Central Square, the new BBC Wales broadcasting centre in Cardiff, is a centrally located new building close to the main train station. Anyone entering the building immediately finds themselves in an imposing entrance hall that looks out onto five floors of hustle and bustle. 

The visitor gets the impression, to be ‘get up close and personal’. Therefore, Central Square conveys openness and transparency. Which is also due to the fact, that the building is designed to let light in, not to seal it off.

Special lighting challenges and authentic colour rendering
In line with this, the building’s layout is also largely open. Around 30 per cent of the workplaces are fixed desk workplaces. Employees also have access to open-plan, flexible-use office space, meeting rooms and lounge zones. Particular emphasis was placed on acoustic solutions that enable both concentrated work in the open-plan areas and undisturbed recording in the broadcasting studios. However, the broadcasting area also posed special challenges for the lighting and authentic colour rendering. To develop the right lighting solution, Zumtobel therefore worked closely with the BBC and their design team. To meet the building’s various lighting requirements, Zumtobel combined  SLOTLIGHT infinity, PANOS evolution, ARCOS, ONDARIA, SUPERSYSTEM, VIVO, CLEAN and PURESIGN luminaires.

Continuous light line integrates seamlessly into the room architecture
For the broadcasting centre’s reception area, Zumtobel used well-loved classics from its portfolio: SLOTLIGHT infinity, VIVO, ARCOS and ONDARIA. SLOTLIGHT is an elegant continuous light line that integrates seamlessly into the room architecture. The VIVO LED spotlights enhance the general lighting with points of light and are characterised by a high colour rendering index and extremely uniform light distribution. The ARCOS LED spotlight system with its minimalist design complements finely accentuated lighting with broad diffusion. In addition, the decorative round luminaire ONDARIA provides soft, pleasant lighting reminiscent of natural light, thanks to direct and indirect light distribution from a single, wide-area light source with an ultra-thin profile. ONDARIA was also the first choice for the lounge zones, as well as for the corridor lighting throughout the building. For the modern, open-plan office spaces, Zumtobel chose several variants of the SLOTLIGHT infinity in cross and rectangular shapes, reflecting the lively, dynamic nature of a TV station’s newsroom.

Powerful combination of spotlights in the radio studio and meeting rooms
In the radio studio and in the meeting rooms, Zumtobel uses a powerful combination of spotlights, including SUPERSYSTEM and PANOS evolution downlights. Excellent light quality with a colour temperature of 4000 K and consistently excellent colour rendering (CRI >90) provide first-class functional and architectural lighting here. SUPERSYSTEM is also used in the lounge zones and kitchens, where the system focuses primarily on the effect of the light in the space and offers flexible, efficient accent lighting with a wide range of customised settings.

Zumtobel also installed CLEAN cleanroom lights in the kitchens, while emergency lighting is taken care of by the discreet, state-of-the-art PURESIGN escape-sign luminaires.

Zumtobel. The Light.

Our perception of school and education is changing: learning can be fun! Classrooms are becoming living spaces. Feeling good and performing well are no longer contradictions in terms, but are understood to be cause and effect. Added to this is increasing digitalisation, which poses new challenges for existing infrastructure. Renowned lighting specialists Zumtobel from Dornbirn, Austria, and their innovative lighting solutions are helping to create modern, efficient environments for new learning concepts and digital equipment – with lighting that can do much more than simply provide light. Dynamic light structures the lesson and adds variation and variety to the school day. The light is also influenced by seasonal differences in daylight and the spatial layout of the classrooms. There are three factors at the heart of every lighting solution: excellent flexibility thanks to state-of-the-art technology, an improved room atmosphere that creates a better learning environment, and maximum energy savings.

Top marks in energy balance
The rewards for investing in a first-class LED lighting system include both better light and low maintenance and energy costs. The Volksschule Herrenried (primary schoool) in Hohenems (Austria) is a fine example of an energy efficiency upgrade of a school building from the sixties, supplemented by a new wing. The then visionary learning environment still offers the perfect room structure for today’s teaching methods – for whole-class groups, group work or concentrated individual work. There is now no difference in quality between the existing class wing and the adjacent new building. Zumtobel’s MIREL evolution glare-free luminaire family integrates efficiently into the environment of the new building. The renovated building also benefited from efficient integration. Using the ceiling grid of the existing lighting system, it was possible to replace all the existing louvre luminaires with fluorescent lamp technology in the refurbished rooms. Compared with traditional luminaires with 4 x 18 fluorescent lamps, economical luminaires like MIREL evolution can reduce energy consumption by more than 60 per cent. And when combined with control units and sensors, even more energy can be saved. Special optics and high luminous fluxes also help keep purchase costs low as they enable bigger distances between luminaires, which means fewer luminaires are required, depending on the room situation. A further cost-based argument is the long life time of the LED lighting, which reduces the need for replacement and maintenance.

Daylight creates a favourable learning atmosphere
In addition to improved energy efficiency, intelligent lighting solutions are also characterised by a pleasant room atmosphere that supports concentrated, disruption-free working and learning. The Höhere Technische Lehranstalt TGM Wien uses a flat LED ceiling luminaire with a bright ceiling aesthetic that acts like a natural skylight. As a second-generation LED luminaire, Zumtobel’s  LIGHT FIELDS micro-pyramidal luminaire guarantees highly efficient, glare-free and homogeneous lighting. A look-out sensor detects the incident light in order to automatically control the luminaire groups that run parallel to the front of the window, depending on the amount of daylight. Three predefined light scenes can be selected at the simple push of a button on the CIRCLE control point at the entrance to the room. Six and a half years is all it takes to amortise an investment in a new lighting solution. The use of LED lighting fixtures in combination with a daylight-dependent control and presence-detection system could reduce energy consumption, maintenance costs and therefore also CO₂ emissions by around 50 per cent.

Maximum flexibility means increased well-being and better concentration
Alongside relevant research results, several studies looking at better light in classrooms form the basis for the development of Zumtobel’s lighting concepts. For example, researchers at Aalborg University Copenhagen developed new design criteria for light scenes in the classroom, which Zumtobel subsequently implemented. With the help of the lighting infrastructure and the LITECOM in der Herstedlund Primary School in Albertslund, Denmark. Light is intended to be used as a structuring and interactive element in the classroom. Zumtobel’s Active Light concept supports teachers and pupils with different light scenarios for learning – by using different colour temperature and illuminances, the lighting automatically reproduces the dynamics of daylight, supporting the body’s natural biorhythms. With the help of Zumtobel’s tunableWhite technology, for example, the amount of white in the light can be individually adjusted according to daylight and requirements. Depending on the lesson and time of day, bright, bluish light, which inspires feelings of openness, or reddish light, with its more discreet, private feel, encourages pupils to either communicate, carry out concentrated work, be creative or relax. A lighting management system allows the pre-programmed lighting scenarios to be easily controlled by the teaching staff. The colour settings and light intensity of all the luminaires in the classroom can be individually adjusted.

Light offers more freedom
The closer a form of light comes to imitating the characteristics of daylight, the more invigorating its effect on people. Another example of a successful lighting concept is the new primary and secondary school in Hard (Austria), usually known as the “Schule am See”. It is known for its innovative pedagogical and architectural approach, in which the lighting solution also plays its part. The new building by architects Baumschlager Hutter Partners is designed as a cluster school, in which each of the nine identical clusters is a small school in itself. A cluster structure enables the creation of partially autonomous socio-spatial units in large schools, which are manageable for pupils and teachers and help them feel at home. At the same time, the architectural principle allows many freedoms, including the freedom to reconfigure the individual rooms at any time and the freedom to teach and learn everywhere. The lighting solution developed specially for this project contributes hugely to the use of these freedoms. At first glance, no luminaires can be seen. The secret? Ultra-streamlined, white PICO LED light lines in tunableWhite. Integrated in a uniform grid flush into the white exposed concrete ceiling, they initially look simply like structuring strips. Thanks to micro-faceted downlight technology and recessed LED light points with high-gloss reflectors, they nevertheless enable optimum luminous efficacy and glare-free light. Customised daylight linking colour temperatures between 2,700 and 5,700 Kelvin are adapted to the biorhythms of teachers and pupils, thus improving well-being, attention and concentration. The lighting solution thus also contributes to a progressive, needs-based learning environment. “Teachers and students often aren’t aware of what creates the unique atmosphere in our school”, says head teacher Christian Grabher. “But it’s down to the successful interplay of architecture, lighting and interior design. And the learning spaces, which, thanks to the glass façade, the glass partitions and the invisible but powerful luminaires, are light and airy.”

Info box
Zumtobel offers four planning scenarios that can be used as a basis for creating customised lighting for any school building. All four solutions include blackboard lighting with MIREL evolution wall washers as well as a daylight and motion-dependent lighting control system (DIMLITE school KIT or basicDIM Wireless).

1. 1. BASIC: MIREL evolution, an easy-to-install, highly efficient luminaire based on a modular system
2. 2. PERFORMANCE: MELLOW LIGHT evolution evolution for daylight-like lighting with separately controllable direct/indirect shares and Crystal Optic
3. 3. ADVANCED: ECOOS II, a 360°-beam luminaire, which provides perfect glare-free light for computer workplaces even at high luminous fluxes
4. 4. PROFESSIONAL: LIGHT FIELDS III offers glare-free light from every angle – from a frameless luminaire that is particularly easy to clean thanks to its smooth surfaces

Zumtobel also offers DIMLITE school Kit, a lighting control system adapted for use in schools, which uses available daylight and presence-dependent lighting control. basicDIM Wireless provides a wireless alternative that enables any classroom lighting system to be modernised and controlled without the need for additional wiring. For both variants, the relevant sensors and control points are also available directly from Zumtobel.

Zumtobel. The Light.

Always give your best. For Beat Zaugg, CEO of Scott Sports, "peak performance" is a key concept. It's what has enabled his outdoor equipment company to join the ranks of the world's most successful sporting goods manufacturers. And it's also reflected in the architecture of the company's new headquarters in Givisiez, Switzerland. The building's impressive architecture houses an inviting working environment, where open space and light are the real luxuries.

The new building will be home to all Scott Sports departments, which include the cycling, winter sports, running and motor sport departments, as well as subsidiaries of the divisions such as Syncros, Bergamont, Dolomite, Powderhorn, Bach, Lizard and Outdoor Research. When employees enter the new building, they are greeted by a spectacular atrium flooded with light, which is accessed via an impressive flight of steps that flows from the entrance and via a curved wall to the auditorium. Public areas are accessed via this lobby.The ground floor includes the cafeteria and restaurant, as well as the showroom and a view of the grounds, where newly developed bikes are tested. On the four upper floors, employees will find open-plan office space and separate focus rooms, all intended to offer future generations the perfect working environment, too. Employees can also use the bike garages, fitness facilities and lockers. "I believe that it's important for our employees to be able to benefit from an infrastructure that allows them to play sport, meet or simply relax", says Zaugg. The company intends to employ up to 600 employees in its new headquarters. The aim was to offer employees a stimulating environment, along with state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology.

Dynamic construction
The new building's external façade is aluminium and is a direct reference to the Scott Sport's first product: a ski pole in the same material. The high-tech base façade and the dynamic awning, which opens and closes depending on the weather, are also remarkable. There's a hidden analogy here, too: "Scott Sports is a dynamic company that has grown considerably in recent years. We wanted to show that in the façade as well", explains architect Tima Kamberi from IttenBrechbühl. The wooden slats on the atrium walls are also particularly interesting and also allude to the company's connection with skiing. The word "ski" comes from Norwegian and simply means "split piece of wood". Here, this creates an effect that emphasises the spaciousness of the rooms. The main challenge for Zumtobel lay in integrating the technical lighting in the structure and blending it visually into the architecture. And the Austrian luminaire manufacturer found exactly the right customised lighting solution for the task.

Special lighting solution for perfect presentation
In the atrium, light plays a central role. Daylight is let in through the roof and is supported by artificial light in the form of the almost invisible light lines SLOTLIGHT infinity slim, which were integrated discreetly in the ceiling as general lighting. On the wall, minimalist linear luminaires, placed asymmetrically between the wooden slats, create striking light effects: when you enter, you notice them as objects, when you leave, you notice only their light. The continuous rows, only 45 millimetres thick, are designed to cleverly guide light around corners using 90-degree connecting elements. They have been individually shortened and bevelled. Room geometries are thus highlighted, room zones defined and corner areas placed in focus.

In the auditorium, SLOTLIGHT infinity slim was used as a continuous light line to create a kind of tunnel. The luminaires thus integrate the necessary technology for the media room and also hold the special ceiling sails that dampen the acoustics and absorb sound – for an impressive cinematic effect. In addition, PANOS Downlights ensure that the stage can be lit in multiple ways.

The vital need to integrate technical lighting into the architecture is also clearly in evidence on the office floors. The glare-free circumferential light line connects corridors and offices with rounded corners, where the technical lighting challenge lay in creating a uniform light colour on the straight and curved parts. A particular challenge for Zumtobel was the integration of the continuous rows in the acoustic ceiling sails, in which the glare-free light lines were laid diagonally, reflecting the geometry of the external façade and requiring each luminaire to be individually adapted.

This professional concealment and integration of the technology makes the individual areas of the company headquarters appear spacious and inviting. "Open spaces are important, as they enable growth", says Zaugg. "I believe that in Zumtobel we have found a partner who shares this view and works towards this as a company".

Zumtobel. The Light.

The design of the CLEAN II provides a perfect framework for light. With its cutting-edge technology, the second-generation product continues the legacy of the CLEAN luminaire family, a long-standing member of Zumtobel's portfolio. Its streamlined structure adapts seamlessly to any spatial conditions and requirements. Especially in laboratories, hospitals and industrial production facilities, the essential components of the technical equipment run through the ceiling and the available installation space must be used efficiently. In practice, the reduced luminaire height means easier installation and maintenance. For project designers, it means more freedom at the design stage. And thanks to the consistent positive-locking and smooth interlocking of all the components, the design is well able to cope with strict hygiene regulations.

CLEAN II supreme: actively controllable lighting for medical workplaces
In medical institutions such as laboratories, operating theatres and hospitals, light must adapt to many specific user requirements. For example, during operations, the surgical field should be illuminated with wideband white light, while in patient wards or in intensive care, a dynamically controlled light colour that moves between cool and warm can actively support patients' biorhythm. Integrated tunableWhite technology allows CLEAN II supreme to react appropriately to any environment. The light colours and luminous intensities of the LEDs are controlled by precisely calibrated drivers that ensure a constant lumen output at any light temperature or intensity. Doubly asymmetric light distribution allows white light to be switched to the secondary light colours of blue or green: asymmetrical light distribution prevents direct glare and eye strain, and is an ideal solution for precise, disruption-free working conditions in otherwise darkened rooms.

In the cleanroom: form follows function
The technical structure of CLEAN II supreme takes into account project design, installation and maintenance under special operating conditions. A click system enables new luminaires to be efficiently installed and drivers and lamps to be quickly replaced. Foam seals on the front and rear protect against dust, water and steam. Optional access via the rear of the CLEAN II supreme ST version is tailor-made for use in cleanrooms and can be used to carry out maintenance work without having to enter the cleanroom. The Light Engine with its side lighting technology can also be taken out and replaced from here. The front consists of an optical film, a micro-pyramidal optic and the bright white glass cover. The single-pane tempered safety glass with three times the tensile strength is non-porous, dirt-repellent and anti-static, preventing the build-up of germs and bacteria. Both the glass and the powder-coated steel housing are easy to clean and resistant even to corrosive cleaning agents.

Precise light from every angle
What makes CLEAN II supreme really stand out is its MPO+ technology. This sits between the glass and the film, and directs the light precisely while reducing glare. Its secret lies in the micro-pyramidal optic that evenly diffuses the LED light using a diffuser layer, ensuring pleasant light distribution and high luminous efficacy. The patented optic balances diffuse and directed light and floods the room with brilliant, ultra-precise light without contrast overlays, which helps medical personnel carry out their challenging work.

CLEAN II industry: hygienic design for industrial cleanroom technology
Instead of mineral glass, the CLEAN II industry recessed and surface-mounted luminaires have an acrylic glass cover. Acrylic glass, also known as PMMA, is given its ultimate shape in a thermal process that also allows for sloping surfaces and undercuts. The cover's high-precision design ensures that it forms an impermeable joint with the steel housing. The resulting product is resistant in accordance with the IP65 rating, which means that CLEAN II industry is protected against dust, water and steam, and resistant to chemical and alkali solutions. In terms of aesthetics and function, the PMMA cover offers excellent optical light distribution while high-quality, ceramic-chip-based LEDs ensure great heat management. The industry series is the perfect choice for anywhere a hygienic, dust-free environment is required as standard and heavy demands are placed on the durability of furnishings and fittings. Available in different versions, as a square or rectangular panel, built into the ceiling, surface- or top-mounted, it fits into any architectural environment – as a perfect lighting solution for the food industry, in commercial and industrial kitchens, pharmaceutical production facilities and all other cleanrooms.

Zumtobel. The Light.

Consistently high light quality, straightforward design and multi-award-winning lighting: Zumtobel is renowned for its technically innovative and creative lighting solutions. The Austrian luminaire provider is enjoying continued success with LIGHT FIELDS III, ECOOS II and SUPERSYSTEM integral collection, receiving the Red Dot Design Award and the iF DESIGN AWARD for its outstanding product design this year. The frameless luminous surface LIGHT FIELDS III and the minimalist office luminaire ECOOS II are all-rounders when it comes to complex office lighting. SUPERSYSTEM integral collection offers an extensive portfolio of carefully miniaturised lighting tools that provide a high-quality solution for numerous architectural lighting tasks.

LIGHT FIELDS III – master of demanding visual tasks
Rooms and workplaces are perfectly illuminated by the third generation of the LIGHT FIELDS family. The frameless body allows full integration into the architecture and thus endlessly flexible room design. The full-sized luminous surface is the defining feature of the new luminaire generation. "Unlimited, frameless, simply light", says Stefan Ambrozus from Studio Ambrozus, describing the design he helped create. It allows luminaires to be easily arranged in sequence, providing perfect lighting for large rooms in particular. A special feature of the luminaire is the MPO+ optic: the light is refracted, guided and suitably distributed in a controlled manner. This creates precise lighting that is particularly suitable for office work.

ECOOS II – 360-degree light redefined
The ECOOS product family is in a class of its own. The linear second-generation luminaire, with its minimalist design, offers unique 360⁰ lighting for large office spaces and is therefore also ideally suited to use in educational establishments or in a healthcare setting. The innovative Curved Waveguide technology makes the luminaires look as if they are floating and ensures that light is evenly distributed throughout the space. It looks almost endless and three-dimensional. Thanks to tunableWhite, the amount of white in the light can be individually adjusted depending on the daylight and on requirements. This invites people to communicate, carry out concentrated work or be inspired.

SUPERSYSTEM integral collection – first-class. Linear. Everlasting.
SUPERSYSTEM integral collection was designed by leading Austrian design office EOOS and is a spectacular lighting tool for all aspects of architectural lighting. As the name suggests, the SUPERSYSTEM integral collection integrates all the options in a clear design concept. A single portfolio offers adjustable accent lighting with spotlights or linear gimbal luminaires, horizontal lighting with recessed luminaires and vertical lighting with perfect wallwashing and pleasant indirect light. 

Zumtobel. The Light.

As a responsible company, the Zumtobel Group follows the guidelines of the Austrian federal government and the general recommendations of the health authorities, and places the health and safety of its customers, partners and employees at the forefront of all its activities.

Availability
Many employees are currently working from home. This means that our customers can reach their usual contacts by phone or virtually.

Capability to deliver maintained
With its production facilities and distribution centres, the Zumtobel Group’s capability to deliver is maintained. The sites operate under strict hygiene precautionary measures to protect suppliers, forwarders and employees.

International production network supports operations
The Zumtobel Group's luminaire plant in Les Andelys, France, experienced a confirmed case of corona (COVID-19) despite compliance with all hygiene measures and was therefore temporarily closed. This precautionary measure was taken to avoid any further risk and to protect the health of all employees and parties involved. Within the international Zumtobel Group production network, the manufacturing at the plant in Les Andelys, which specialises in outdoor luminaires, will be covered by the production facility in Spennymoor, UK, until Les Andelys can resume work depending on further developments and recommendations by the local government. Customers can still reach the management at-site by phone in the meantime.

Job retention: planned short-time work in Austria
In Austria, the Zumtobel Group plans to implement the solidary offer by the federal government to introduce short-time work for three months beginning on 1 April 2020. The respective application was submitted today to the AMS (Public Employment Service Austria) in agreement with the Works Council. With the short-time working planned for Austria, the company is striving to maintain jobs beyond this crisis. It will also ensure that core functions within the Zumtobel Group can continue to be maintained during the phase of short-time work, so that customers can continue to receive the best possible service during this period.

The Zumtobel Group wishes its customers, partners and employees good health and would like to thank them for their trust.

Consequently, a series of measures have been implemented following the regulations issued by the Austrian Federal Government and the general recommendations of the health authorities. Many employees are already working from home, ensuring that customers can get in touch with their usual contacts in sales as well as in other departments by phone or virtual channels.

The Zumtobel Group's production facilities and distribution centres are currently operating normally with strict precautions in place to protect suppliers, forwarders as well as employees. Shift changes have been modified to provide additional safety for employees.

In these difficult times for everyone, the Zumtobel Group would like to express its special thanks to its customers, partners and employees for their trusting cooperation.

How important is daylight for people? What influence does lighting have on employee performance? How can a lighting solution contribute to a greater sense of well-being? These are the questions that Zumtobel studied together with Gruppe Nymphenburg from Munich as part of a neuropsychological study . For many years now, the Austrian luminaire manufacturer has been pointing out the benefits of holistic light quality through Active Light, which is modelled on daylight. It increases employee well-being and promotes a creative working environment. The IT and telecommunications specialist Infobip trusted in Zumtobel's expertise for the lighting at its new headquarters in Vodnjan/Croatia. The globally active Croatian company offers, amongst other things, mobile cloud services and omnichannel messaging services for companies and mobile communications operators. Its 500 or so employees predominantly work at their screens in offices and conference rooms, so a lighting solution with optimal glare control and high flexibility is required. This is because if you work all day at a PC or laptop, you need lighting that adapts to changes in daylight, thereby helping to support the body's natural biorhythm. And increasing employee well-being.

The company headquarters not only has offices and meeting rooms, but also a fitness area, a restaurant and a training centre. This building is just one part of the high-tech Infobip campus, however. The campus also includes an apartment complex for employees and guests, a car park, several sports grounds and a park. Zumtobel's challenge was to create an optimal and efficient lighting solution for the different areas of the campus, with the focus on the needs of the employees.

The result: The LITENET lighting management system has an integrated daylight sensor and controls the overall tunableWhite solution by monitoring the sky situation. In addition to greater lighting comfort, maximum energy efficiency can also be achieved through the intelligent integration of daylight sensors, presence detectors and time sensors. Automatically integrated blinds provide protection against direct sunlight. And the artificial light follows the natural rhythm in the right light colour and intensity, and in brilliant quality. tunableWhite technology ensures that the intensity and colour temperature of the luminaires can be defined completely independently of each other – for a lighting concept that follows human expectations and activities, e.g. through pre-defined static lighting scenes or automated daily routines in the office.

For optimal office lighting, Zumtobel selected the slim, linear LIGHT FIELDS evolution luminaire in the tunableWhite version. As a pendant version, it offers employees ideal light for screen work, with the best possible glare control thanks to MPO+ optic. The interaction between direct and indirect light also creates a positive working atmosphere. SUPERSYSTEM II spotlights also provide brilliant accent lighting. The basic lighting throughout the building is provided by SLOTLIGHT infinity in the form of discrete light lines. In the chill-out area, ONDARIA shines like an artificial sun. This extensive lighting fixture achieves uniform lighting of the room. The pleasant distribution of light and soft shadows also create a cosy atmosphere. In the communication zones and in the living area of the apartments, the decorative CAELA provides inviting general lighting with soft light distribution. The individual lighting solution is rounded off with SUPERSYSTEM outdoor for the outside area as well as emergency lighting through the RESCLITE and PURESIGN safety luminaires.

Light is increasingly valued as one of the most important design elements and key factors in satisfaction and motivation of employees at work. In practice, however, only around 57 percent of employees can control the lighting situation in the office according to their own needs, as discovered by the global user study by Zumtobel in cooperation with Frauenhofer IAO . The company Infobip is an employer that has now recognised how light can support and motivate people in office environments – and that is now also implementing this. One good reason why the Infobip founders were awarded the Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of The Year” award in Croatia in 2019.

Zumtobel. The Light.