BMW - LIGHTING Guidelines
BMW - LIGHTING Guidelines
Dealership lighting
Brand Lighting - Basic Principles (LED technology)
Architecture Driving Gallery – the theme defines and gives architectural form to the brand message of
„The Ultimate Driving Machine“.
Orthogonally layered panels create spaces and determine the architecture. Spacious openings create a
connection with the outside world, and projecting elements produce the effect of dynamic space.
The functions are layered through the depth of the building in a way that reflects the stacking of the
wall panels. In the first row, the vehicles are presented in a street layout, parallel with the facade. Imme-
diately behind this is the general customer zone, with reception counter, customer advice stations and
the customer waiting area. At the back, facing away from the showroom, are the functionally designed
workshop areas, which are not open to the public.
Daylight A bright atmosphere suffused with light defines the character of the Driving Gallery. The daylight is
guided by carefully positioned openings in the wall and ceiling, supporting the spatial layout of the panel
architecture. Projecting ceiling panels keep out excess sunlight and prevent the showroom from becoming
overheated.
Artificial light Based on the principles of natural lighting, the rooms are lit by an artificial lighting concept that is
matched to each individual functional area. Even when there is sufficient daylight, specific accents are
added through the use of artificial lighting. As dusk falls or if weather conditions reduce light levels, the
artificial lighting system not only illuminates the product displays and the rooms in general, but also
takes on a space-forming function for the Driving Gallery. As an integral part of the three-dimensional
brand presentation, the artificial lighting concept has three core tasks.
Basic lighting:
The basic lighting provides the general indoor lighting in the customer zone. The customer zone
contains the general circulating areas, reception and service counter, customer / service advisor work
stations and the waiting area and bistro. The basic lighting ensures consistent lighting without excessive
light/dark contrasts. It links the various usable areas.
Product lighting:
New automobiles, used automobiles plus lifestyle products and accessories are individually illuminated
to suit the product concerned. The purposeful use of light fittings that direct the flow of light sets the
product presentation apart from the general customer area. The lighting level is much higher than that
in the general customer zone. Contrasts are used carefully to add highlights and to direct the visitors‘
attention.
Room lighting:
Rooms are defined via their limiting surfaces: the floor, ceiling and walls. In the Driving Gallery, the wall
surfaces are particularly important. As vertical panels, they define the room dimensions and shape the
exhibition space whilst at the same time connecting the showroom areas with each other because of
the layered layout.
The direct and diffuse daylight coming into the room allow the wall panels to be experienced as space-
forming elements. Outside of daytime and working hours, artificial light provides natural lighting and
emphasises the wall panels as defining architectural elements. The showroom can still be experienced
as a three-dimensional entity, and, like a stage, provides a defined space for the automobiles that are
exhibited here.
The floodlighting of the wall panels is a key factor in the night-time lighting, so that the retail operations
still look striking from a distance even outside working hours.
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Brand Lighting - Basic Principles
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Artificial lighti The following specification pages describe the remit and objectives of artificial light planning for
BMW dealerships and highlights possible solutions. The requirements are understood as providing
a framework for the planning and execution. The aim is to create a structure in which those involved
in planning can move so that they can provide the best possible response to the situation at hand.
Specified planning parameters such as grid widths, room heights, numbers of light fittings, etc. should
be seen as examples and must be adapted accordingly in the project to the local conditions. However,
defined standards are binding.
It is assumed that the „generally accepted codes of practice“ will apply. In addition, the local, regional
and national building regulations and laws and the relevant standards must be taken as a basis and
observed.
Reference light fittings for each theme define the standard for the relevant lighting tasks and in general
as far as the quality of the materials and finishes is concerned. The choice of the light fittings to be
used in the project will be made after samples have been provided on site. Different makes of light
fitting are possible in consultation with the project management, provided they are suitable in terms
of both technology and design. Express reference is made to the option of using energy-efficient light
fittings and bulbs.
The earliest possible coordination with users and with BMW departments is expected in order to ensure
maximum planning, deadline and costs reliability.
General matters: Lighting control, DALI, KNX, DMX, Zigbee as stand alone solution
controlls depend on daylight, attendance sensor where reasonable
LED lifetime: L80 = 50.000h or at least
L80 = 35.000h, nach ZVI
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Basic lighting - General areas
Sectional view
3,0 - 4,5m
Room situation The general customer zone area contains all the areas of the showroom that are not used expressly for
product presentation. The clear room structure is emphasised by the white ceiling and wall surfaces
and the light grey tiling.
Lighting atmosphere Consistent lighting in neutral or warm light colours creates a pleasant. The balanced lighting density
avoids excessive light/dark contrasts and improves vision comfort. Unnecessary glare sources are
avoided.
Lighting concept The basic lighting brings the general showroom areas together. Lighting is provided by round recessed
ceiling downlights in an evenly spaced grid matched to the building structure and room heights.
Surface-mounted and pendant light fittings and linear fittings are not proposed. The light fitting grid
must be variably adjusted in line with the building structure.
Performance values Mean lighting strength (maintenance value, reference height 0.75m): 300 lx
Lighting colour: 930, colour reproduction index: Ra > 90
Glare limitation: UGR value < 22, near workstations with screens < 19
Lighting technology/ fittings Round recessed ceiling downlights with rotation-symmetrical light distribution; ultra-pure aluminium
reflector, anodised high-gloss or semi-matt. Luminaire lighting efficiency >= 70% with LED
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BMW
Sectional view
3,0 - 4,5m
1,125 m
2,25 m
1,125 m
Room situation The reception counter is located at a central position in the showroom facing the entrance. This is
often where personal contact is first made between customers and a BMW employee. The counter
forms an island in the general area. The furniture complies with CI with surfaces in white glass and
sucupira counter elements.
Lighting atmosphere The mood lighting is based on the lighting in the general areas. The lighting strength is higher, however,
in order to emphasise the counter‘s position in the room and to meet the workplace requirements.
Lighting concept The lighting is provided in accordance with the basic lighting by round recessed ceiling downlights.
The light fitting grid is based on the ground plan position of the counter so that a homogenous, cohesive
combination with the counter tops can be created. In order to guarantee more powerful lighting,
the light fitting grid can be halved or the number of light fittings increased.
Performance values Mean lighting strength (maintenance value, reference height 0.75m): 500 lx
Lighting colour: 930, colour reproduction index: Ra > 90
Glare limitation: UGR value < 19
Lighting technology/ fittings Round recessed ceiling downlights with rotation-symmetrical light distribution; ultra-pure aluminium
reflector, anodised high-gloss or semi-matt; luminaire lighting efficiency >= 70%
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BMW
Sectional view
3,0 - 4,5m
2,25m
Room situation The advisor workstations are positioned in the showroom along the central wall panel. The change
in floor covering from a light-grey to sand covered tile floor or wooden parquet floor creates a warm
atmosphere.
Lighting atmosphere As part of the general customer zone, the advisor workstation area will also have evenly distributed
basic lighting. The lighting will be more powerful than in the circulating areas in order to create spatial
zones and meet the requirements of the workplaces with screens. The wall panel at the back will be
brighter lit all over.
Lighting concept Recessed ceiling downlights guarantee consistent illumination of the advisor workstations. The light
fitting grid is defined by the building structure and the basic lighting of the general areas. The increased
lighting strength required for the workstations is achieved through an increased number of recessed
lights. If necessary, the light fitting grid can be halved if increasing the number of light fittings is not
enough. The glare limitation is based on the requirements of the workstations with screens. As an
option, table lamps may also be used in addition. The additional lighting of the wall panel is provided by
rooflights. If there is not enough daylight, wallwashers will take on this task.
Performance values Mean lighting strength (maintenance value, reference height 0.75m): 500 lx
Lighting colour, downlights: 930, wallwashers: 840, colour reproduction index: Ra > 90
Glare limitation: UGR value < 19
Lighting technology/ fittings Round recessed ceiling downlights with rotation-symmetrical light distribution; ultra-pure aluminium
reflector, anodised high-gloss or semi-matt.
Wallwasher (suitable for mounting on strips) for linear fluorescent lamps, ultra-pure aluminium reflector,
high-gloss anodised. Table lamps in rectilinear, streamlined design
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Basic lighting - Lounge and Bistro
Sectional view
3,0 - 4,50m
Room situation The Lounge and Bistro, like the Counter and advisor workstations, form an island in the general
customer zone. They provide space for discussions with customers in a relaxed atmosphere, or an area
where waiting customers can relax.
Lighting atmosphere The mood lighting is based on the lighting of the general customer zone. The lighting can be differentia-
ted, depending on the spatial independence of the lounge and bistro areas. The level of lighting is
slightly less bright than it is in the adjoining areas.
Lighting concept Recessed ceiling lighting with halogen or metal halide lamps in a low wattage ensure a pleasant level of
brightness. Warm lighting colours emphasise the colours of the parquet floor and furniture. Additional
standard lamps with a horizontal lighting effect define the space and create a pleasant lighting atmos-
phere.
Performance values Mean lighting strength (maintenance value, reference height 0.75m): approx. 200-300 lx
Lighting colour, colour reproduction index: 930, Ra > 90
Lighting technology/ fittings Recessed downlights/spots, ultra-pure aluminium reflector, individually high-gloss anodised.
Standard lamps with diffused light distribution, no pure uplights.
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Basic lighting - Office workstations
Sectional view
2,70m
Room situation Individual or open-plan offices adjoin the display area. The room design is restrained with high visual
and functional standards. Furnishings are in accordance with BMW CI requirements.
Lighting atmosphere In addition to the direct use of daylight, artificial lighting plays a major part in ensuring optimum working
conditions. An indirect/direct distribution of light ensures a balance between even brightening of the
room and good contrasts.
Lighting concept The office lighting will be achieved primarily using suspended light fittings with an indirect/direct
distribution of light. The direction of the light fittings can be at right angles or parallel to the facade; the
positioning is based on the building grid/ interior fittings grid. Alternatively, standard lamps are possible.
The light fittings should be carefully positioned and the full depth of the rooms should be sufficiently lit. It
should be possible to switch the lights on and off as a function of the level of daylight and presence in the
room, in accordance with the energy concept.
Performance values Mean lighting strength (maintenance value, reference height 0.75m): 500 lx
Lighting colour, colour reproduction index: 940, Ra > 90
Glare limitation: UGR value for workstations with screens < 19
Lighting technology/ fittings Pendant light fitting, indirect/direct distribution, or standard lamp
Glare limitation with BAP grid or microprism structure
Lamps/operating devices Suspension lamp LED 30-45W, direct 80% / indirect 20%
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Product lighting - New Automobiles
Sectional view
3,65m
4,50m
Reflected ceiling plan
Floor tanks
Room situation The new car display brings the road situation inside the building; the vehicles are perceived from the
natural viewing angle, with visual relationships being concentrated on the brand-typical lines of the
vehicles. The floor covering, ceiling design and lighting define the road as an independent area. Within
the road, the vehicle distances and lighting are precisely coordinated with each other.
Lighting atmosphere The level of lighting is clearly different from the general customer zone areas. The lighting is much
stronger, the lighting colour is cooler and the light is highly focussed.
Lighting concept Every vehicle is individually lit with six spotlights. The light fittings are positioned parallel with the road
display. The light fittings will be either swivelling recessed spots or power rail spots in ceiling recesses.
Performance values Mean lighting strength (maintenance value, reference height 0.75m): 800 lx
Lighting colour, colour reproduction index: 950, Ra > 92
Lighting technology/ fittings Recessed / power rail spots, cast aluminium housing, fitting head swivelling around x and y axis. Light
distribution rotationally symmetrical, half-power angle depending on ceiling height 10/15/35°; multi-
mirror technique reflectors, anodised aluminium, optional anti-glare caps, applicator attachments and
grid for lower light point heights. Two-flame light fitting with separate switching facility for both bulbs.
Minimised offset with power rail spots because of installation flush with ceiling in lighting recesses
(width 20cm, height 20cm).
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Product lighting - Used Automobiles
Sectional view
Room situation Used automobiles are presented in simply designed halls. Depending on size, the vehicles are positioned
in one or two rows with a driving passage in the middle. The intermittent use of advice zones,
special presentation areas and communication elements upgrades the room design and helps prevent
the impression of a monotonous multi-storey car-park.
Lighting atmosphere For used automobiles, the lighting is even and without contrasts, focussing not on individual vehicles
but on vehicle groups, following the building and display grid. „Islands of light“ with much more powerful
lighting emphasise special areas.
Lighting concept Lighting strips with an symmetrical light distribution guarantee an even vehicle presentation. The light
fitting grids are matched to the vehicle rows to avoid reflections in the paint surfaces. Depending on
the quality of the ceiling and room heights, additional indirect lighting will be used to achieve a more
even level of lighting. Spots will be used to focus on special areas and communication zones.
Performance values Mean lighting strength (maintenance value, reference height 0.75m): 400-500lx,
lighting colour, colour reproduction index: 840
Lighting technology/ fittings Pendant light fitting as extruded aluminium profile, modules can be combined 1-3 lengths, symmetrical
ultra-pure aluminium reflector, high-gloss anodised, additional indirect lighting, symmetrically
wide-spread light. Spots as for Shop or vehicle display.
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Product lighting - Lifestyle Shop
Sectional view
3,0 - 4,0m
Room situation The Lifestyle Shop sells accessories and BMW clothing. The room situation is like a boutique with
goods presented using a modular furniture system and counter elements.
Lighting atmosphere Directed light accentuates the displays; more powerful lighting for the goods displays alternates with
lighting of a lower intensity in circulating areas.
Lighting concept The product lighting is provided by spots held in power rails in ceiling recesses. This ensures a tidy
ceiling appearance and maximum-flexibility lighting. Display cases contain lighting integrated into the
furniture. Wall areas can be illuminated using wallwashers.
Performance values Mean lighting strength (maintenance value, reference height 0.75m): 500lx to 1000 lx
Lighting colour, colour reproduction index: 830, Ra > 80 for basic lighting; 930, Ra > 90 for clothing; 940 for
vehicle models, bicycles, etc.
Lighting technology/ fittings Power rail spots in geometrically compact design, rotating and swivelling, for clothing displays.
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Product lighting - Dispatch
Sectional view
3,0 - 4,0m
Reflected ceiling plan
Room situation The vehicle handover to the customer has a special part to play in the sale process. The vehicles to be
handed over are displayed in a separate area of the showroom and a full explanation is provided to the
customer. The room design in the despatch area is restrained, in line with the adjoining display area.
Lighting atmosphere The lighting is completely diffuse, without any harsh light/dark contrasts or irritating dazzle from direct
lighting.
Lighting concept Only direct pendant light fittings will be used, ensuring even lighting throughout the room. Asymmetrical
uplighters can be used to illuminate the walls additionally; these must be screened off in the
direction of the displayed vehicles. If downlights are used in some areas (waiting area, lounge), these
must also be screened off.
Performance values Mean lighting strength (maintenance value, reference height 0.75m): 500lx
Lighting colour, colour reproduction index: 840, Ra > 80
Lighting technology/ fittings direct, broad-beam pendant light fittings as extruded aluminium profiles, light fittings white to match the
colour of the walls/ceilings.
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Architectural lighting - Wall floodlighting inside
Sectional view
Room situation Orthogonal layered panels which create spaces determine the architecture of the showroom and
define the functional areas.
Lighting atmosphere Direct and diffuse daylight lighting emphasises the wall panels, thus supporting the layout of the show-
room. Beyond the daytime and working hours, artificial light takes up the task of natural lighting and
emphasises the wall panels as defining architectural elements. The showroom can still be experienced as a
three-dimensional entity, and, like a stage, provides a defined space for the automobiles that are exhibited
Lighting concept Linear wallwashers near the rooflights produce an even progression of brightness on the surface of the
wall. Because they are installed in the vertical recess area of the rooflights, the light fittings cannot be
seen in the reflected ceiling plan. The housing design and reflector are designed for vertical installation.
Wall panels that are not near the rooflights are illuminated with round recessed ceiling wall floodlighting
downlights or lens wallwashers. Attention must be paid to the optimum integration of the light fittings
into the reflected ceiling plan. Surface-mounted light fittings will not be used.
Lighting technology/ fittings Linear wallwashers as recessed or semi-recessed fittings, asymmetric ultra-pure aluminium reflectors,
high-gloss anodised. Wallwasher downlights as recessed fittings with asymmetric ultra-pure aluminium
reflectors, high-gloss anodised, as lens wallwasher if necessary for visual purposes. Fitting closures in
colour of ceiling.
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Architectural lighting - Wall floodlighting outside
Sectional view
3,65m
0,55m
Room situation As part of the brand-typical architecture, a wall panel is integrated in the exhibition facade in addition to
the rear panels. This facade panel structures the showroom and acts as a background for the facade
strip and a vehicle display outside.
Lighting atmosphere The wall panel stands out from the long glass facade of the showroom through its use of material and
colour. The architecture of the Driving Gallery becomes a living experienced, emphasised by the different
reflections created by the daylight and the change between transparent and closed surfaces.
Lighting concept Just as the wall panels inside are emphasised by the artificial lighting, the facade panel is also evenly
lit. However, the floodlighting comes from the ground below. The direct light from the area of the roof
projections emphasises the vehicles. The remaining outside area in front of the showroom is lit with
very restrained lighting in order to allow optimum vehicle display.
Performance values Lighting colour: 840, colour reproduction index: Ra > 80, matched to the lighting colour of
the vehicle displays inside.
Lighting technology/ fittings The floodlighting of the wall panel is provided using wallwashers set out in a linear design, installed
flush with the ground. The wall distance is max. 50 cm, depending on the wall height and light distribution
from the light fitting used, so that the vehicles displayed do not throw shadows on the wall.
Rotating, swivelling recessed ceiling spots are used for illuminating the vehicles in the outside area.
They are installed flush in the projecting ceiling panel.
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Architectural lighting - Flags outside
Elevation
Floor plan
Room situation In addition to the brand-typical architecture, BMW sales buildings are provided with flags. As part of the
OCS – Outdoor Communication System – they are important in enhancing the effect from a distance.
Lighting concept One recessed ground spot is provided per flag. The uplights are positioned near the flagpoles, in the
opposite direction to the main wind direction.
Lighting technology/ fittings Recessed ground uplight with symmetrical light distribution, narrow beam, ultra-pure aluminium
reflector, high-gloss anodised; light fitting housings in cast aluminium, fitting closure in stainless steel,
temperature-resistant cover panel in glass, surface temperature of light fitting limited; pressure load
between 1000 and 5000kg depending on type of installation; fitting installation housing for installation in
earth, paving, paving stones, or asphalt surface.
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Lighting management
Basic principle The customer-relevant areas of the BMW sales building are provided with scene-based light controls.
The aim of the controls is to operate the lighting simply and economically, and to ensure the right
switching for the room and product lighting.
Technical standard The controls are based on the DALI protocol, through which individual switching and regulating circuits
can be defined through the installation management. To provide lighting control depending on
outside brightness, sensors are integrated into the system which transmit impulses to control the light
fitting groups.
The system will be commissioned and programmed via a touch panel or, using software, via a laptop/PC.
A centrally located touch panel is provided for operation, with additional switches for separate room areas
(e.g. service advice, fast service, etc.)
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BMW
Dealership lighting
Appendix
in cooperation with:
Oswin Nikolaus
LICHTGESTALTUNG
Sedan Str. 14
81667 München
www.licht-gestalter.de
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