The main focus of the project was to simulate natural lighting conditions on a cloudy day. The results of a preliminary study indicate that users find dynamic lighting conditions to be extremely pleasant.
The study involved ten volunteers who carried out their daily work over the course of four days under different lighting conditions under a lighting surface measuring 30 x 60 cm. On the first day, the lighting remained static. Throughout the second day, it fluctuated gently, and on the third day the fluctuations were rapid. On the fourth day, the participants could choose which type of lighting they wanted, and 80% opted for the fast, dynamic lighting.
A prototype of the ceiling that contains a total of 34,560 LEDs spanning an area of 34 m2 has been developed. It can generate up to 3000 lux at full power, but 500-1000 lux has been determined to be a comfortable lighting level.
The system is initially priced at EUR1000/m2.
The researchers will exhibit a 2.8 x 2.8-m ceiling at the CeBIT trade fair in Hannover, March 6-10.