Smart Building

EnOcean lighting solution contributes to the preservation of cultural assets

Author: Rohm Co. Ltd.
Issue 02-2016: read all articles online read as pdf

Looking ahead to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan has turned its attention to the tourism industry and urban renewal in particular. In the latter case, data transmission using EnOcean technology offers numerous advantages, such as a reduction in construction work and significant energy savings.

At the same time, it also results in many benefits for the tourism industry. Japan is very proud of its tourist attractions such as shrines and temples. The EnOcean lighting solution is the optimum option for lighting and staging these cultural assets. The lighting not only provides attractive illumination, but also contributes to the preservation of the national treasures in the long term, doing away with concerns about conservation.

Cultural treasures include not only Buddhist statues, but also floors, walls and pillars. Thanks to the company’s own LED lighting technology and EnOcean’s batteryless wireless technology, Rohm Co., Ltd. is now able to offer a lighting solution that optimally illuminates cultural assets while at the same time preserving them.

The special features of the EnOcean lighting solution are as follows:

LED lighting produces a minimal amount of UV rays, which slows down the deterioration process of the cultural goods.
The light falls in a way that it is comfortable to the eye and reminiscent of the light of a candle.
Cables do not have to be installed, so that the view of the cultural treasures is not impaired.
The use of cables could damage the cultural goods and increase the fire risk.
Batteryless switches do not require any maintenance work.
It represents the best solution for situations in which the light-staging aspects need to be changed.

Such a system, which facilitates the preservation of cultural assets, is highly valued in Japan. For this reason, use of such a lighting solution for cultural treasures is expected to become more popular.

Rohm Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of electronic components headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. The company will continue to offer solutions that contribute to the preservation and expansion of cultural assets in Kyoto.

Taima Temple, Nara prefecture

The Taima Temple was built during the Asakusa period (552-646), and includes a large temple complex in the style of the Hakuho/Nara era. The main hall is home to the statues of Maitreya (Buddha) and the four heavenly kings, as well as art pieces from the Hakuho era, which represent historic treasures of the temple (where they are also stored).

In January 2014, the EnOcean lighting solution was used in the three main halls of the temple (Hondo, Kondo, Koudo). Previously, it was very dark in the main hall, but now visitors can finally see the mandala of the Buddhist altar (national treasure) in all its glory, including the details.

Taima-temple

Kamigamo Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto prefecture

From October 30 to November 8, 2015, the Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association held an event for the 51st time at the Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines (among others), where the EnOcean lighting solution was used for night lighting purposes.

This event, which started in 1965, aims to raise public awareness for the preservation of cultural assets. This was the first time that night lighting was used at two locations (Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines). Two traditional dances were also performed at both shrines. An EnOcean switch was used for the change-over of stage lighting. The different light scenarios had the effect of making the dances much more vivid.