferences, a number of programmed scenarios
initial pursuit of customization found color to be with pre-set color temperature and lighting level,
a primary answer to individuals’ need to create the ability to separately control lighting level and
a personalized lighting environment as well as color temperature to program lighting according to
support psychophysical wellbeing and a sense personal preferences.
5 6
146
Technical Light: artifice and nature
7 Users adopt remote systems to regulate lighting, EIB (European Installation Bus) and LON (Local
Detail of a finish on a shed- including: Operating Network) are systems that fully cover
head light shaft.
8
– by remote control) all the functions needed to manage a building,
DALI, new international – by control panel controlling lighting, heating systems, air condition-
standard for lighting – by radio frequency switch ing and climate control. DALI focuses on lighting
management – by e-mood connected to a BUS (binary unit sys- management for the space to be lighted, helping
DALI comparison chart
tem) data system to reduce costs. These features are accompanied
Modern electronic power supply systems for light by the important function of optimizing energy con-
sources are based on new international stand- sumption4.
ards of digital communication called DALI (Digital Last generation control panels often have Smart
Addressable Lighting Interface). Even if a tradi- Cards available with customized programs, man-
tional wiring system is integrated with the com- ual color temperature and light intensity control,
mon 1-10V analogue interface, the control system natural light control and reproduction (for exam-
would have trouble meeting needs, as they are ple, Light Equalizer panels). Control of lighting
currently rather inflexible (e.g., switch-on limita- can theoretically save up to 60% energy with a
tions). A “distributed intelligence” system was single system that uses the incidence of daylight
therefore developed, financed by leading com- to regulate artificial light. Just installing a system
panies in the industry. This system memorizes, of timed controls and presence sensors to turn off
in the electronic power units, light emission val- light in empty rooms can save up to 30% energy.
ues of different lighting design scenarios and the Artificial light control can also create lighting sce-
grouping of different light sources. The system’s narios. Modular Plug&Play systems make room
sole function is to remember certain scenarios. for creativity with light, and are an excellent al-
ternative to traditional lighting especially in small Self-cleaning panes are applied to roof windows, from sun rays; over 1,000 square meters of pho-
spaces and ones with specific purposes like which simultaneously enhance their appearance tovoltaic panels are placed here, providing most
meeting rooms, reception areas, wellness areas, and let in more light. of the interior electric energy, an example of the
shops and showrooms. (photo 4, 5, 6) The building’s envelope is the skin through which integrated application of photovoltaic panels on
light permeates interior spaces. Incident light a façade. In textiles for architecture, the develop-
b) Constructive device for the adjustment and from the side requires both photocatalyzing ele- ment of externally-applied curtains has produced
direction of the beams ments, like reflecting windowsills and elements to spectral-selective textiles with attractive shapes
The clear major challenge of the coming decade is control and select sunlight, such as and colors. Soltis® textile (in a selection of 23
the design and planning of natural lighting, called – sunbreakers and horizontal blades in a large colors) was used for the blinds on the outside
“daylighting”. Generally speaking, indoor natural variety of materials of the Paul Klee Museum, per fectly combining
lighting is the result of three factors: direct sun- (ranging from reflective aluminum to glass) protection from the sun and letting daylight in,
light, light from the sky and light by reflection from – overhangs like balconies or layers of photo- eliminating up to 86% of solar radiation. These
indoor and outdoor sur faces. Lighting, consist- voltaic panels characteristics help to create a high quality light
ing of these elements, has certain variables that that are hard to integrate, especially in atmosphere and optimize the building’s thermal
have to be considered when designing interior buildings subject to regulatory restrictions system, enhancing visibility outwards and provid-
spaces. To do so, light is made to penetrate the – shutters and rolling blinds, inside, ing extraordinaryvisual comfort.
space in three basic ways: in the air gap, or outside the window pane The building envelope’s transparent part has
– “Toplighting” – exterior blinds or textiles been the object of incomparable innovation over
– “Sidelighting” The Sino Italian Ecological and Energy Efficient recent decades.
– “Lightshelves” and "Corelighting" Building will be home to departments and labo- Innovations affected:
With toplighting, light comes from above through ratories for energy research in Beijing. Designed 1) the type of panels
skylights, small domes and light shafts. Current by Mario Cucinella, with the engineering support 2) films and panel application
advanced prefabrication systems can make con- of the Polytechnic of Milan/Favero & Milan, it has 3) window and door frames
tinuous band windows with spans up to 30m. been aptly dubbed the “leaf-building” for its abil- Heat-enameled, screen-printed panels are an ex-
These roof types exploit natural lighting through- ity to turn sunlight into solar energy. The façades cellent response to the need to have glass with
out the daylight hours, even for large-sized sheds. were designed with attention for the building’s selectivity. They provide a wide range of continu-
(drawing 7) form and the site’s specific climate conditions ity and process flexibility (for example, partial
In residential and related construction areas, the with different features for different exposures. A screen-printing is possible) without markedly
roof window is being developed to meet require- single skin with parapets that serve as insulation compromising transparency. Prismatic panels
ments for top climate certification in the coldest barriers are to the north; a “double skin” system are set in smaller areas bound by windows, due
areas (F) with a Uw of 1.0. Some manufacturers is used for the east and west exposed facades, a to their higher cost. They can reflect sunlight out-
are also focusing on safety, adopting break-in pre- “double skin” system with natural ventilation with side or against the ceiling while letting diffuse
vention systems with triple steel locks placed on exterior adjustable transparent blades; a single external light permeate inside. LCP (Laser Cut
the window shutter, steel-reinforced glazing beads skin for the southern exposed façades has pro- Panels) reflect sun with the support of tiny laser
and vandalism-proof internal laminated glass. jecting structures (garden terraces) that protect cuts made in acrylic glass panels. HOE are Holo-
148
Technical Light: artifice and nature
8
Process for manufacturing
aluminum for use in
lighting technology.
Almeco has much
experience in brightening
and anodizing spools of
aluminum. Illustration of
process.
Courtesy of Almeco S.p.A.
9
Detail of work station.
Courtesy of Almeco S.p.A.
10
Picture of workshop where
processing takes place.
Courtesy of Almeco S.p.A.
11
Automatic station selection
in-line weighing unit
packaging with shrink-
wrap film.
Courtesy of Almeco S.p.A.
12
The Reflector kit, was
designed by Almeco
to enhance technical
communication and help
designers choose the best
finish for their needs.
Courtesy of Almeco S.p.A. 9 10
11 12
graphic Optical Elements made with holographic No less important is the kind of window frame, May 2007. Integrated systems of sections, gas-
film on laminated glass to deflect light. which may be made of PVC, wood, aluminum or kets and accessories make doors, fixtures and
Windows, the eyes of buildings that let light and steel; the smaller the size of its exposed area, the divisions with E30, E30 fire resistance levels. The
air into spaces, deserve special discussion. Their greater the light transmission. Metals suit this metal sections are 15/10 or 12/10 thick, made
ability to let light inside the building is based on need well as the section’s proportions may be by the cold forming galvanized steel, Aisi 316 and
a variety of factors, including the glass’s shape, very small because of the materials’ strength; 304 stainless steel and Corten steel bands. The
contour and the installation of the window. large windows can be made with a single sash. system uses special gaskets and intumescent
Though the form is often determined by aesthetic Rounded edges, few construction lines, homoge- accessories to make them impermeable to air
design decisions or building regulations alone, we nous material and glossier sur faces help improve and water.
would do better to decide them considering sun light transmittance, especially in steel sections. Leading manufacturers have included frameless
exposure and actual needs rather than just out Sections painted white or (even better) made of wall systems that completely conceal the section,
of habit. If we look at façade windows in build- stainless steel can reflect up to 55% of light. integrating it in the ceiling and floor and wiring
ings built in the early 20th century, they tended The window’s installation also plays an important it with an integrated lighting system. Walls are
to capture much more light. They emphasized a role. If the casing and frame are concealed exter- given total transparency with systems like gx2,
vertical orientation for an excellent transmission nally, inserting them into the wall, the best use is which Italo Rota chose to design spaces at the
of sunrays at all times of days and seasons, mak- made of the opening’s dimensions5. Milan Triennale.
ing the interior of homes less gloomy. The current Two major innovations for use in offices eliminate Lastly, we have “Lightshelves” and “Corelighting”.
trend of building with 270cm net spans between barriers to sight and light, particularly in places Recently, a number of research projects have
floors and crowding furnishings in the interiors with very large areas. Fire-stop openings with been launched about solar collection through tun-
make spaces’ more poorly lit. small proportions combined with special glaz- nels. Their spread is a result of the market having
Another important aspect is extra clear glass ings resolve the issue of fire-stop doors, which put out innovative optic components and special
(state-of-the-art panes), as double glazing with can now fit with all the building’s other doors and materials that increase overall collection and
panes paired with thick plastic can considerably windows. Now in visual accord, they are compli- transport per formances. Projects like “Antelio”,
limit and reflect light. ant with new fire safety regulations in effect since cofinanced by the European Commission, design,
150
Technical Light: artifice and nature
17 18
light of the sun, with a cool light-emitting sur face, run the gamut from prismatic panels of glass, colors Shine putties make any design special.
major glare reduction, optimal visual comfort and polycarbonate, acrylic or polyester materials, ho- They are particularly suited to wellness centers,
reduced installation and maintenance costs and lographic films, claddings with angular selective swimming pools, bathrooms, spa centers and
lower energy consumption7. reflection which modify glass’s transmittance val- other spaces requiring a high level of hygiene and
Another option is light pipes where sunlight col- ue according to the elevation level of direct sun- non-absorbent joints that can withstand chemical
lected by heliostats (mirrors controlled by com- light, all the way to reflective microgrids, 16mm aggression. Four new brilliant hues join the 24
puterized devices) or concentrated by mirrors or thick, three-dimensional grids finished with highly colors already available: Gold, Silver, Mother-of-
lenses is conveyed inside a building. reflective pure aluminum. pearl and Stardust.
Light pipes designed by James Carpenter and Transparent insulating materials (TIMs) are an- Floors like panels of light
Davidson Norris are up to 36m high. They are other important recent innovation. TIMs diffuse Innovation is bringing light into the material it-
extremely interesting works both in their design solar radiation and prevent glaring light rays from self, turning floor tiles into lighting fixtures able to
of the light capturing system and its functional penetrating a space. They are made of very low- generate 16.5 million colors using RGB technol-
effect and in their per fect trajectories and poetic density, solid transparent material set between ogy. Lumiled operates at a low voltage with 56
light modulation. A mobile heliostat on the roof two panes of glass or two transparent acrylic pan- 0.37 watt LEDs. The frontal frame is in polished
“follows” the sun and deflects light through a mir- els in order to compensate for the material’s low stainless steel AISI316 thickness 8/10, the sur-
ror inside a glass core, where individual prismatic strength. Lastly, there are chromogenic materi- face centers is in moderated glass, the disposi-
elements reflect it downwards. als. These materials have a multilayer structure tive has degree of protection IP67 and class of
Another highly innovative system carries natural of high technology materials that change their isolation III. Moreover the device is to norm CEI
light indoors with fiber optics. Made with a series optical transmission properties, especially trans- EN60598-1. An adhesive paste of polyurethane
of Fresnel lenses that filter sunlight captured by a mittance, in response to changes in incident solar elastomer resins is used for installation.
heliostat which uses a light-sensitive cell, a motor radiation (photochromic), temperature (thermo- Luminar is another high-tech product, bearing
and minicomputer to follow the sun from dawn to chromic) or the application of an external electric advanced technological knowledge in an innova-
dusk. Yet another tactic for bringing more light to field (electrochromic). tive solution that lets light reflect off tiles in any
lower floors is the use of a “litrium” (from “light” For example, coatings for glass deposited with condition, whether by full light, shadow or even
+ “atrium”), an atrium whose area decreases as a cold vacuum pressure process (cathodic pul- by moonlight.
it goes downwards. This architectural element is verization) or in line (heat process) by pulverizing On the top of the material’s sur face there is a con-
widely used in sustainable architecture. certain liquid substances or distributing a mix of tinuous series of concentric circular incisions.
gaseous substances (Chemical Vapour Deposi- The result is a glossy, reflective sur face, achieved
c) Cutting-edge materials and alternative de- tion) make high per formance glass, such as mag- with the help of a special treatment applied to
sign products netronic, pyrolytic, photocatalytic or hydrophilic technical porcelain, for beautiful aesthetics.
Materials and coatings: selectivity and new de- (self-cleaning) glass. Suspended ceilings
mands Building materials and products Among interior components, products worth par-
Above, we discussed major developments in New epoxy putties add luminosity, shine and re- ticular note are standard suspended ceilings of
films and their applications, which have much finement to their unique technical and functional excellent aesthetic quality with high degrees of
bolstered the popularity of daylighting. Products properties. Made with a special process, Sky- sound absorption and light reflection (~ 90%),
152
Technical Light: artifice and nature
13
Table of Solatube
performances
14
Technical drawing
15
Luminous Panels from
Geologica Technology by
Martini Illuminazione:
TERLIGHT 60x60
16
Luminous Panels from
Geologica Technology by
Martini Illuminazione: 19
OPTOLIGHT 60x60
17
OptoSilver, LUMINAR
collection by which help save energy. There are also ceiling- to make COINlight® OSTAR®, a versatile spotlight
GranitiaFiandre hung architectural elements which use advanced for accent lighting.
18 reflection technologies on aluminum to diffuse It is made highly efficient through the use of thin
OptoGold, LUMINAR
collection light. Stretch ceilings are made of a sheet of soft film technology that allows almost all the internally
19 polymer stretched from wall to wall, custom made generated light to be used.
Daylighting experience, a to the room’s proportions and shapes and at- This small spotlight has a nominal power of 10W.
scene that changes by just tached with sections. Its technology creates softly High power ceramic LED lights can be remote
grazing the window with
your fingers. diffused light. controlled to follow the change of the seasons.
20, 21 Lighting technology components The 4seasons Project uses them to emphasize
With “Stanza del Maestro”, An extraordinary example of technological innova- spring flowers or fall colors in a collection of out-
Luca Ronconi brings a tion ready for use is the new collection of high- door lamps with the specialized purpose of lighting
dream to life by creating
a pure wellspring of output OSTAR® LED lights. gardens and plants.
emotion and free-ranging In 4 or 6 series-connected, with or without inte- The unified collection of light fixtures has different,
interpretations. Inspired grated optics, the new high output OSTAR Light- special light performance, which share the unique
by the desires of the great ing LED have increasingly impressive luminous feature of simultaneously lighting and shading.
theatre director, Luca
Ronconi, a window is made efficacy levels. The 6-chip version can generate The 4seasons Project is absolutely perfect for
that, upon command, 420l with an 700mA operating current. The new showing off natural spaces and parks. The sys-
recreates the natural cycle LED lights have a new hexagonal form, allowing tem is based on a focusing system, which throws
of light that comes into a high packing densities. OSTAR® Lighting was used both light beams and shadows, differing from one
room.
20 21
2
another and based on the desired effect. of evening and full-moon nights. If you wake up Pablo Bonocore, “L’evoluzione del significato
This light/shadow combination was devised by in the night, you need only call out the command della luce naturale” DETAIL
3
studying natural light and human vision. 4sea- “Water!” and the bedside table colors a pitcher Prof. Arch. Gianni Forcolini, “L’influenza della
sons can be used to forcefully bring out a bloom’s with a cool light. You can quench your thirst with- dinamica degli opposti sul benessere dell’uomo:
color by accentuating the saturation of the flower’s out pouring a glass. The director’s room also has nuovi ambiti di ricerca e di intervento per il pro-
color point, or it can be used to create distinctly a light for getting out of bed. By calling out “door”, getto”
4
unnatural scenes. It might, for instance, color a an elliptical LED will form a line of white light on Jurgen Diano, DALI: “Nuovo standard interna-
bare tree blue during the winter. 4seasons was the threshold without making you have to fumble zionale per la gestione dell’illuminazione”, www.
designed by architects and lighting designers Ser- around for the switch. With light, where reality voltimum.it
5
ena Tellini and Francesco Iannone. ends, fiction begins and vice versa. We can see Text from an abstract by Alessandro Pandolfo,
this in hotels that have Daylight Windows whose architectural advisor, Secco
6
Conclusion scene you can change by just grazing the window From “Ossidazione anodica in continuo
From the quiet of his bedroom, Luca Ronconi is with your fingers. dell’alluminio per illuminazione e decorazione” by
ever the director and can ask reality to become a Matteo Amadini, Product Research and Develop-
representation. ment – Almeco S.p.A.
7
A small gesture, and a pale dawn rises from the Notes All lighting and optics technologies and applica-
1
“window”, which becomes dawn upon command, “Prima del progetto: luce, colore, ambiente, uo- tions are identified and developed by the Euro-
and gradually it turns into a sunny morning or a mo”, Lorenzo Fellin – University of Padua Marina pean Lighting and Optics Centre, headquartered
stormy afternoon and then on to sunset, the lights Vio – IUAV of Venice at 3M in the United Kingdom.