The GETonLight system provides complex, controllable LED lighting with
adjustable color temperature, patterns, and intensity, creating artificial
lighting that can simulate natural daylight. The controllable color temperature
means that the LED lamps are capable of illuminating the space with light of a
wavelength similar to sunlight, influencing the human body's melatonin system.
This activation helps energize individuals in the room. Before completing
activities, it's possible to adjust the light intensity to a lower level, using
light similar to twilight, which relaxes and prepares individuals for efficient
rest and good sleep. Essentially, the system can simulate natural sunlight,
providing pleasant light for people in a controllable manner—activating
individuals in the room only to the extent that is optimal, adjustable based on
activity type.
The system was tested on basketball players, volleyball players, and gymnasts at the University of Physical Education with the involvement of Dr. Zsombor Lacza, the scientific vice-rector. As a result of the two-year project, it can be stated that the GET lighting system is capable of increasing performance and concentration by 10%.
After numerous Hungarian publications on the results, a publication accepted by the scientific committee was presented at the prestigious ECSS conference in Paris on July 6, 2023:
Tamás Várhelyi, Zoltán Boros, Zsombor Lacza, Mira Ambrus: An innovative complex sports lighting system and the related options for the enhancement of sports performance.
In the 21st century, characterized by accelerated pace and technology-driven life, our lives are increasingly intertwined with artificial lighting. Whether we work, study, or relax, the type of lighting we encounter fundamentally influences our general well-being. Human Centric Lighting (HCL) has revolutionized our approach to lighting, taking into account the biological needs and rhythms of humans, thereby improving our well-being. We supplemented this technology with scientific research within the framework of the GETonlight project, making our lives more natural, healthier, and more harmonious.
Understanding Human Centric Lighting:
Human Centric Lighting is not just a buzzword; it represents a paradigm shift in lighting design. Traditional lighting systems often focus solely on functionality and aesthetics, disregarding the importance of biological reactions to human light. In contrast, HCL is based on a deep understanding of our circadian rhythm – our body's natural cycle in response to daylight and darkness. By simulating the natural changes of sunlight throughout the day, HCL aims to support our biological needs, improving mood, productivity, and overall well-being.
The Effects of Light on Our Bodies and Minds:
Over millennia, the human body has evolved to synchronize with the natural light-dark cycle. This internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, regulates various physiological processes, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and metabolism. Traditional lighting, often characterized by harsh, static light sources, can disrupt our circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disorders, mood disturbances, and decreased cognitive performance.
Benefits of Human Centric Lighting:
As mentioned, Human Centric Lighting refers to lighting systems designed to consider individuals' biological and emotional needs, promoting well-being, productivity, and comfort. Here are some benefits of implementing Human Centric Lighting:
1) Improved Sleep Quality:
One of the significant advantages of HCL is the opportunity to improve sleep quality. Exposure to blue-enriched light during the day helps maintain alertness and enhances cognitive abilities. However, excessive blue light in the evening can disrupt the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, making it difficult to fall asleep. HCL systems address this issue by gradually reducing blue light content in the evening, promoting the natural winding-down process and improving sleep quality.
2) Enhanced Mood and Mental Well-being
Natural daylight has long been associated with positive effects on mood and mental well-being. HCL mimics the dynamic changes of natural light, contributing to the regulation of serotonin levels—the "feel-good" hormone. This can help alleviate symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), leading to increased happiness, energy, and reduced susceptibility to mood swings.
3) Increased Productivity and Focus:
In work environments, Human Centric Lighting can significantly influence productivity and focus. The bright, cool-toned light characteristic of natural midday sunlight stimulates alertness and concentration in the morning and early afternoon, optimizing our performance. As the day progresses, warmer and softer light settings induce calmness, reduce stress, and enhance creativity.
4) Improved Visual Comfort and Reduced Eye Strain:
GETonLIGHT utilizes advanced optical and lighting control systems to minimize glare and provide uniform illumination throughout the space. This effectively reduces eye strain and visual discomfort, particularly beneficial for individuals who spend prolonged periods in front of screens or participate in presentations, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment. GETonLIGHT intensity adjustments enhance well-being and productivity, making modern lighting solutions preferred choices for such applications.
5) Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:
While Human Centric Lighting encompasses dynamic adjustments to meet changing lighting needs, integrating intelligent controls and state-of-the-art sensors is crucial to ensuring thoughtful and on-demand lighting usage. This intelligent optimization not only results in significant energy savings but also effectively reduces operational costs, making HCL a sustainable and cost-effective lighting solution for both commercial and residential applications. Adapting to changing environmental conditions and responding to them further enhances the overall efficiency of GETonLight, benefiting both users and the environment.
The Role of HCL-GETonLight in Everyday Life:
These applications highlight the versatility and adaptability of Human Centric Lighting in meeting individuals' unique needs across various circumstances, ultimately enhancing quality of life, well-being, and performance.
Human Centric Lighting and Architecture:
The implementation of HCL extends beyond illuminating spaces; it plays a crucial role in architectural design. Integrating HCL into architecture allows architects to create more human-centered and sustainable spaces. Large windows and light wells facilitate the influx of natural daylight, promoting healthier indoor environments. Paired with intelligent lighting systems, these designs adapt to changing natural light conditions, seamlessly transitioning between natural and artificial lighting.
HCL-G.O.L. in Education:
Human Centric Lighting is particularly beneficial in educational environments. Studies have shown that classrooms equipped with dynamic lighting systems positively affect students' concentration and academic performance. By optimizing lighting to align with circadian rhythms, students are more engaged during morning hours, reducing post-lunch fatigue and improving their overall learning experience. Additionally, Human Centric Lighting enhances memory retention and student focus. GETonLight research has demonstrated that appropriate lighting aligned with natural light conditions positively influences cognitive functions, enabling students to absorb information more effectively and engage in the learning process.
The dynamic nature of HCL allows educators to tailor lighting settings to specific activities, such as focused study, collaborative group work, or creative tasks, further enhancing a conducive learning atmosphere and supporting students' academic performance and overall well-being.
HCL-G.O.L. in Office and Creative Work
Natural office lighting settings enhance concentration, boost creativity, reduce errors, all in a controlled and adjustable manner regardless of the time of day.
HCL-G.O.L. in Industrial Production and Logistics:
Lighting consistent with daylight enhances productivity and reduces errors regardless of the time of day. Multi-shift work schedules become more sustainable, as circadian-aligned lighting can be provided for workers on night shifts.
HCL-G.O.L. in Healthcare:
In healthcare facilities, HCL can contribute to the healing process. Circadian-aligned lighting can accelerate recovery from surgery or illness, shorten rehabilitation times, and reduce hospital stays. Additionally, HCL can help alleviate symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, providing a more comfortable and supportive environment for patients and caregivers.
HCL-G.O.L. in Culture:
Human Centric Lighting can enhance the atmosphere of entertainment venues and cultural centers, such as theaters and concert halls, creating an immersive lighting experience, enhancing performances' brightness, and audience experiences.
HCL-G.O.L. in Competitive Sports:
Scientifically proven to increase individual and team sports performance by more than 10%, thereby increasing confidence in competitive situations.
HCL-G.O.L. in Recreational Sports:
GETonLight enhances the experience of recreational sports facilities by improving concentration, thereby increasing motivation and individual energy, promoting relaxation towards the end of the training session, thus turning sports into a wellness experience.
HCL-G.O.L. in Retail:
HCL-G.O.L serves to create an attractive and dynamic lighting environment in retail facilities. GETonLight provides customers with a high level of visual comfort and retention of concentration, thus influencing purchasing decisions according to customer needs, creating a more enjoyable shopping experience.
The Role of Technology in Human Centric Lighting:
The advancement of technology has paved the way for the widespread adoption of HCL. Intelligent lighting systems equipped with sensors and GETonLight technology can automatically adjust light intensity, color temperature, and distribution based on the time of day and individual needs. The algorithms of artificial intelligence can also optimize lighting based on geographical location, weather conditions, and individual preferences, enhancing the HCL experience.
In a Nutshell:
As we continue to evolve in a technologically driven society, we must not lose sight of our basic human needs. Human Centric Lighting is a pioneering approach that recognizes the profound connection between light and biological well-being. By harnessing the power of dynamic lighting, we can change our lives, preserve our health, and cultivate a more harmonious relationship with the spaces we inhabit. As architects, designers, and individuals, let us embrace the bright future of HCL-G.O.L. and illuminate the path to a brighter and healthier tomorrow for humanity.