Biocentric Lighting®(BCL®) is a lighting concept developed by BrainLit that mimics the key characteristics of daylight that trigger the circadian rhythm. Examples of these characteristics include: wavelength, intensity, direction, timing, and duration of the light. The goal of Biocentric Lighting is to support a healthy circadian rhythm based on our body’s natural day-night cycle.
The effect of light on our circadian rhythm
Light is more than just visibility; it affects our energy levels, mood, and sleep. When we don’t get enough light or are exposed to the wrong kind of light (such as cool light in the evening or too little sunlight during the day), our circadian rhythm becomes disrupted. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or a low mood.
What makes Biocentric Lighting different?
Biocentric Lighting goes a step further than Human Centric Lighting (HCL). While HCL mimics the variation in the colour temperature of daylight, BCL® optimizes lighting specifically based on human physiology. The system adjusts the lighting to how the circadian rhythm actually functions, thereby actively supporting users’ biorhythms. BCL® takes five essential factors into account:
- Wavelength of light
- Intensity
- Direction
- Timing
- Duration of exposure
How Biocentric Lighting works
BrainLit’s Biocentric Lighting system automatically adjusts the light spectrum, colour temperature, and light intensity throughout the day, and with it, the melanopic EDI. For example, the system provides refreshing, bright light in the morning and warmer light in the evening. This creates a natural progression of daylight, even in indoor spaces without natural light. This dynamic adjustment ensures the right circadian stimulation at every moment of the day, which can contribute to better sleep quality, increased concentration, and improved overall health.
Two types of fixtures for a single biocentric lighting environment
Within BCL® , different types of fixtures with varying color temperatures BCL® often combined, such as LED panels for general lighting with downlights accent lighting. These so-called “room sets” create a balanced, dynamic lighting environment that supports the circadian rhythm and provides visual comfort. This creates a single, integrated lighting concept that requires no additional lighting. The color temperatures of the different types follow their own curve and are coordinated with one another.
The combination of a cooler and a warmer light group also makes it possible to achieve high circadian performance. While the WELL Building Standard currently requires a mEDI value of 250, integrative lighting solutions such as BCL® can achieve BCL® of up to 1,300 mEDI.
Who is Biocentric Lighting intended for?
Biocentric lighting is increasingly being used in environments where people work or spend long periods of time indoors, such as:
- Offices and meeting rooms
- Hospitals and care centers
- Educational buildings
- Hotels and Hospitality
- Industrial work environments without natural light
BCL® at Illuxtron
Illuxtron is partnering with BrainLit to integrate this innovative technology into our fixtures, such as LED Panel B. In this way, we combine our Dutch innovations with Swedish technology to promote health, well-being, and comfort in our projects.