Hannover | Children‘s Hospital “Auf der Bult”
Loving Light for Patients and Employees
With more than 40,000 young patients treated each year, the children’s hospital “Auf der Bult” is one of the most important medical care facilities in northern Germany. In order to continue to meet the rigorous requirements in the future, the entire ward of the children’s hospital was extensively renovated from 2015 to 2017.
What is true for adults is especially true for children: in a loving environment we feel at home and can recover more quickly. This fact has been taken to heart in the design of the children’s hospital “Auf der Bult” in Hannover. Together with architects, color designers, and lighting planners, a joint master plan was developed that benefits patients and employees alike.
Scientific research has shown that light has a direct influence on the psyche, the body, and our potential health. This means the conscious use of light in the health sector is indispensable. The present lighting concept is based on extensive research on circadian rhythm as well as other non-visual effects of light on humans.
Doubtless, the most important factor in the lighting design is the control of light color and illuminance both in patient rooms and in task rooms. Here, the knowledge of circadian rhythms is applied and supports patients and employees with the help of artificial light control that is based on the natural changes of daylight (Human Centric Light). The control of the respective rooms is derived from the master plan previously drawn up with the customer and is tailored to the needs of people depending on the room requirements.
By increasing the light intensity and light color, movement and action are stimulated in the patient rooms until midday. In the evening, these two parameters are lowered, preparing the patient for the evening and bedtime. Optional and individually controlled examination lights as well as a colormatched orientation light ensure an undisturbed night’s rest for the patients.
The task rooms are also equipped with the help of a HCL-effective luminaire. Here, the focus is on the staff who experience an enhancement of the workplace through appropriate scenarios and are thus accompanied through day and night. The nightshift and the accompanying phase change in the circadian rhythm are supported and the enthusiasm to work is improved.
The recreation room can be used as a patient room if required and is therefore also equipped with ergonomic lighting. In addition, round light-ceilings were installed which show the desired animation made accessible via pushbuttons. This enables the users of this room to directly influence the function of this light. This direct intervention in the patient’s and visitor’s experience has a positive effect on the association of the hospital as well as on reducing fear.
The lighting concept described for the children’s hospital “Auf der Bult” is the first installation in Germany that has implemented the principles of circadian rhythm in all aspects of the project. It is an exemplary project in which interdisciplinary cooperation has resulted in a coordinated and forward-looking concept that focuses on the emotional and biological concerns of its users.
Client
- Children‘s Hospital “Auf der Bult” - Hannover, Hannoversche Kinderheilanstalt (HKA)
Architect
- Lohr Architektur GmbH
Electrical Engineering and Installation
- Wildfang Architekten und Ingenieure
Producer
- HTA Haustechnische Anlagen Planungsgesellschaft mbH
Project Period
- INSTA, Glamox, Zumtobel, Schyns
Photos
- 2015-2017