TSP Projects, a Yorkshire-based engineering company and subsidiary of global company SYSTRA, has designed a lighting system that aims to raise the passenger’s spirits at Leeds Station on Blue Monday, the name given to the third Monday in January which is claimed to be the most depressing day of the year.
The new Human Circadian Rhythm lighting system has been designed to provide an artificial ‘sunrise to sunset’ light that travels through illuminance levels and colour spectrums throughout the day. From brighter cooler levels in the morning to stimulate alertness and concentration, to warmer tones in the evenings, the technology aims to identify with our natural body clock, promoting good sleep patterns which affects our moods and wellbeing.
Leeds Station is the first station in the UK to have this type of lighting installed, which has primarily been used in hospital and care homes. It forms part of the recent works to transform the southern concourse which saw the final piece of the project, the unveiling of the front entrance and official switching on of the lights, at the end of last year.
Passengers using the station have already noticed a huge difference as natural light floods into the station on sunny days through the transparent roof and on more cloudy, wintery days the new lighting system will mimic the patterns of natural daylight. Incorporating mood lighting into the station was the idea of Lighting Principal,Mike Kimmitt and Architectural Designer, Max Los of TSP Projects, a SYSTRA company.
“This type of technology has been shown to improve overall wellbeing and aide sleep patterns. I hope staff and passengers using Leeds Station will benefit from this exciting new technology,” explained Mike. “I am convinced this type of lighting system will be a regular feature for other major stations, public spaces and transport hubs such as airports, motorway service stations and ports.”