New Hospital Building: Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Biberach

Light design to brighten the mood

Brightness and light play a very important role in the healing process. For this reason, an innovative treatment plan includes a suitable light and illumination design. It is generally known that light has an influence on people’s mood, motivation, brain and body functions. These insights have also been used in modern architecture, for example for the construction of the new department for psychiatry and psychotherapy in Biberach which cost approximately 30 million euros. LTS, the luminaire manufacturer from Tettnang near Lake Constance, played an active part in this large-scale project installing its most innovative products. Luminaires made in Upper Swabia for Upper Swabia.

700 metres of LTS Lichtkanal guide people through the hospital

LTS Lichtkanal with its stylish minimalist design comes out nicely on the gross surface area of approximately 10,500 square metres over three floors. As a light strip in the corridors, it is discreetly integrated into the building structure. Lichtkanal also functions as a guide helping patients and staff find their way, at the same time offering a clear architectural feature.

Architectural milestone helps cater to the needs of people with mental health issues

Cosy single rooms are equally beneficial to healing as friendly meeting rooms, practical workspaces and functional rooms in the different wards. The simple operation of lighting is a generally important aspect, as well as automatic light control and examination lights with an illumination intensity of at least 1,000 lux at the push of a button. LTS provides lighting solutions which strike a balance between the individual needs of the patients and the requirements of nursing staff. Lighting can be adjusted and customized as required, and daylight is systematically integrated, which results in the best light quality and energy efficiency.

A special focus was placed on the light-flooded group rooms, spacious balconies and accessible indoor terraces. When designing the building, lighting played a key role from the very beginning. It is proven that a bright environment where people feel comfortable helps reduce stress and makes them happier and healthier. In a joint project, the architects from the architecture firms mühlich + partner and Braunger Wörz Architekten created the perfect interplay of top medical standards and a cosy atmosphere.

“One important principle in our building design was ‘civility instead of institutionalism’. People take centre stage, be it patients, staff or visitors. The individual needs and requirements of the respective groups of people are carefully considered. Medical working and therapy spaces have been customized, as well as visitor and meeting areas.”

— Niklas Mühlich, architect

Architect Niklas Mühlich talks about a skilful interplay between daylight incidence and LTS lighting systems. When perceiving the interior, it seems as though the functional, spatial and visual qualities of the outside and hospital surroundings have been integrated via large window facades.

“Areas that offer privacy and seating areas with natural materials create a warm environment and provide a safe haven. The result is a well-balanced mix of a comfortable yet medically functional colour and material concept. This spatial attention is equally given to patients and carers.”

— Niklas Mühlich, architect

Particularly in the various lounge and waiting areas of the psychiatric department of the ZfP Südwürttemberg, importance has been placed on the interplay between light incidence and directed lighting. The flat and round LTS Lunata ceiling light takes centre stage and is a real eyecatcher. It combines direct and indirect light, creating an inviting atmosphere. The LTS luminaire breaks up the ceiling and the room which makes the entire light atmosphere friendly and pleasant.

Efficiency paired with optimum lighting design and compelling technology

A real mammoth task which involved the installation of more than 700 metres of LTS Lichtkanal and approximately 1,500 LTS luminaires and spotlights! The LTS Flixx downlights in their wide-beam version are used for general lighting of the corridors and rooms. The pivoting variant of the small spotlights puts a focus on the room doors and entrance area to facilitate entry. Flixx is installed as a recessed downlight in a visually appealing design. It is available in a round or square shape, and its comprehensive accessories include a light effect frame, which can be in ordered in different variants. Customers can also choose matching deco glass. The spotlight allows to accentuate both individual objects and entire walls.

Mammoth project with sustainable light solutions

An ultramodern reinforced concrete construction has been used to design a low-energy building with little thermal loss, which is why the LED spotlights and luminaires from Tettnang are such a good fit for this project. They are particularly sustainable and energy-

efficient. Low power consumption and a long service life reduce operating costs and related CO2 emissions. The LTS spotlights also save resources because less material was used. In addition to saving raw materials, LTS is continuously researching and developing innovative and sustainable components and modules. LTS is committed to making a positive contribution to environmental protection and society.

A corridor connects the centre for psychiatry with the also newly constructed central hospital of the Sana Kliniken. Together, they form the “Gesundheitscampus” (health campus) located at the Biberacher Hauderboschen. All medical services are available under the same roof in a state-of-the-art medical care centre which is unparalleled in Biberach and the region of Upper Swabia.