The Fraunhofer IAO built the new "Center for Virtual Engineering ZVE" in Stuttgart. The institute was created to be a house of knowledge work by architect Ben van Berkel of UNStudio Amsterdam and the architects of ASPLAN Kaiserslautern. Here, scientists can conduct optimal research concerning issues of innovative work structuring, the mobility of the future, visual technologies and virtual engineering. Scientific know-how from the institute influenced both the design of the building and the future-oriented laboratory and office worlds. The scientists also spent time considering the issue of light and its effect on people at work.

For example, the office work stations are illuminated using MINELA LED task luminaires and ATARO LED free-standing luminaires from Waldmann with an integrated PULSE TALK lighting management system. One free-standing luminaire illuminates two work stations. The light is particularly homogeneous and the installed light output is a maximum of 105 watts. In addition, the free-standing luminaires are equipped with the PULSE HFMD and PULSE TALK lighting management systems. That means that they are not only presence and daylight dependent controlled, but they also communicate with one another in groups. This creates a pleasant lighting atmosphere in the entire office that adjusts to the changing presence of employees. The building received the DGNB Certificate in Gold from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) for exemplary efficiency, environmental friendliness and conservation of resources.

Fraunhofer-Institut für Arbeitswirtschaft und Organisation IAO

UNStudio, Amsterdam
ASPLAN, Kaiserslautern