Lighting technology

London Metropolitan University recently opened its new £30m science centre – the largest ever single UK investment in university science education.

The centre, in north London, boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including an 8,000 m2 Super Lab that is equipped with some of the most advanced interactive teaching equipment in Europe.

The main lighting in the lab, which includes 280 individual student workstations and extensive audio-visual equipment, is provided by 32 suspended linear rows of Concord Marlin’s Ovation 65 system.

Each unit has 2 x 35W HE T5 lamps offering direct-indirect lighting distribution.

Energy-efficiency was a key component of the lighting brief, so the scheme is fitted with both daylight linking and occupancy sensors, to avoid unnecessary burning when not required.

However, individual control was also important, so each workstation includes a manual override

for the adjacent lighting, allowing students to raise and lower the lighting levels, depending on the visual task.

Elsewhere in the new Science Centre, Concord Marlin Brio wall-fittings are used on the stairs and in the circulation areas – again these were equipped with presence detectors to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

The centre was designed by Pascall+Watson Architects; electrical consultants for the project was Scott Wilson, electrical contractor was Lorne Stewart.