LEDs can be combined in any shape to produce highly efficient illumination. Individual LEDs can be dimmed, resulting in a dynamic control of light, colour and distribution. Well-designed LED illumination systems can achieve fantastic lighting effects both for the eye, the mood and the mind. Therefore, LED lighting provides many opportunities for Museums and Exhibition lighting
Art area
- LED illumination produces little infrared light, close to no UV emissions and little radiated heat emission. LED is therefore appropriate for sensitive objects as paintings, art galleries, archeological sites etc. In cases where cooling was used in the former lighting system (eg. alongside halogen lamps), energy savings may be realised due due to this not being necessary with an LED system.
- Choosing the right white LED light source in terms of spectral qualities (colour temperature), colour rendering, luminaires and type (simulating the diffuse daylight or some kind of direct lighting) can have a tremendous impact on perception. Ideally it might be curated along with the specific pieces of art.
- Using LED RGB lamps with colour tunability makes it possible to provide colour.
- Museum LED lighting might be used to create a different perception of the art at night. This is used at the museum Glyptoteket in Copenhagen
Corridors and Stairs
- Luminaires that partly radiate light against a bright ceiling and/or bright walls often creates a pleasant atmosphere.
- The lighting uniformity has to be sufficient for safe movement with no areas experiencing low visibility.
- Lighting of stairs should ensure that treads look bright and risers look dark. This creates the perception of lighting from upstairs rather than from downstairs. Mixing diffuse lighting and downward directed light can improve perception of space, facial recognition and form shaping characteristics (e. g. steps).
- In case of daylight access, automatic lighting control may provide large savings
Assembly Halls
- Daylight and visual contact with the outdoor environment in Museums and Exhibition lighting is beneficial for well-being and will reduce energy consumption, but sun shielding control is also necessary.
- Suitable lighting should be provided for different activities: presentations, debates, performances and cleaning. It may even be appropriate to install more than one lighting system.
- If the ceiling is high, long-life LED overhead lights or up-light luminaires may be used.
- For stairs, the steps should be marked with a contrasting colour and could also utilise built-in dimmable LED step lighting. However, the steps must always be clearly visible.
- Dimmed and diffuse illumination without contrast should be avoided as it may affect the concentration of the audience.