Report from Licht '96
Report from Licht '96
Licht `96 is the regional lighting conference for the German-speaking world. The conference, held in October 1996 in Leipzig, Germany, was attended by about 450 persons from Austria, Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland. A short report by Rienk Visser from the Netherlands.
Greater attention to artificial lighting rating issues
This was the twelfth time that the bi-annual convention was held. This year it was in Leipzig from 2 October through 4 October.
Major themes this year were light and architecture, the rating of light and lighting, light sources and light conduction, interior lighting, daylight, energy efficiency, exterior lighting, and lighting design.
Light and architecture
There were only two lectures on light and architecture, one of which was presented by Harry Hollands, light architect with Philips. He discussed artificial light as a designer element, focusing, in particular, on building architecture and works of art from the past and present. His presentation, which included images of sound and light surrounding the pyramids of Gizeh, clearly showed how artificial light can be used to manipulate atmosphere and mood as well as to create illusion and dynamics.
Rating of light and lighting
(5 lectures, 5 poster contributions)
These presentations mainly concerned the use of VDUs. The session included the results of a study of VDU-use. The results indicate optimum visual conditions when contrasts are enhanced and when dark-colored characters are used against a light-colored background.
Also in this context, the development of an objective method for determining the visual and psycho-physical pressure on people using VDUs in the workplace was discussed.
The appropriateness of the shade of light was assessed in a study by the University in Karlsruhe. Their findings confirmed that the shades of light presently in use at offices are good, and they therefore concluded that there is no reason to select a higher light temperature for this reason to achieve increased visual performance. Empirical research has found that the UGR (Unified Glare Rating) system is extremely useful for determining glare limits.
Mrs. Van Bergen-Jansen presented the results of a study in which an office space with direct lighting with VDU-fixtures was compared with a space with indirect/direct lighting and daylight-dependent control of the general component. The relative differences in ratings between the two configurations did not prove to be very large. The two-component lighting, however, was generally perceived to be more pleasant, friendlier, softer and less business-like. It was claimed that based on these results, further study was warranted to determine whether such lighting might also result in higher productivity and a reduction in absenteeism.
Light sources and light conduction
(8 lectures, 7 poster contributions)
Sylvania gave a presentation on the development of a special lamp with a color temperature of 6000K and a color-rendering index with a larger than 90, developed on the basis of studies concerning reading activities. In this context it was noted that the illuminance levels selected by most of the test persons were between 1400 and 1700 lux, depending to some degree on the type of paper being used.
In addition, the further development of lighting through the use of optical fibres, induction lamps, halogen lamps with low-pressure technology, and adjustable metal-halogen-type lamps was discussed.
Hans-Hasso Lange of Philips gave a talk on the new-generation linear (T5) fluorescent lamps with a diameter of 16mm, and Johan van Kemennde summarized the increasingly extensive range of possibilities for the application of downlights suitable for various lamp types.
Finally, new ways of documenting and rating lighting-fixture performance on the basis of new European standards were discussed.
The poster contributions primarily concerned the further development of sodium lamps and new types of aluminum for reflectors.
Interior lighting
(8 lectures, 6 poster contributions)
Concerning interior lighting and emergency lighting, the discussion centered, in particular, on the new European standards and the UGR as bases for the new European method to limit discomforting glare and its practical applications. In addition, the discussion included new possibilities for utilizing simulation techniques during the design process, a new lighting concept related, in particular, to working in front of VDUs, which combines the application of daylight and artificial light using special reflectors, and a method for determining average lighting levels for spaces used for mixed visual activities. This subject was concluded by presenting the results of a general study concerning rating and perception under artificial light conditions.
Daylight
(5 lectures, 6 poster contributions)
Further development of and studies into the use of daylight by means of "architectural methods", among other measures, were discussed. In addition, automated daylight scanning, a daylight-dependent lighting control system, and a comparison between various sun-screening systems were covered.
Ariadne Tenner of Philips described a study on the relation between daylight and artificial light. It was concluded that if people in the market for workplace lighting are free to make a personal choice, they generally select a light source to supplement daylight, preferring 350 lux for summer conditions and 800 lux for winter conditions, with a total lighting strength of approx. 1500 lux.
Energy saving
(5 lectures, 6 poster contributions)
Bob Embrechts of Etap discussed developments in the area of energy-efficient lighting which have paved the way for locally adjustable as well as ergonomically reliable lighting. In addition, possibilities for combining light management with other functions of a building were discussed; ratings for various types of compact fluorescent lamps were compared, and measures being taken in Switzerland to reduce energy consumption were described. Concerning tunnel lighting, the amounts of energy consumption using different control systems were compared.
Outdoor lighting
(7 lectures, 7 poster contributions)
Ad de Visser of Philips discussed the elements comprising the European design standard for public lighting. Furthermore, the requirements and criteria for lighting streets with low traffic intensity were presented; developments in the area of traffic- indicator technology concerning road surfaces under nighttime conditions were described, the results of an analysis of viewing performance under night conditions were also presented. The present status of standardization regarding tunnel lighting was also described, along with technical trends. The session was concluded with a presentation describing a study on criteria for automobile indicator lights.
Lighting design and applications
(7 lectures, 8 poster contributions)
Presentations concerning lighting design included reports on European standards for applied lighting technology, the design of lighting on the basis of new European recommendations, and a new method for calculating the color-display properties of light sources. Other subjects concerned ways of using UGR tables to establish the variations in positions assumed by users of lighting which conflict with the CIE Technical Report no. 117 (1995) "Discomfort Glare in Interior Lighting", and the development of lighting concepts on the basis of using new design tools.
On the subject of applications, the interior lighting initially installed for the "Volkerschlachtdenkmal" in Leipzig was discussed, as were possible ways of using fluorescent paints in the theatre, particularly when applied to the skin and garments.
Licht `98 will be held in Bregenz, Austria.
Proceedings are in German. To order, contact:
German Illuminating Engineering Society
Burggrafenstrasse 6
D-107 87 BERLIN
Tel: +49 30 2601 2439
Fax: +49 30 2601 1255
Report by Rienk Visser
BV Technical Management
PO Box 68
NL-3800 AB Amersfoort
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 33 4511 538
Fax: +31 33 4558 779
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