Case Study: Enhancing Space Utilisation and Accessibility with PIR+ Smart Sensors

Background

Both the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the DASA Museum in Dortmund, Germany, sought to address unique challenges using advanced sensor technology. UvA needed to optimise campus space utilisation and energy management, while DASA Museum aimed to improve accessibility for visually impaired visitors. Each institution turned to smart motion sensors to gain deeper insights into how their spaces were used and to drive data-driven improvements in space design.

Solution

At both UvA and the DASA Museum, PIR+ smart motion sensors were installed to track visitor and occupant movements, providing detailed, anonymous data about space usage. These heat-based sensors offered a seamless integration into the existing infrastructure, requiring no additional wiring or disruptive installation processes. At UvA, the sensors were placed at key entry points to monitor room occupancy and duration of use. At the DASA Museum, the sensors were integrated into the lighting system, tracking how visitors—including those with visual impairments—navigated the exhibition areas.

Results

Optimised Space Utilisation (UvA): The University of Amsterdam significantly improved room scheduling, reducing the number of underutilised spaces and cutting energy waste by aligning usage with real-time occupancy data.

Improved Accessibility (DASA Museum): At the DASA Museum, insights gained from the PIR+ sensors helped redesign walking routes and exhibit layouts, making them more accessible and engaging for visually impaired visitors.

Non-Intrusive Installation: Both installations avoided any disruption to daily operations due to the easy integration of the sensors. This was especially important in public and educational spaces.

Data-Driven Design: The continuous flow of data allowed both institutions to make iterative improvements to their space designs. At UvA, this meant better space utilisation, while at DASA, it translated into more inclusive environments for all visitors.

Privacy Compliance: The heat-based detection method ensured that all data collected was anonymous, safeguarding privacy while still delivering valuable insights.

Technology

PIR+ takes the form of a traditional ceiling mounted PIR sensor but packs advanced technology to unlock valuable data from spaces. In lighting networks, PIR+ acts as a True Presence Sensor, with traditional Presence, Absence and Lux data which is useful for controlling lighting in Casambi networks. As a True Presence Sensor, PIR+ does not rely on motion, allowing wasteful linger times to be all but eliminated. Beyond lighting control, PIR+ is able to count the number of people in a space, delivering that data via the Casambi network and API as well as offering enhanced data including granular heatmapping of occupancy, entry/exit counts and even visitor traffic routes through the powerful HTDA Occupancy+ Dashboard.

Conclusion

In both projects, PIR+ smart motion sensors proved to be a vital tool for improving space utilisation and accessibility. Their ability to provide real-time, privacy-compliant data led to measurable improvements in both educational and public environments. These case studies illustrate the wide-reaching benefits of smart sensor technology in enhancing operational efficiency and visitor experiences. The Casambi enabled PIR+ can be supplied by Holders Technology, offering tailored solutions for both public and private spaces.