Copenhagen Central Station is the city's most important transport hub and an impressive example of neo-baroque architecture. The facade is embellished with sculptures, reliefs and ornate details and the clock tower rises some 43 metres into the air. Shops and cafés line the large, open station concourse to make the stay of travellers even more pleasant.
The hall is illuminated with natural light via a large skylight. Despite this, supplementary lighting was needed to provide sufficient brightness at all times and thus also improve passengers' sense of safety and security. In the latest renovation and expansion step the aim was to modernise the furnishings and lighting whilst simultaneously preserving the original architecture.
From halogen to LED: lower energy consumption and improved illuminance
Until now, traditional metal halide luminaires with reflector technology were used to illuminate the central station. Illuminance continued to decrease over the years, and a need for more brightness in the spacious architecture increased. Among other factors, surveillance cameras could not be used to full satisfaction due to the low level of illumination.
It was decided to replace the halogen lighting with more efficient LED lighting: 76W LED fixtures from ERCO replaced the obsolete 150W HIT luminaires. This made it possible to increase the illuminance fourfold. A big gain, not only in terms of energy expenditure but also regarding safety: On the one hand the surveillance cameras now provide flawless images, and on the other, the increased brightness also increases passengers' sense of security.
A project-specific product solution was used: downlights (with IP54 protection) from Atrium pendant luminaires by ERCO were enclosed in specially made suspended cylinders. These provide sufficient light, and also ensure high visual comfort for travellers thanks to ideal glare control. At the same time, they blend inconspicuously with the colour of the ceiling as part of the historic architecture. It was, after all, important to preserve the aesthetics of the building but still to find a lighting solution that met the specifications of the project.
During the hours of darkness, Beamer projectors from ERCO are used to illuminate the outdoor spaces of the historic central station.