Light is the fourth dimension of architecture

Efficient visual comfort as a strategy for museum lighting

ERCO understands light as the fourth dimension of architecture. Our vision consists of making a positive contribution to society and architecture with our activities. We develop and produce lighting solutions for this purpose that create high-quality, authentic surroundings for enjoying art to its utmost and that simultaneously comply with conservation and energy considerations for sensitive art collections. The basis for this is Efficient Visual Comfort (EVC) – our strategy for seamlessly connecting sustainable design approaches with innovative product technology. To implement this ambitious task in practice we have formulated five quality criteria.

Qualitative lighting design

In addition to their task of presenting and conserving art, many museums also offer state-of-the-art knowledge transfer. The voyage of visitors begins at the entrance to the building, and display is implemented above and beyond the exhibition areas. This means that in addition to illuminating the exhibits, a further perception-orientated component becomes a part of the lighting design: good orientation.

Vertical lighting

Vertical lighting determines the spatial perception of people to 80% – and therefore influences our sensitivity to brightness much more strongly than light on horizontal planes. Wallwashing is therefore not only important in the exhibition areas. Vertical lighting also influences experiencing architecture and also supports visitor orientation in foyers, museum shops and cafeterias.

Effective lighting technology

Only high-performance, precise optical systems enable striking accents. Not only the luminous flux but also the actual illuminance on the target plane is decisive. ERCO utilises self-developed Spherolit lens technology for this purpose. The result – projected light has no spill light losses. To enable maximum flexibility in exhibition design, ERCO's luminaire portfolio for tracks features seven interchangeable light distributions ranging from narrow spot to wallwash.

Intelligent control

With in-house developed control gear, ERCO provides interfaces for various control technologies such as DALI. Phase dimmable spotlights, floodlights and wallwashers are dimmed via either external dimmers or potentiometer dimmers on the luminaires. The brightness of each individual spotlight can be individually set via the potentiometer; facilitates precisely adjusted light scenes in exhibitions that have no control infrastructure.

Efficient LED technology

The leading role adopted by ERCO in architectural lighting with LEDs is based on the decision to expand the company's optoelectronics expertise. Due to in-house development ranging from LED PCBs and electronics to thermal management, ERCO always has complete control over the features of all products. In practice this means perfect quality of light also for conservationally demanding exhibits as well as lumen maintenance exceeding market standards for maximum longevity.