A new health feature for Artemide’s classic work light

It is one of the undisputed favourites among workplace luminaires. When Italian architect and designer Michele De Lucchi developed it 35 years ago together with the architect Giancarlo Fassina, they achieved what should ideally be the claim of every design, but rarely manifests itself in such a puristic way: a timeless creation designed to persist. We are talking about Artemide's Tolomeo luminaire family which has been growing since 1987 and no longer just illuminates desks but also living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, hotel rooms, gardens and many other areas with glare-free light. Characteristic among all are their reduced appearance, slender profile of polished, matt or lacquered aluminium, flexible joints and a fine wire that holds the swivel arms tightly in position.

Innovative lighting technology

Now Tolomeo is available in a new version that disinfects surfaces, thus contributing to a more hygienic environment. Tolomeo INTEGRALIS® features Artemide's specially developed INTEGRALIS® light technology with the help of which, pathogenic micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and mould on illuminated surfaces are rendered harmless.

In concrete terms, this happens via violet light components from the short-wave range of the visible spectrum, which are emitted by the LED lamp. These inhibit the growth and spread of pathogenic, i.e. disease-causing, microorganisms or even kill them. This process remains completely invisible to the human eye and is absolutely harmless to humans, animals and plants. What does remain perceptible, however, is the high quality of light and the optimal colour rendering of the light. The light colour temperature is 3,600K and thus neutral white. Furthermore, the table luminaire is equipped with a dimmer and the body can be connected as usual with a luminaire base, a clamp or a screw fastening.

Design, light and disinfection

INTEGRALIS® can be integrated into many luminaires and lighting systems within the Artemide portfolio. The technology comprises four independent lighting solutions that are used according to circumstances and requirements such as the type of environment, the required intensity of disinfection or the rhythm of presence or absence of people. Tolomeo INTEGRALIS® is, in turn, equipped with the PURE INTEGRALIS® function. The Italian manufacturer could not have responded better to the challenges of our time, with the need for a safe working environment, largely free of pathogens, becoming a significant factor for many since COVID-19. At the classic office desk as well as in desk sharing and coworking environments, in the home office as well as in public areas such as doctors' surgeries, clinics, hotel receptions and rooms, i.e. everywhere where people come into contact with each other, INTEGRALIS® contributes to a healthy environment – and does so almost incidentally during normal working hours.

Artemide has proven that supporting workplace well-being while also providing extra hygiene does not need to be a difficult balancing act. Tolomeo INTEGRALIS® demonstrates how by conceiving efficient illumination and a disinfecting effect within a single unit, the two can be perfectly merged with one another.

© Architonic