From clinical to calm light in exciting environments

The lighting design contributes greatly to the experience. Rafael Calis Sanchez, architect at Architecten aan de Maas and a specialist in healthcare architecture, designed a subtle interplay of lines together with TRILUX that literally accompanies patients. "From the moment someone enters the front porch of the treatment room, he or she is visually taken by the light. A subtle, narrow asymmetrical Finea light line runs in the corridor that collects the radiation from the appliances (the labyrinth), providing direction and radiating calm. This line is placed off-centre to make and keep the experience for patients in bed as pleasant as possible and gives a nice even light pattern compared to lighting with the Sonnos Downlights in the ceiling. Visually, both patient and healthcare professional can follow the light towards the bunker." 

In the treatment rooms themselves, the team also deliberately chose lighting that does not shine directly into the eyes of patients lying on their backs in bed. "A small detail," argues Cloin, "but it makes a world of difference. Nobody wants a flashing fixture above them while your bed is being wheeled in."

Being a care space, the intermediate step to the house installer is a very important one for Cloin. "We want to draw patients' attention to the skylight, not to all the technical solutions incorporated in the ceiling. This is sometimes quite a puzzle for which we deliberately take all the time we need. You can only do it right once." 

After four renovated treatment rooms, she happily looks back with pride. And ahead. "We keep learning," says Cloin. "In every renovation, we incorporate our experiences. Working with one fixed, committed partner for lighting (TRILUX) allows us to continuously improve. As a team, we also know how to move through the process smoothly, so that we can order all the custom luminaires we need on time and not run into long delivery times." 

For her, the cooperation tastes like more: the office and waiting rooms are also being fitted with TRILUX luminaires step by step. Calis Sanchez: "Here, too, we are trying to take a broader view and, from the renovation of the treatment rooms, to focus on the experience, so that, among other things, the waiting areas are decorated and lit as pleasantly as possible. After all, that place also has a big impact on everyone's treatment. From entering and first contact at reception, to treatment and leaving again for home. Throughout the visit, we do not want to create a hospital environment but a hotel atmosphere, to minimise patients' feeling that they are undergoing a very tough treatment. Light is a crucial ingredient in this."