Architecture & Design

20 | Architecture & Design C ollecting, conserving, researching and exhibiting are keystones of museum activities. Each of these elements can be provided with suitable lighting thanks to the possibilities of high-quality LED lighting, without having to compromise the visual experience and the conservation of art. Museum lighting needs to fulfil a variety of requirements: in every project designers are faced with the challenge of bringing together standard specifications, economic targets, constructional conditions and design aspects into a single concept. The range of tasks far exceeds typical exhibition spaces, beginning outside with the access area, facades and outdoor exhibits and including the foyer, café and shop as well as the actual visit to the museum. The journey begins the moment the visitor sees the exterior façade. From creating anticipation upon arrival to communicating drama or contemplation within the exhibition space, lighting plays an important role. It can be used to alter the mood of the exhibition space, to draw the eye to stunning artworks and sculptures and a subtle play of light and dark can be used to guide the visitors' journey. MAKING ART AN EXPERIENCE Light renders art perceivable for visitors. Spotlights with different light distributions are ideal for accentuating art. CRISP EDGE ILLUMINATION Illuminating exhibits of different sizes by contour and zoom spot lights enable adjustable light distributions. DISPLAYING ART FROM LARGE DISTANCES High lumen output luminaires are needed to illuminate sculptures and art from large distances in high rooms. UNIFORMLY ILLUMINATING ART Wall washing with high uniformity is suitable for illuminating works of art. Uniformly illuminated vertical surfaces in exhibitions are suitable for the effective display of paintings and photography. Only a few luminaires are needed for this purpose. This is demonstrated by a direct comparison of lens technology and reflector technology on a wall with a length of 10m and identical illuminance and uniformity. EFFICIENTLY AND PRECISELY ILLUMINATING ART Spotlights, floodlights and wall washers are flexible and efficient lighting tools for the effective presentation of art. The quality of lighting technology is not only important for the precise distribution of light and a qualitative art experience, but also for the long-term cost efficiency of the lighting installation. Illuminating large-format works of art is efficiently achieved with floodlights. Lenses enable precise light control. Linear exhibits for example can be illuminated with oval light distribution instead of three conventional spot light distributions. This reduces investment costs as well as installation and connection costs. Spotlights effectively accent exhibits, emphasise individual objects and create hierarchies of perception. Today we can find new lens technologies that guides the light of the LEDs precisely onto the target plane – without any spill light. Compared to luminaires with reflectors this enables highly efficient lighting solutions. Traditional lamps, even with protective filters, can damage exhibits in museums very quickly. LED technology however, does not create IR and UV light and is therefore ideal for sensitive environments. Colour temperature used to light up exhibits needs to also be taken into consideration since it will not only affect the colour appearance, but also the mood. A cooler white will make the exhibit appear crisper and modern, whereas a very warm colour temperature will make the space feel cosier. We can now find tunable LEDS on the market, meaning the same light fitting can change colour temperature and be dimmed while still maintaining superior light quality and beam control. MAKING ART AN EXPERIENCE LIGHTING FOR MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

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