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Natural lighting atmosphere
in the common room
The common room plays a central role in nursing homes. It is a place of encounter and
exchange. Residents use this space to socialise, play card or board games, or watch movies
together. Various factors need to be considered to ensure that lighting meets all these requi-
rements and maintains a pleasant lighting atmosphere. The EN 12464-1 standard specifi es 300
lux for lighting in recreation rooms during the day. However, this is not suffi cient, especially
for older people and more demanding visual tasks. At least 1000 lux illuminance should be
provided by additional luminaires. This can be achieved, for example, with separately switchable
fl oor luminaires or reading luminaires. An important point in lighting design are the age-specifi c
correction factors according to DIN/TS 5031-100. Because vision deteriorates with age and the
eye's ability to adapt declines, the elderly need signifi cantly higher illuminance.
In addition, there is the infl uence of light on our circadian rhythm. The light colours in the inter-
ior are in direct contact with our hormonal system and control the day/night rhythm. Elderly,
less mobile care home residents often spend all day indoors. The biological standard specifi ca-
tions for lighting are set out in DIN/TS 67600. During the day, a melanopic and day-equivalent
illuminance of ≥ 250 MEDI lux is recommended. This corresponds to about 370 lux at head
level for a 32-year-old. As there is no synchronisation of the inner clock with standard lighting,
the consequences can be listlessness, poor sleep, or depressive moods. To counteract this,
biologically eff ective luminaires are used whose light colour changes dynamically with the time
of day and reproduces the natural changes in daylight inside the room. XAL's full-spectrum
LEDs enable these dynamics with an increased light-blue light component. In addition to excel-
lent colour rendering, this also ensures high visual comfort and reduces eye fatigue. To create a
pleasant sense of space, high illuminance should be provided by large ceiling and wall surfaces
with indirect lighting. This creates basic brightness in the room which should be supplemented
by accent lighting. Additional light sources such as wallwashers craft a homely atmosphere in
the room.
Requirements
• High illuminance on walls and ceilings for an inviting
room
• Communication promotion through increased cylindrical
illuminance
• Good modelling with moderate ratio of cylindrical to
horizontal illuminance (EN 12464-1)
• Min. 300 lux and dimmable, adapted for diff erent acti-
vities
• Basic brightness via indirect lighting should be supple-
mented by accent lighting
• Wall or fl oor luminaires create a homely atmosphere
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