Surprising and yet reliable, daylight has accompanied humanity since time immemorial. In our natural life rhythm, it has dynamically shaped our sense of sight. Light continually provides new images and triggers emotions. It controls physical processes and influences our internal clock. Dynamically, across space and time, artificial light supports this naturally evolved interplay. The uniqueness of humans, architecture, and activities requires different lighting moods over time. By adjusting intensity, color temperature, and direction at the right moment, the fundamental connection between humans and light is stabilized.
The three dimensions of light quality
| Visual | Emotional | Biological | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The three levels of light |  |
 |
 |
| Human interface | Eye with photorecptors | Brain regions that process visual stimuli | Hormon release and body functions |
| Goal | To process information effectively | Well-beeing, attention, identity,shifting attitudes | Activity, activation, recovery, cycardian rythm |
The four dimensions of light
Compared to the commonly used artificial lighting solutions, natural light is constantly changing and exhibits a variety of light intensities, directions, and colors. Some changes are obvious, such as the shift between sun and clouds or the progression of the seasons. Others, however, are not necessarily consciously felt, but are of great importance to humans and their well-being due to their influence on bodily functions via the aforementioned melanopsin ganglion cells. Therefore, the Active Light approach distinguishes not only the three levels of light impact but also four dimensions of light: intensity, direction, color, and time .
In nature, light intensity or strength is primarily determined by the position of the sun, the reflected light of the moon, and also by the weather throughout the year, month, and day.
Throughout the day, natural light changes its color temperature and spectral composition. The human body registers these subtle nuances through the non-visual system and reacts accordingly, such as by releasing the sleep hormone melatonin. Around midday, when the sun is at its highest point, cooler color temperatures from the blue spectrum increasingly blend into the light, giving it an activating effect. In the afternoon and toward evening, warmer color temperatures dominate, producing a calming effect.
The direction of light is also directly influenced by the position of the sun and the clouds. It has always been crucial in determining the location and design of human-made environments. Additionally, the interplay between light and clouds creates shadows, which provide variety, pleasant moods, and orientation.
Light is a subtle companion to humans around the clock. Its changes throughout the day and night create natural phases of activity and rest. While the lifestyle and work habits of modern humans have changed at an incredible pace over the past 50 years, the circadian rhythm, or the "internal clock" of humans, is still primarily controlled by its original light source, the sun, and its dynamics.
Tunable White
The dynamics of natural light are brought back into indoor spaces with technologies such as tunableWhite by Zumtobel, which enables continuous changes in intensity and color temperature from warm-red to cool-blue throughout the day. Such technology, combined with appropriate luminaires, state-of-the-art control systems, and sensors, provides users with the right light at the right time and in the right intensity. Additionally, users have the ability to adjust the lighting to suit their individual needs. This has a significant impact on the evaluation and acceptance of a lighting solution.
Superior light quality
Continuously adjustable color temperature from 2700 K to 6500 K, close to the Planckian curve, with consistently excellent color rendering (CRI > 90)
Uniform appearance
Constant luminous flux across all color temperatures, as well as perfect color consistency between systems and luminaires (MacAdams SDCM 3 to 4), thanks to the calibration of drivers and LED modules
Easy dimming
Continuously dimmable from 3% to 100%, without fluctuations in color temperature. Ideal for film shoots and live broadcasts (flicker and noise are suppressed through amplitude modulation)
Simple operation
Time-saving commissioning thanks to pre-calibrated sets, control of both DALI channels via a single address (DT8).
Control of DALI channels via a single address (DT8).
Your contact
Alexander Schiegg
Project Manager
Tel.: +49(0)2602/9449-26
Fax: +49(0)2602/9449-11
Mob: +49(0)176/10089102
E-Mail: aschiegg@modul-technik.de
„Lights on – idea in motion! As project manager with expertise in LED I make technology and innovation shine.“
