Lighting
is that direct downward lighting can create shadows across people’s
works for the people in the building. However, it is the human issues that should underlie decisions about lighting design. The most important thing is to create something more humane than the harsh, cold over- illuminated feel you get in a lot of spaces.
As well as the more obvious examples of having a properly lit space to deal with different tasks, intelligent lighting can have some unexpected benefits. Lighting can be used to deal with specific workplace issues, including some you wouldn’t automatically associate with light, such as acoustics. For example, in open plan areas, and especially in call centres, one of the reasons why there can be a lot of background noise is that people are talking too loudly. One of the reasons for this
Light fantastic: Seven golden rules
1. Be brief. The most important thing is to make sure that lighting is considered at the outset so it can work hand in hand with other factors in the design and management of the space. These include such key factors as the environment, the role of natural light, building controls, maintenance and asset management. And don’t forget it’s not just humans who need good lighting, but plants as well.
2. Address the critical factors. A good lighting scheme should focus holistically on levels of illuminance, glare, surface reflection and brightness, colour and visual interest.
3. It’s not just for computer work. Lighting design and light levels should vary throughout the space
mouths. This can distort the visual clues you get about what someone is saying and cause
everybody to speak a little more loudly to compensate.
In addition, the interplay between light and space has a new and developing role to play as workplaces become more flexible. People are much more prepared now to look at more sophisticated lighting schemes. One of the important factors in how people have become more knowledgeable and adventurous is the ways in which we work has changed. The office has become more of a social space, more domestic and that has to be reflected in lighting design. It’s also more subject to change, so it can be important to build flexibility into the lighting design. Freestanding lights, for example, can be useful and provide a solution that is
to reflect tasks. Light levels and light sources need not be the same for computer work, meeting rooms and cafes. Years ago it was felt that light levels of up to 1000 lux were necessary for an effective working environment. We’re smarter than that now and lighting design needs to take account of factors such as the use of natural light.
4. Getting the green light. The 2006 Building regs have helped to focus attention on this but it’s always been important. Critical factors include obvious things like the choice of luminaire but FM has a big role to play in terms of maintenance, cleaning and asset management. And, of course, people need to remember to turn them off.
5. Transforming space. Lighting design can be the simplest, cheapest
architectural but still mobile.
This need for both a range of lighting effects and for flexibility is just as important in contemporary workplaces. Lighting can define the space in so many ways, creating various light levels and effects for different types of space. It’s what we at Claremont like to call sculpting the space. Light can be used to highlight artworks, to help with wayfinding and signage and so on. So it’s really worthwhile taking the time to look at the lighting of a space for lots of reasons.
What is important is that the basic rule for commercial interiors is essentially the same as it is for homes. If you’re working to a tight budget, you can have the biggest impact on the space by looking at the lighting first. It’s not always a question of spending more to get better results, although that helps. You can use humble light fittings if it’s the right thing to do for a specific space. The field is so sophisticated and the arguments so well developed that you can easily move beyond prescriptive and formulaic solutions. Just as with the issue of sustainability in the way you use lighting, you should only use design where it’s needed.
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and quickest way to transform the feel of a space and to address issues of well-being.
6. Be inclusive. The issue of inclusive design has now developed well beyond its original focus on disability and now embraces issues such as gender differences, age and culture. A well designed lighting scheme will take account of this and contribute to people’s experience of a space, including their ability to work effectively, find their way about and enjoy their surroundings.
7. The role of FM. Cleaning and maintenance play an important role in maintaining light levels over the life of a light fitting. A good scheme will also minimise the variety of light fittings to aid asset management and maintenance schedules.
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