The newly built Maria Ward School in Nuremberg is a school that knows no dark corners. It draws its character from the bright, daylight-flooded atrium, places for retreat and exchange, and the continuous wayfinding system. This creates an inspiring environment that motivates students to develop their full potential.
The daylight-flooded atrium creates great transparency. The students enter an open, friendly space and feel immediately welcome. This impression is supported by the many visual references to the outside space and the direct incidence of daylight through the large skylight. There is no dark area. Both daylight and artificial light create a pleasant, friendly atmosphere.
In addition to meeting the standard requirements for visual tasks, the visual and emotional impact of the light as well as the needs of the children are also considered. Lighting designer Gregor Sgonina focused on the interaction of light with the architecture of H2M. He uses luminaires in all areas to facilitate a high luminous flux with optimal light distribution and best visual comfort. As few luminaires as possible should illuminate large areas without glare. In terms of lighting technology, linear luminaires of various lengths are the ideal solution.
Functional light is used for the classrooms and transit zones, accentuated light for special areas such as the atrium, the delineation of the learning areas or the relaxation zones. Grazing light is used to illuminate the dark wall surfaces made of exposed concrete. In addition, the lighting supports the perception of the building structure. The directional lines of light are recognisable from the outside and lead into the building.
To create a smooth transition between classrooms, movement zones, and learning areas, and to promote concentration and well-being, the linear luminaires’ illuminance in these adjacent areas is always between 300 and 500 lux. Due to the unusual increase in illuminance in the transit zones, there is no uncomfortable gradient when entering the corridors from the bright classrooms.
The concept for the canteen’s lighting had to solve two problems. A continuation of the linear luminaires was not an option due to the 90-degree baffle arrangements. Additionally, the concept had to reference the architecture. The solution was the ring-shaped MINO Circle luminaires, supplemented by flexibly arranged track spotlights. The circular luminaires make direct reference to the circular benches (with planting) arranged in the inner courtyard. The underlighting of the benches becomes visible in the evening, thereby illustrating the relationship between the two elements.
Energy efficiency also plays a major role in the planning. The energy footprint of the CO2-neutral school building is optimised thanks to movement and daylight sensors. Combined, this results in an energy saving of 45 percent, achieved purely through the lighting management system. Thanks to these measures, the learning groups and public areas can be used without additional artificial light for much of the day.
Gregor Sgonina, Lighting designer, Konzeptlicht lighting solutions
We would like this comprehensive brochure to provides you the best possible support in lighting design for educational facilities. You will find concrete application examples for the lighting of technical colleges, schools, universities, and other educational institutions.
Photographer: Linus Lintner
Architect: H2M Architekten
Lighting Designer: Konzeptlicht, Gregor Sgonina
