Healthcare lighting innovation: Overhead fixture uses UV to kill airborne pathogens

Designed specifically for hospitals, nursing homes, child care centers, and other healthcare facilities where infection control is a concern, the Arcalux Health Risk Management System (HRMS) is an energy-efficient lighting fixture that doubles as a germ-killing machine.

The fixture incorporates air circulation modules, a filter, and an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation module that together pull in surrounding indoor air and eliminate up to 99% of pathogens in a single pass. The system uses differential pressure and directional airflow to isolate and kill contaminants in the fixture. It's installed in the existing electrical infrastructure with no structural, HVAC, or duct modifications.

The patented device could save lives and healthcare institutions dollars by destroying disease-causing pathogens from air and reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAI). The Centers for Disease Control estimates that $45 billion is added to the annual healthcare costs to treat HAIs. They are the fourth major cause of death with an estimated 1.7 million patients contracting an HAI, resulting in 99,000 deaths each year.

American Green Technology, Inc. (AGT) announced at Lightfair last week that it has signed a licensing agreement with Arcalux Corporation to manufacture, market, and sell Arcalux HRMS and other products from the company, through AGT's agents.

"We're excited about introducing this new product," said Danny Bogar, chief executive office of AGT. "Virtually every day you read a story about how people are dying from airborne pathogens in hospitals - a place where you normally go to regain good health. The Arcalux product addresses these health concerns."

Peter W. Rutti, AIA, Associate Principal and Project Director of Westlake Reed Leskosky, has been appointed Director of Design of the Phoenix, Arizona studio of the nationally recognized architects, engineers, and technology designers. The announcement recognizes the design excellence, leadership, and continued growth of the national and international practice of the integrated design firm in the western region.

| Feb 14, 2013

Peter Bardwell named 2013 president of the American College of Healthcare Architects

The Board of Regents of the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA) has named Peter L. Bardwell, FAIA, FACHA of Columbus, Ohio as 2013 national President.

| Feb 13, 2013

Department store concept by OMA's Koolhaas, Alsaka draws inspiration from open-air Arab marketplaces

The Exhibition Hall, a retail concept planned in Kuwait City's 360° Mall, will meld cultural and commerce spaces in a series of galleries reminiscent of the long passages of the souq—traditional, open-air marketplaces found in Arab cities.