Zoo Antwerp – Antwerp (BE)

The Belgian zoo’s requirement was that the lighting should be tailored to the animals’ daily routine. In addition to the brightness of the artificial light, natural daylight was also to be taken into account: this results in efficient energy savings. B.E.G.’s presence detectors now carry out regular light measurements in the small monkey house and control the artificial lighting accordingly to achieve the desired brightness.

The colour temperature of the new luminaire, set at 3000 Kelvin, was not to be altered. 3000 Kelvin corresponds to a bright, warm white light, which is perceived as very cosy. At the same time, the lighting is bright enough to allow visitors a clear view of the enclosure. The desired day-night rhythm is thus achieved solely through the appropriate brightness levels. B.E.G. always handles the individual planning and implementation in close consultation with the planners and building owners. The functions required by the zoo were implemented using the B.E.G. DALI-SYS lighting control system. DALI-SYS is a modular, networkable and scalable lighting management system. Distributed intelligence ensures a high level of operational reliability. A wide range of functions, such as Guided Light or HCL, are integrated into DALI-SYS. As a rule, DALI-SYS allows a preset light curve to be selected, e.g. for offices, schools or industry, or enables custom light curves to be designed. Various tests were carried out in the small monkey house helped the B.E.G. system integrator implement an optimal light curve for the animal residents.

How Monkey Centric Lighting works in Antwerp

To implement Monkey Centric Lighting, twilight is simulated in the morning between 7 and 9 am and in the evening between 5 and 7 pm. It is brightest at midday, with a maximum of 1450 lux. Using a timer and a DALI-SYS push-button module, the lights were switched on at 6.45 am and switched off at 7.15 pm. The lock function was used for this purpose. At 7.15 pm, the DALI-SYS multisensor (presence detector in the DALI-SYS) receives a ‘Lock’ signal via the push-button module. The detector is locked, the sensor’s automatic function is deactivated, and at the same time a final command is sent to the DALI luminaires. In our case, the lighting is dimmed to 0%. Early in the morning at 06:45, an ‘Unlock’ signal is sent, which reactivates the automatic function. The lights in the monkey house were mounted between the bars and the skylights, and the multisensors were installed one on the left and one on the right side of the enclosure. No direct sunlight enters here that could distort the light readings. The multi-sensors were used purely as daylight sensors for light measurement. In addition, two further push-button modules (one for the left side of the enclosure and one for the right) were installed to switch the light on or off manually if required. The DALI-SYS push-button modules can be used with standard switch ranges.

A compelling before-and-after comparison

The before-and-after comparison is compelling. Thanks to the modernisation work, the lighting in the enclosures appears much more natural and the visitor area is significantly brighter. This has created optimal lighting conditions for both the animals and zoo visitors.

The top image shows the marmoset house without Human Centric Lighting (HCL); the bottom image clearly shows the improved lighting conditions with Human Centric Lighting (HCL).