The design, installation and performance benefits of luminaires from RIDI Lighting have been used to great effect at the new European headquarters of Wolters Kluwer Health – an international leader in medical information services.

Having outgrown its previous premises, Wolters Kluwer Health now occupies a major, new five-storey premises at 250 Waterloo Road , London . Refurbished by Surrey-based ODB Group, the property incorporates the latest developments in commercial office design and technology. Prior to the move, an evaluation of the company’s lighting requirements was carried out and a detailed scheme drawn-up that would ‘lighten up the space’ and transform a run-of-the-mill office environment, into a pleasant and highly productive work space.

A key element in the overall scheme is RIDI’s UK exclusive AIDA-ME luminaires which illuminate the main office work zone areas. The use of this stylish architectural luminaire is complemented by strategically placed column-mounted AIDA-W wall lights - which ensure compliance with CIBSE office lighting standard LG3a – and RIDI’s EBD 185 recessed downlighters which have been employed to provide atmospheric accent lighting on the perimeter walls.

Building services engineer for the project, Johnathan Hart Associates worked closely with RIDI to develop a variety of lighting design concepts that would not only meet the requirements of LG3a, but also help create an attractive work space. “We laid out a variety of lighting schemes for the client to chose from, “ comments Gerhard Jefferey of building services engineer, Johnathan Hart Associates. “The result is, we have a finished scheme featuring RIDI luminaries that not only meets a detailed client brief, but also looks good and performs well.”

Approximately 400 AIDA-ME have been installed throughout the office areas in the building. Developed specifically for the UK market, the AIDA-ME design combines an integrated parabolic louvre, with indirect light from the canopy, to generate a far brighter room ambience and enhanced level of vertical light than traditionally associated with recessed fittings. This soft-lit effect, and broader less intense light spread had particular appeal for Wolters Kluwer Health – especially combined with RIDI’s AIDA-W wall-mounted luminaires. In addition, t he ceiling, though not directly lit, gives a perception of brightness due to the controlled luminance from the luminaire canopies. The direct and indirect light sources also satisfied the necessary 1000cd cut-off requirements. In addition, for time-saving installation, all luminaires for the job were supplied with pre-fitted wieland connectors.

AIDA-ME is available in 600mm x 600mm and 1200mm x 600mm sizes, and is suitable for installation in exposed/concealed 'T' and plasterboard ceilings. The louvre housing is available in a choice of specular or matt parabolic MIRO aluminium. The AIDA housings all feature quick release spring catches for ease of access to lamps and gear. Air handling versions are available for 2x24w T5 and 1X40/55w TC-L lamps. There is an integral 3-hour emergency conversion option also available. Special paint finishes and dimmable options available upon request.

AIDA-ME integrates seamlessly with the other wall mounted and suspended luminaires in the AIDA family. Available in T5 or TC-L versions all AIDA luminaires satisfy LG3 category 2- 500/1000cd. In addition, the custom MEi model offers the added advantage of providing a small amount of ceiling illumination through its drop-down louvre configuration.