Nijmegen – formerly known in English as Nimeguen – is the oldest city in the Netherlands, close to the lively old town of which is the green campus of the research-based Radboud Universiteit. This sprawling campus is a mixture of low and high buildings – one of which is home to the Faculty of Dentistry’s clinic. Starting in 2014, this building was refurbished and expanded with the focus on sustainability and design – including efficient, elegant lighting by Selux manufactured with the same goal. In the atrium Olivio system luminaires provide flexible and efficient light.

Besides a modern façade, the dental facility has also benefited from a new, centrally-located atrium. Due to its low height, the modern building also draws its natural, park-like surroundings deep into its interior. The view of the outside is also unobstructed above head height, with the glass ceiling enabling plenty of natural daylight to flood into its interior to complement the sophisticated artificial lighting. Planners at the engineering firm Deerns opted for the Olivio system luminaire – designed by the landscape architects at West 8.

With its floral look, Olivio brings nature into the atrium. Like flowerbuds sprouting from a branch, the delicate lumninaire heads harmonise with the surrounding landscape – enabling the prestigious atrium to ‘flower’ in a new light. The 5.5 metre high tapered pole with sloping arm matches the Y-shaped supporting construction of the glass ceiling while the Olivio luminaires, which were originally designed for exterior lighting, support the interior with its largely open design.

The six pole-top luminaires manage to stand out in the light-flooded hall, while simultaneously blending seamlessly into the surroundings. The warm 3000 K luminous colour also creates a pleasant sojourn quality. In the adjacent areas, Olivio surface-mounted luminaires on the exposed concrete ceilings provide a gentle transition with the neighbouring rooms.

Close collaboration between dental specialists, architects and engineers has led to a sustainable refurbishment of this clinic, but also in enhanced comfort, an organic design and efficient lighting technology.

client: Radboud University
architect: Inbo Amsterdam
lighting designer: Deerns
electrical installation: Deerns / Croes
photographer: Jan De Vries
Representation: Selux Benelux