Sophisticated lighting management and control systems from Ex-Or Ltd were specified for the showcase two-storey extension to Guildford College of Law's learning resource centre.Consulting M and E engineers Johnathan Hart Associates, working on behalf of architects Frederick Hearl and Gray, wanted a lighting management system to control the RIDI Lighting fittings they had chosen for the extension.
Said Johnathan Hart Associates' senior electrical engineer Mike Noyes: "Lighting plays a key part in this prestigious new extension, which features a dramatic glass frontage, an interior with a high-tech feel to it, and a dramatic, aluminium-finish circular staircase.
"From a design point of view the aesthetics of the lighting fittings were important, and we chose RIDI fittings to match the ambience of the building. But the function of the lighting was equally important, which is why we turned to Ex-Or to provide lighting management and control."
Ex-Or's LightSpot presence detection system was installed throughout the building. LightSpot detectors respond to the movements that occur when an area is occupied, automatically switching on the lights if the area is occupied, and switching them off again when occupants leave. The detectors also monitor levels of natural light and ensure the lights do not switch on if there is sufficient daylight.
The extension is a multi-functional workspace where activities can include conferences, meetings, presentations and lectures. Ex-Or's SceneSelect II, the automatic scene-setting and dimming system, was installed so that previously programmed, differently lit environments could be summoned at the single touch of a button. In one area where a partition is used to create two smaller areas from one large area, when the partition is moved the lighting system automatically detects the change and resets the lighting accordingly. SceneSelect II also enables presenters and lecturers to control both the built-in plasma screen and the lighting from their laptops.
Said Mike Noyes: "It was the flexibility and seamless integration of lighting functions that led us to specify Ex-Or. Another important factor was that the lighting can be easily and quickly reprogrammed on site rather than having to send in a contractor. The facilities manager just has to point a hand-held programmer at one of the detectors, download information on current settings and then key in and beam the new settings back to the lights.
"In addition, the Ex-Or system also offered substantial capital savings over PC-based, software-driven lighting management control systems that were being considered at the time, both on the cost of the equipment and the cost of installation."
Installation contractors benefited from the specification of Ex-Or's CONNECT connection systems which offer plug-in simplicity together with installation and operational savings. It utilises the purpose-designed plug-in box which provides a simple command chain without the need to manually alter the unit's settings or re-programme the system.
Added Mike Noyes: "As well as delivering the most suitable and visually attractive lit environment, automatic lighting control dramatically cuts the unnecessary use of lighting, so cutting the energy bills for the Guildford College of Law."
