Arabian Sounds and Lights Company (ASL) of Saudi Arabia, a supplier to the Al Faisaliah Center, puts the spotlight on an innovative German lighting system which excels in contemporary architectural applications

Miros lights have a brilliant sense of direction, literally, as the modern system uses purpose-designed projectors and reflectors to create an ambiance unmatched by other lighting options, says Arabian Sounds and Lights Company (ASL) of Saudi Arabia.

The Miros system is manufactured by Zumtobel Staff of Germany and marketed by ASL throughout Saudi Arabia.

The concept behind Miros was to create a system that would match the technical excellence that dominates contemporary architecture.

ASL general manager Samer Jarjoura elaborates: ''Glass, metal and concrete are the predominant building materials of today, and are used to create imposing architectural styles which demand an innovative approach to lighting. And this is where Miros comes into its own, with its unique projector/reflector system. It is a point of intrigue the moment people walk into a room, as it it is not immediately clear where the light is emanating from. Projectors on the wall shine into the room but the light source is not actually visible, while the reflectors on the ceiling are dark when viewed from most angles.''

The principle behind the system, designed by Zumtobel architect Charles Keller, is simplicity itself: using a mirror to direct light.

Jarjoura explains: ''The light source is provided by a projector which throws a beam of light from a distance onto a mirror. The light from the projector is tightly bundled to keep losses, through scattering, to a minimum, and the reflector directs the light to precisely where it is needed.''

Light distribution can be varied by using different types to reflectors to reflect or expand the beam exactly as required for each individual task. Individual facets and/or mutifunctional spherical caps direct the incoming beams and break down the mirror image of the light source into several separate images. The reflected rays from the individual mirrors are superimposed on each other, creating a shimmering brilliance throughout the room.

''The system allows projectors and reflectors to be used in almost any arrangement, and their separate functions allow them to be used even in high-ceiling rooms,'' says Jarjoura. ''Entrance halls, interior courtyards, showrooms, large indoor areas such as railway stations or airports are just some of the places where Miros can be used to superb effect.''

The projectors can be installed in easily-accessible areas of the room to facilitate lamp changes and routine maintenance, while the reflectors are said to be virtually maintenance-free and can be mounted anywhere.

''The Miros system,'' says Jarjoura, ''harmoniously integrates with glass, concrete and aluminum to show off a building's architectural splendour, as well as its own brilliance.''