Professor of Lighting Design, Director MFA Lighting Design Program
Parsons School of Design, The New School
"Germicidal ultraviolet radiation (GUV) has been shown to be effective at controlling bacteria and viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, in laboratory tests and analytical simulations. More recently, researchers have begun room scale experiments and verification of computer simulations to advance the design and adoption of GUV into standard building practice in efforts to curb airborne transmission of disease in enclosed spaces. Concurrently, manufacturers of architectural lighting systems have developed GUV devices that allow GUV installations to be integrated into architectural luminaires.
This presentation explores the effectiveness of the application of germicidal ultraviolet radiation in a real space, particularly in treating aerosolized bacteria and viruses. It reports on an installation of four commercially available architecturally-integrated GUV systems installed in a classroom on a university campus.
The goal of the project is to assess the best means of integrating GUV technology with architectural lighting for the most effective yet efficient, safe, non-intrusive and attractive way possible, for both current and long term benefit of creating healthy spaces."