The new Munich Re office complex situated at the „Münchner Tor" in Munich is the latest addition to the bavarian capital’s skyline. In order to satisfy the variable room concept in terms of lighting technology, a flexible system from Siteco was chosen incorporating Comfolight suspended luminaires.

Flexible Spacial Concept
In order to satisfy differing requirements that may increase with time, the Münchner Tor building has been designed with a high degree of flexibility. In the early stages of planning, future users were surveyed about their requirements in respect to the building and their wish for spacial flexibility was incorporated: flexible partition systems allow an adaptation of office size according to use: from cubicles to group offices, from combi-office to conference room. However the spacial geometry is adapted, the lighting installation must not be de- and remounted. It was designed to give optimal spacial and working light even with changing spacial conditions.

Light, Made To Measure
Due to the flexible spacial requirements and changing demands it was decided to choose a concept with Comfolight louvre fixtures. With a room depth of 5.4m, two Comfolight luminaires with CAT louvres were deployed per room axis (module size 1.35m). The suspended luminaires were arranged parallel to the windows. Even when the room axes would change from 3-axis to 2 or 4-axis, the lighting must not be rearranged. A pleasent lit atmosphere is achieved with the combination of direct and indirect components giving both ambient and working light. Whether workstations are arranged in a block pattern or as single units along the wall, an optimal working environment is guaranteed for all employees. Instead of the standard Comfolight luminaire with asymmetric housing, a custom variation with symmetric housing was developed for the project. Whether single or twin lamp, the housing has the same exterior dimensions. Ist uniform and integral design is mainly due to a slimline housing of high-grade extruded metal. The custom rectangular canopy reflects the angular form of the luminaire. A filigree double wire suspension connects luminaire to ceiling. A total of around 4,500 custom Comfolight fixtures from Siteco, equipped with 2x21 Watt lamping and DALI ECG’s guarantee flexible office lighting.

Energy matters
But it was not only flexibility, light effects and design that determined the choice of lighting concept. The lighting consultants also considered environmental and energy factors. In order to make possible an environmentally-friendly architecture, an energy concept was developed that incorporated air conditioning, heating and lighting based on regenerative and intelligent technologies. Comfolight suspended luminaires are equipped with T16 fluorescent light sources. A lighting management system allows a daylight-dependent lighting control, thereby strongly reducing the necessary power required (Watt/m²). As a result, 40% energy savings have been achieved when compared to a conventional office deployment. Siteco light can also be found outside the offices. Corridors and auxiliary areas have been illuminated with Lunis downlights. Monsun damp-proof luminaires guarantee safe lighting for the garage areas.