| Architect | - |
| Lighting designer | - |
| Photographer | - |
| Project location | Aachen |
Vertical illuminance is an economical way to increase the quality of life in retirement homes. ERCO's lighting design was supported by research and practical experience.
In retirement centres and nursing homes, the interior design of corridors in particular can be absolutely crucial in determining whether the facility has the negative image of a hospital or a positive, homely atmosphere that promotes wellbeing - as is the case with the "Carpe Diem" retirement home in Aachen. Without making large alterations to the building, new lighting design has made it possible here to considerably improve the ambiance of the corridors and, in so doing, to aid orientation within the building and increase the residents' quality of life. The management replaced the previously installed surface-mounted downlights, which emitted a rotationally symmetrical beam, with ERCO's special Panarc surface-mounted corridor luminaires. With their prism lens, these luminaires produce what's known as a double-washlight effect.
The photos show that the new solution (top) has a much more pleasant ambiance. The solution is most convincing thanks to the highly homogenous appearance of the wall surfaces and the greater visibility of signs and pictures on the walls, which is combined with a pleasant and glare-free ambient illumination and a ceiling brightened by light reflected by the walls.
Before (below): the scalloped beams where the light intersected the walls produced irritating, irregular patterns. In addition, the ceiling and the upper part of the walls were in darkness, creating a cave-like character. Most of the illuminance was directed at the dark floor.
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