A lightbulb moment for anti-viral technology

Italy – Lighting brand Artemide's ultraviolet technology is transforming interior lighting into a whole-space sanitiser.

Its Integralis system can be fitted into new light fixtures and is controllable via an app. This functionality enables the light to emit regular, natural light frequencies when a room is occupied, and a germ-fighting invisible UV spectrum when the room is vacant.

‘In the presence of people, emission frequencies and doses of energy that are not harmful to the eyes and skin can be used, which nonetheless act to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mould and fungi,’ explains Carlotta de Bevilacqua, CEO at Artemide. ‘The light acts mainly on surfaces but, in reality, it acts on everything it encounters in its path such as particles suspended in the air.’

Such innovations have the opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing in both the home, and public workspaces. As we identify in Pandemic–proof Properties, future buildings will increasingly integrate technologies that bring hygiene to the fore.