Lutron intros Athena commercial lighting solution

Lutron has unveiled an architectural lighting solution, dubbed Athena, which brings an enhanced level of flexible lighting and shade control to Pro AV.

Designed for both new construction projects and retrofits, the system delivers Lutron’s lauded control technology via an app-based setup, and features a host of user-friendly benefits. Utilising a compact form-factor, the Athena processor takes up very little real estate on the wall, or hidden away entirely.

The brand says Athena arrives just as commercial spaces are rethinking occupancy patterns and ease of use. Until now, most workers spend their days under static lighting that doesn’t change. Lutron hopes that Athena will encourage architects and designers to extend dynamic natural light deep into an environment, using tuneable white, DALI Type 8 fixtures. With independent control of colour temperature and intensity, there’s a new opportunity for lighting designers to harmonise interior light and natural daylight.

Custom controls include occupancy and daylight sensors or timeclock control, individual Pico remote controls and premium aesthetics, such as the brand’s Palladiom keypads, or the new Athena Touchscreen.

The system employs a processor able to accommodate design and budget in both small and large spaces, with no limit to the number of DALI zones. The company says it’s suitable for use in grand art galleries and intimate restaurants. Other typical applications would be museums and hotel public areas.

Universal fixture control allows for the control of all load types, with no minimum requirements.

Key to Athena’s appeal is an iOS application that supports real-time programming and personalisation, including features such as fade times adjustable to up to 4 hours, and quick and easy adjustment of lighting scenes, perhaps for a special event. The mobile app also enables dimming to 0.1 per cent light with precision fine-tuning in one per cent light level increments, for aesthetics that are unique in each space.

The system supports API integration to building management systems, for centralised monitoring and control.

“Across the globe, building design and customer expectations are changing to reflect a more human centric lighting experience,” says Olivier Perrigueur, VP and GM, Commercial Business at Lutron. “As designers and business owners navigate new challenges, Athena offers a solution that supports the human experience and celebrates nuances in design and culture. For today’s lighting designs, flexibility and simplicity are paramount. Athena is built with this in mind.”

For more, visit Lutron here.