New luminaire family combines robustness with smart control

Archi-technical lighting meets more stringent utility requirements

In utility projects, luminaires are increasingly being selected for more than just light output, such as resistance to vandalism, integration into the façade and preparation for more stringent energy performance and building monitoring requirements. For designers and installers, this mainly means thinking better in advance about uniformity, control and maintenance within a building.

Unlumited Lighting Solutions is therefore working on a new catalog for Unlumited. The focus here is the so-called archi-technical approach: utility technology combined with a calm, architectural design language. “The requirements are becoming increasingly complex. We want an architect or installer to see at a glance: with this luminaire you are right, technically and visually,” says Henk Schaap, Senior Product Manager at Unlumited Lighting Solutions.

One family, one recognizable language of light

Unlumited thus builds on previous applications of contour lighting and gallery luminaires. An earlier edition of Archicomm featured the circular luminaire Opala. The brand is now expanding this line with Plaza, a rectangular luminaire with the same principles.

Opala and Plaza share the same technical foundation, including IK10 impact resistance and IP65 protection. With this, the luminaires target indoor and outdoor applications where reliability is not a discussion, such as porches, galleries, entrances and technical areas. The similarity in form language makes it easier to equip different areas consistently within a single project.

Regulation and certification drive the market

Legislation, regulations and certification systems are increasingly determining the requirements for utility luminaires. Among other things, Schaap points to requirements around energy efficiency and lighting quality, but also certifications such as BREEAM and WELL. “Not only energy savings, but also flicker-free light and the quality of the light image are becoming more important. This requires other choices in electronics and control.”

The Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) also plays a role in this, as do the tightened requirements from the EPBD. Especially in larger buildings such as schools, healthcare facilities and government buildings, there is a growing need for lighting that is prepared for monitoring and smart control.

An additional layer on top of the fixture

According to Unlumited Lighting Solutions, this shifts lighting toward being a system component within the building. Luminaires must be able to cooperate with presence detection, only light when needed and, in some cases, provide data for energy management.

Within Opala and Plaza, Networked Lighting Control (NLC) is part of this approach. This allows luminaires to communicate with each other and respond to the environment as a group. Applications include presence detection, corridor and ‘follow me’ switching, daylight-dependent control and group dimming scenarios. In addition, versions are available that can later be linked to building management systems via DALI.

In addition to uniform light distribution, Plaza also offers a version that reduces direct glare, intended for situations such as galleries and entrances. Thus, the luminaires respond to the increasing focus on visual comfort without compromising on safety and robustness.