philips & turntoo. example 02

The idea of a ‘performance economy’, developed by Walter Stahel since the 1970s, insists on the importance of selling services rather than products. Through this method, manufacturers can retain greater control over the items they produce and the embedded energy and materials, thus enabling better maintenance, reconditioning and recovery. Customers benefit too, as they only pay for the service they require and use, and often receive a better service as the manufacturer has a greater interest in providing a product that lasts. So when architect Thomas Rau came to fit out the Amsterdam office of RAU Architects, he sought to employ the principles of a performance model throughout the space. When considering lighting, Rau did not want to purchase an expensive lighting infrastructure that he would eventually need to replace and dispose of, but rather light as a service, and just the right amount to suit the building. RAU Architects worked with Philips to develop a system that could work within this new way of thinking.

Philips ended up creating a minimalist light plan that made as much use as possible of the building’s natural sunlight, again to avoid providing a surplus of material of energy. The team worked with an installation partner, CasSombroek, and used an LED light fitting for ceiling systems, adapted to be hung in the high-roofed offices. A combined sensor and controller system further helped keep energy use to an absolute minimum, by dimming or brightening the artificial lighting in response to motion or the presence of daylight.

Effective systems management resulted in a total energy reduction of 55% – 35% as a result of the LED installation; but also through optimisation by Philips, another 20% reduction.