Design & Desire the brand and image of a business is a key element of the specification process. As a result of these demands, manufacturers have begun to create air conditioning systems that enhance, rather than detract from, modern interiors. These new units are not only highly efficient and user-friendly, delivering comfortable living and working environments, but also make a design statement.
Air conditioning units have to provide efficient, easy to use and deliver comfortable living environments
Identifying trends Manufacturers are also considering the individual demands of different countries and regions in the design of certain products. In the past, some systems manufactured outside of Europe have not been completely suited to European markets. While they are compliant, indoor units can be difficult to incorporate in standard designs and may not be to different tastes. For example, black is seen as the colour of luxury in the Middle East but in Europe it is more common to see white interiors, with understated fixtures and fittings. Daikin Europe was one of the first manufacturers to design, develop and manufacture products in Europe, for the European market, establishing the EMEA Development Centre (EDC) at its headquarters in Ostend, Belgium in 2011. The EDC plays an essential role in developing innovative, energy-efficient climate control, for every possible climatic
condition in Europe. The EDC works with specialist product designers, such as the German agency yellow design, to ensure its innovative technology comes in the most attractive packages. The first collaboration with yellow design resulted in the Fully Flat Cassette, the first ceiling cassette designed to fit completely within a standard European ceiling tile. More recently the team has developed the second generation of Daikin Emura, which is being introduced to the UK this year. The first Daikin Emura was launched in 2010 and it too was designed to meet European design requirements. The latest version has greater functionality and meets the latest European architectural aesthetics, technical standards and user demands. The striking, yet elegant, unit is aerodynamically designed to create an incredibly sleek profile and incorporates a number of features that reduce power consumption dramatically, compared with typical air conditioners.
A well-designed exterior is not enough, however. Air conditioning units also have to provide efficient, easy to use and deliver comfortable living or working environments, regardless of how hot or cold it is outside. Daikin air conditioning units contain an innovative Intelligent Eye. The discreet sensor is able to detect movement in the room and adjust comfort levels in terms of temperature control and airflow direction, avoiding uneven climates, uncomfortable drafts and energy saving. The system directs warm air towards the floor to ensure even temperature distribution throughout the room and from floor to ceiling by working in three dimensions.
Quality of comfort Air quality is another factor, particularly for business environments, as it has been linked to productivity and concentration levels. The latest indoor units are fitted with self-cleaning filters that trap microscopic airborne dust particles; absorb organic
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The Emura unit can be programmed on a weekly basis, with different settings defined for each day of the week
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