Technologies for human centric lighting design in offices. Tecnologie per human centric lighting design negli uffici

For several years now there has been talk of Human Centric Lighting (HCL) in offices. The definition of this design methodology is, however, controversial and widely debated, as is its practical application. Some authors identify HCL with circadian lighting while others also include other aspects of lighting in this definition. The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), close to the needs of professional practices, has published a white paper in which it introduces the subject of HCL, including aspects such as the innovation of LEDs, flickers, the photobiological safety of light, colour rendering index and the regulatory situation of this field. A role of primary importance is, in any case, attributed to Circadian Lighting and to the Non-Image-Forming (NIF) effects of light. The topic of artificial circadian lighting in offices was developed by several specialised firms as far back as the first decade of this century. These first lighting products, known as biodynamic, which were based on the technology of linear fluorescent lamps, did not become widespread as the subject of circadian lighting was seen with diffidence by both users and designers. In 2017 the Nobel Prize for Medicine was assigned to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young for their discoveries relating to genetic mechanisms demonstrating the existence of the circadian rhythm. This has reiterated the scientific basis underlying the science known as chronobiology and of circadian lighting, and has also re-aroused the interest of businesses and associations in this field. Yet another impulse leading to innovation has come from the new systems for management and control of LED lighting systems linked in the Internet of Things (IoT) and integrated in building automation. The topic of HCL, as highlighted also by LightingEurope, the association representing the lighting industry in Europe, is considered central to the future processes of innovation in the development of healthy and intelligent buildings.