Publication date: 
2024/01/16
The project "SUNFLOW biodynamic circadian LED floor lamp" has been announced as one of the winners of the international Lighting Design Award 2023 in the category of table and floor lamps. It was realized by a team led by Dr. Jan Havlik from the Department of Circuit Theory in cooperation with the University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings (UCEEB) of CTU, Spectrasol Ltd. and the National Institute for Mental Health. The principal investigator of the project for the CTU is Ing. arch. Lenka Maierová, Ph.D. from UCEEB CTU, the task of the researchers from the Department of Circuit Theory was to develop the hardware and software of the control unit of the whole lamp.

The main advantage of the Sunflow lamp is its innovative ability to integrate different types of lighting commonly used in interior design. The light modes are carefully designed to match the natural 24-hour light cycle and have a positive effect on the human eye. In this way, they support the user's circadian rhythm.

The daylight mode of the lamp mimics natural sunlight, resulting in cognitive stimulation, activity, alertness and positive mood. In addition, this mode protects the eyes from harmful blue light. The light is directed at the ceiling, creating the illusion of a clear sky. Evening mode uses warm white light that is directed at the wall. In this way, the lamp evokes the atmosphere of a sunset, which has a calming and relaxing effect. The night mode is specially designed to mimic the colour and light of a fire, and emits a red light. This mode is ideal for bedtime as it does not disturb circadian rhythms and prepares the body for rest.

This lamp is designed so that its modes automatically adapt to the current environment, time and season. With WiFi connectivity, the lamp is continuously updated and improved, plus it features a motion sensor that is active during the night hours, allowing the light to turn on and off automatically according to the detection of movement in the room. Sustainability has also been taken into account in its development: it is made primarily from recyclable materials such as aluminium and steel.

The project was funded by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TAČR) under the Trend programme and was the first project to be developed in cooperation with Spectrasol. Following on from the "SUNFLOW biodynamic circadian LED floor lamp", the project "Nature-friendly lighting for laboratory animal husbandry", also funded by TAČR, is currently being developed in cooperation with the same partners.