At William Artists, we believe light is more than illumination—it’s a transformative force that shapes human experiences, fosters well-being, and elevates spaces. As Asia’s architectural lighting pioneer for over 40 years, our partnership with ERCO, a global leader in precision-engineered lighting, allows us to bring cutting-edge, human-centric lighting (HCL) solutions to Hong Kong, Greater China, Macau and Taiwan. Drawing from ERCO’s insightful white paper on HCL (January 2022), we explore how this innovative approach redefines lighting design, blending visual, emotional, and biological benefits to create spaces that inspire and sustain.

What is Human-Centric Lighting?

Human-Centric Lighting goes beyond traditional lighting by harmonizing light with human needs. As defined by the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, HCL supports health, well-being, and performance through holistic planning that considers light’s visual, emotional, and biological effects. Scientific research, from Aschoff’s 1960s circadian rhythm studies to Brainard and Berson’s discoveries in the 2000s, revealed how light influences our inner clock via photosensitive ganglion cells in the retina. These findings, coupled with advancements in LED technology and tunable white systems, have made HCL a cornerstone of modern lighting design.

ERCO’s HCL philosophy emphasizes four key parameters—time, brightness, spectrum, and light distribution—to align artificial lighting with natural daylight patterns. By mimicking the dynamic qualities of daylight, HCL supports circadian rhythms, enhancing mood, productivity, and health, particularly in indoor environments like offices and museums where people spend significant time.

The ERCO AAA Approach: Architecture, Activity, Atmosphere

ERCO’s AAA framework—Architecture, Activity, and Atmosphere—guides HCL implementations, ensuring lighting solutions are tailored to specific spaces and user needs. Here’s how it works:

• Light for Architecture: Enhance spatial perception by illuminating vertical surfaces, emphasizing architectural elements, and integrating luminaires seamlessly.
• Light for Activity: Zoned lighting adapts to specific tasks, ensuring visual comfort and flexibility. In workplaces, we use track-mounted ERCO luminaires to provide glare-free, adjustable lighting for desks, supporting diverse activities while aligning with circadian rhythms through dynamic brightness and color temperature adjustments.
• Light for Atmosphere: By creating focal points and hierarchies, we craft inviting, oriented spaces. For instance, our lighting design for the Palace Museum uses ERCO’s precision LEDs to evoke emotion, guiding visitors through immersive experiences with warm evening tones and cool daytime hues.

This holistic approach, combined with ERCO’s Greenology initiative for sustainable LEDs, ensures energy-efficient, eco-conscious designs that elevate user experience and align with William Artists’ mission to shape sustainable futures.

Benefits of Human-Centric Lighting

HCL delivers transformative advantages for stakeholders:

• For Building Owners: HCL enhances property value through certifications like WELL, which prioritize circadian lighting and well-being. Dynamic, digitally controlled systems offer flexibility without rewiring, as demonstrated in our commercial projects like the Bank of China.
• For Businesses: Tailored lighting boosts employee productivity and creativity, creating competitive workplaces. Flexible solutions adapt to changing room functions, supporting sustainability and corporate responsibility.
• For Users: Adjustable lighting empowers individuals, fostering motivation and comfort. In offices, employees can personalize light scenes, aligning with their visual and emotional needs.
• For Designers: HCL enables nuanced, integrative designs that balance daylight and artificial light, enhancing architectural narratives. Our collaboration with architects like Norman Foster on the HSBC Headquarters showcases this synergy.

Case Study: HCL in Offices

ERCO highlights offices as ideal settings for HCL, where most people spend their days indoors. Using the AAA approach, we transform workplaces into vibrant, health-focused environments:

• Architecture: Uniform wallwashing and ceiling illumination create a sense of space and brightness, reducing screen glare and enhancing comfort.
• Activity: Zoned desk lighting with ERCO’s tunable white luminaires supports tasks while syncing with daylight cycles—cool tones in the morning for alertness, warm tones in the evening for relaxation.
• Atmosphere: Strategic focal points, like illuminated art or plants, add warmth and hierarchy, fostering a welcoming ambiance.

Further reading:

提高 2025 年的生产力：以人为本的照明如何改善办公工作空间

Why HCL is More Than Tunable White

While tunable white—adjusting color temperatures along the Planckian curve—is a key HCL tool, ERCO emphasizes that HCL is a holistic strategy. Over-relying on spectrum alone ignores the critical roles of time, brightness, and light distribution. For instance, illuminance levels are vital for non-visual effects, with research showing higher sensitivity at 490nm for circadian responses (CIE, 2018). William Artists ensures balanced HCL designs by prioritizing these parameters, avoiding monotonous lighting and tailoring solutions to each project’s unique needs.

William Artists and ERCO: A Legacy of Excellence

Our decades-long partnership with ERCO reflects a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. As trusted distributors, we leverage ERCO’s precision-engineered luminaires—spotlights, downlights, and linear systems—to deliver HCL solutions across diverse sectors, from cultural landmarks like the Palace Museum to commercial hubs like the Hong Kong Convention Centre. Our all-rounded services, from tailored design to seamless installation and maintenance, ensure flawless execution, as seen in projects with globally renowned architects like I.M. Pei.

Lighting the Future with HCL

Human-Centric Lighting is not just a trend—it’s a paradigm shift that places people at the heart of design. With ERCO’s expertise and William Artists’ regional mastery, we’re illuminating Asia’s future, creating spaces that inspire connection, enhance well-being, and sustain the planet. Whether transforming offices, museums, or public spaces, our HCL solutions embody our core values: human-centered design, transformative light, and sustainable legacy.

Ready to reimagine your space with Human-Centric Lighting? Contact William Artists today to explore how our ERCO-powered solutions can elevate your project. Let’s light the way to a brighter, healthier future together.