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Transport structures in local and long-distance traffic are more than just railway stations. They are places that connect people. And of course, they’re usually busy 24/7. It is therefore important that railway and metro stations provide good orientation and safety – an important factor here being the right lighting. As in all other applications, the key here is qualitative lighting design geared to human perception. Helsinki Metro has come up with something special to give its stations a friendlier image and thus improve the quality of stay: the walls became large canvases for art.
Special Kona outdoor projectors from ERCO were used to ideally set the scene for these subterranean eye-catchers. With RGB and oval flood distribution, the light is optimally matched to the artworks. The Spherolit lens can be freely rotated with round luminaire heads to optimally adapt the lighting to various objects.
Illumination of the ‘art walls’ also has positive effects on the perception of the architecture. Vertical lighting improves orientation within the architecture and increases the impression of brightness. This highly influences people's perception of safety. In addition, the illumination of the art walls sets striking highlights in a rather dark environment. A high level of illuminance can be achieved in such situations with just a few watts. Striking viewpoints are created, also visible even from a distance, and the attention of visitors and travellers is specifically directed. The specification was for lighting that would guarantee maximum visual comfort for passengers. Kona projectors offer perfect glare control thanks to their special housing shape and high quality optical components.
Railway and metro stations are exposed to many external influences – for example temperature, weather and dust. This demands lighting that can withstand it all: particularly robust ERCO outdoor luminaires were thus installed which withstand external influences such as cold, heat and moisture. No-rinse coated projector housings ensure a low accumulation of dirt.
The Helsinki metro is a good example of how rather inconspicuous places can be simply and visually upgraded, and how the right lighting also improves the orientation, brightness- and safety perception of travellers.
