Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, Museum in Athens

The Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation constitutes its own special category, with automation work aimed at troubleshooting in an especially high-maintenance environment.  KNX technology is the ideal way to eliminate threats posed to exhibits by changes in light, temperature, air and humidity levels. Both general lighting and specific lighting control for each exhibit are fully automated, guaranteeing that wherever possible natural light plays a pivotal role in enhancing the experience of the visitor viewing the collections.

A technique known as ‘closed loop control’, using KNX ceiling sensors with appropriate threshold settings, achieves the maximum possible contribution of natural lighting without damaging the exhibits. The system also ensures the smooth functioning of sun visors and the dimming and switching on or off of respective lighting sets.  The illumination of the exhibits is achieved through special lighting scenarios, which allow for varying degrees of intensity depending on factors relating to a particular exhibit, such as visible signs of natural decay, theme or color palette. It is up to the user (maintenance team) to decide on the extent to which these scenarios are applied, modified and saved, through management tools such as switches, tablets, smartphones and KNX touch panels. At the same time, in order to ensure the smooth operation of the halls, a special application was created for IOS, Android and Windows software terminals for manual control (by-pass function) of all the lighting and shading.