Library renovated to meet residents’ needs
During the renovation of Hämeenlinna’s main library, a lighting upgrade was carried out to improve user comfort and energy efficiency. Airam luminaires were selected for many spaces, some of which use wirelessly managed, self-learning ActiveAhead control. Intelligently controlled luminaires can adapt to changes in the environment, such as new partition walls and the resulting changes in lighting requirements.
Library services have historically played an important role in Hämeenlinna
Hämeenlinna main library was renovated between 2018 and 2020. The library building, designed by city architect Heikki Aitola, was completed in 1983. Airam’s project team worked closely with Aki Rintala of KHTT-Suunnittelu Oy, now Granlund Hame Oy, who was responsible for electrical design, and Jarkko Lemmetty of Quattroservice Oy, who was responsible for the electrical contract. Together they found the best lighting solutions from Airam’s extensive product and service range.
Of public services, the role of libraries has changed significantly. In Hämeenlinna, library services have historically played an important role, and high expectations were undoubtedly placed on the designers and renovation implementers for the future. The new main library is close to residents’ daily lives, inspires culture and hobbies, and the building is the city’s shared living room. Despite this, the two-year renovation of the library was completed ahead of schedule.
“Projects of this scale always have their own challenges when all the site’s electrical, telecommunications and HVAC systems are renewed. Lighting is only one part of the design,” says Aki Rintala from Granlund.
Dialux calculations played a major role
With the help of luminaire comparisons and Dialux calculations, it was determined how much light was needed at the site so that lighting would be at the desired level and meet industry lighting standards.
“In the library lighting design, Dialux measurements were absolutely essential. The luminaires were positioned between the shelves so that 500 lux was achieved at the top of the shelf and the minimum requirement of 200 lux at the bottom shelf measured from the book spine,” Aki Rintala explains about the special challenges of the library project.
Smart self-learning lighting control
Smart Eddy luminaires with glare-free lenses were selected for office spaces, corridors and break rooms. The black and white luminaire bodies were implemented according to the architect’s wishes depending on the space. White Eddy luminaires are part of Airam’s standard range, while black luminaires were separately customized for black ceiling surfaces. The lighting control solution selected was Helvar ActiveAhead, a self-learning system operating in a wireless network.
The solution creates versatile and flexible lighting environments and lighting situations in which there is always an optimal amount of light. The system saves both costs and energy thanks to its self-learning algorithm and wireless control. The adaptable solution is excellent for spaces like these where no lighting control had previously been installed. In these spaces, no control cabling was needed at all.
Diverse activities for city residents in the library building
Libraries organize a wide range of events for city residents of all ages. In addition to traditional library services, lending and reading room functions, the building also has working and hobby spaces according to residents’ wishes: performance spaces, a music room, an editing room, and a media and band room/studio for producing and recording videos and digital and acoustic sounds.
In the children’s play area and reading zones, stylish Round pendant luminaires with DALI control visually and functionally bring the spaces together into cozy smaller areas. Energy-efficient Center spotlights were selected for exhibition spaces and the high staircase area. The excellent color rendering and high-quality lighting level of the Center spotlights create a pleasant atmosphere in the space. The spotlights installed on a three-phase track are easy to move and redirect in exhibition spaces.
Archive treasures in Airam light
The archive of Hämeenlinna main library serves as the central storage facility for books, AV material and magazines from all city service points, storing core Finnish literature, AV recordings and periodicals.
Nearly three hundred low-profile Optimus luminaires were installed in this archive and in the technical spaces. For project-specific needs, Optimus is available with DALI or Casambi control and with different connection leads and installation options for ceilings, walls or luminaire suspension rails.
MODULAR LUMINAIRE
Plata
Plata modular luminaires controlled by separate motion detectors were selected for the renovated office corridors. DALI-controlled Plateia luminaires with glare-free nano microprism optics, UGR
VERSATILE
Optimus
The library’s oldest and most valuable material requiring archive conditions has been placed in the hand library storage. The luminaire is Airam Optimus.
Low-profile Optimus IP44 luminaires provide versatile solutions for industrial spaces and commercial buildings as well as warehouses, corridors and damp spaces.
MODULAR LUMINAIRE
Plateia
Low-profile Plateia modular luminaires suitable for offices and other public spaces were installed in meeting rooms in a T-bar ceiling.