17
A high degree
of flexibility
Copenhagen International School
Together with Anders Smith and lighting designer Michael
Anker, Jørgen Juul from the architectural firm C.F. Møller
Architects developed the lighting solution for Copenhagen
International School. They are responsible for all didactic,
architectural, and design decisions.
The new building, boasting an impressive 25,000 square
metres, is located at Copenhagen's northern harbour and
is unique in many ways. From the start, the focus was on
using light to create the best possible learning, teaching,
and working environment. This requires flexibility and
adjustability to adapt the right light to the right situation.
Since the school accommodates children from 3 to 18 and
adults of all ages, adjusting the colour temperature and
intensity had to be quick and intuitive. Various activities
can thus be supported. The installation itself must also
offer flexibility, both for current and future applications.
The suspended luminaires are connected to tracks and
are height-adjustable, enabling significant changes. Small
adaptations can be made directly via the app or the wall
switches, allowing the end-user to adjust the light quality
and intensity. Each luminaire must be independently and
intuitively controllable via the same interface in a small,
simple, and attractive housing.
The aim was to create an environment where general
lighting differs from workplace lighting; a warm space, but
with cool, intense light for precise work. This required a
much higher lux level (1000 lux) on the table surface than
the standard 500 lux. Studies show this improves learning
and increases student performance.
xal.com/international-school
Anders Smith
Lighting designer, anders smith design
Jørgen Juul
Architect, C.F. Møller Architects
