last word
The last WORD
Blinded by the light regs
Do we really feel confident with the new building and lighting regulations? By Andrew Orange
Andrew Orange has seen the world in lights from New Zealand through to Sweden where he has taken an enthusiasm for illuminating interiors. His work most notably with Kevin McCloud has defined a career which has highlighted the need for a new attitude towards lighting both in terms of its use by interior designers and in the design of the fixtures themselves. Andrew lives on the Hertfordshire / Essex borders with his wife and four young children.n.
We all know that interior designers are busy people - especially in this stressful economic climate. Lighting is an essential element of any interior space but is often overlooked. I keep my designer clients up to speed with new developments and fixtures on offer. It helps them stay up to speed with the lighting ingredient in their work and keeps their all-important clients happy too.
I
had a hunch that recent new building regulations had been over-looked by the design
community. It was signalled by the many conversations that I had encountered over the weeks and as the months passed by it became increasingly apparent to me that building regulations were definitely taking a backseat. In response to my own concern I sent out a survey to my community of 5000 designers and my suspicions were confirmed. The survey revealed a worrying
lack of knowledge about recent new lighting regulations that have been in force for months. The measures introduced by the government over a year ago are critical to new builds and refurbishments and can lead to expensive adjustments and even fines if not observed. In my questionnaire, interior
designers and architects were probed as to their awareness of the new Lighting Standard Part L 1A; a measure that amongst others, dramatically increases the stipulated use of low energy
34 Interior Design Today
lighting. Over half (53 per cent) claimed to have no knowledge at all of the requirements. The findings are concerning for all those in the building sector and for commissioning clients as well. The research results indicate a
higher level of awareness of recent changes of building regulations and new specifications regarding low energy ratings. Further analysis revealed that design professionals have a shaky grasp of the facts and that the vast majority (72 per cent) do not have the necessary know how to choose fittings that comply with regulations including the new ‘Target Emissions Rate’. These results are very sobering
and I feel that the finger of blame should be directed at the authorities. If sweeping new regulations are to be imposed, a commensurate level of publicity is necessary. It is plain through these results and further research I conducted, including face-to-face conversations with my clients, that many of these new measures have not been flagged effectively. For instance, the range of lights available has been transformed by these new measures, which in turn has a large impact on the aesthetics of a scheme. Without thorough awareness of the available lighting options, designers will be hampered in their briefs, specifications and final outcomes. As a professional, I offer all
designers a free briefing on the new regulations in order to avoid pitfalls with future projects.
Andrew strongly believes that customers should demand more from their lit environ- ments whether they be functional work places or when enjoying a meal in an ambient restau- rant. Andrew has been involved with the light- ing for a multitude of prestigious buildings from high end hotel chains – Gleneagles, Devere Hotels, 4 Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Intercontinental, RF Hotels – Rocco Forte, Marriott, Landmark Hotels including the recent refit at Turnberry for the for PGA Open. Further afield Andrew has provided lighting schemes in the Middle East for government buildings in Saudi Arabia and notably for the King and Queen of Jordan’s residence – whilst work- ing with Kevin McCloud. Orange Lighting also provides interior and exterior lighting for pri- vate homes.
houseoforange.co.uk
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