Schouw & Co. - Respecting Beauty

“Among lighting designers in Scandinavia there seems to be a move away from over-washing buildings with gaudy color,” states Martin Danmark, part of a movement that is looking at newer and subtler ways to illuminate buildings. “Lighting designers should focus on enhancing architecture.”

Martin Danmark had the chance to put this assertion to test recently on a lighting project for Danish conglomerate Schouw & Co, who were looking for a solution to illuminate their Head Office, an attractive late nineteenth century country manor in Aarhus, Denmark.

Inviting, friendly and flexible lighting solution

But company management wanted their headquarters to look just as attractive in the gloomy twilight of a Danish winter as it did by daylight. They wanted their building to appear inviting and friendly but not at all theatrical or commercial. And above all, the lighting had to respect the building’s inherent beauty and its natural surroundings. A difficult balance had to be struck.

Conventional lighting was out of the question. Too unsubtle, too unwieldy, conventional luminaires had already left the building overexposed in the dark winter months and underlit in summer. The building required a system that could respond to constantly changing atmospheric conditions.

Exterior 600 and 200 package

The solution was a package that included 4 Exterior 600s and 20 Exterior 200s, which both use seamless CMY color mixing to create endless color possibilities. With these the natural coloration of the building’s façade could be preserved and enhanced in all weather. Using light sensors and the Windows-based Martin ProScenium, the Exteriors are able to adjust their intensity accordingly while maintaining an even color temperature.

ProScenium touchscreen control

Another motive for choosing automated luminaires was the degree of direct access to the control system. The ProScenium software has a touch screen facility and a user-friendly interface that makes it possible to interact with the lighting. Staff can adjust the lighting levels if they wish. The lighting reverts to its original program at midnight.

Schouw & Co. are pleased with the result, a lighting scheme that well reflects the values of the firm. It is measured and calm and has cleverly raised the profile of the company without appearing ostentatious.