LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS Failing by numbers A
Over-reliance on simple metrics to drive lighting solution design removes subtlety, warmth and a very tangible element of quality. We need to recognise more that holistic influences result in an altogether better outcome, writes Neil Raithatha, head of marketing, Zumtobel Lighting (UK)
solely metrics-driven approach to design can fail to recognise that lighting schemes are also something of an art form. Dogged adherence can result in
solutions that are cold and lifeless, and can have measurable, negative effects on individuals’ mental wellbeing, productivity and overall quality of life. A more holistic approach to lighting goes beyond numerical metrics. There needs to be a balance of technical requirements and creative insight that enhances the user/lived experience in ways that can’t always be measured. Straightforward metrics like lumens, colour rendering and — ultimately — cost overlook the subtleties that distinguish merely good lighting from great.
Metrics that limit rather than guide
Metrics perform a vital function. They provide us with a universal language, and help to ensure consistency and reliability. The six key metrics used such as CIBSE lighting standards (colour temperature, CRI, lumens, wattage, lifespan and cost) serve as crucial guides but they should not be wholly prescriptive; they govern effectiveness, safety and energy-efficiency, but truly effective design must go further. It’s important that more specifiers become aware that a one-size-fits-all approach often leads to environments that, while they meet technical standards, fail to serve the complex needs of people in real-world applications. For example, selecting lighting solely based on energy efficiency and colour temperature while failing to consider light distribution or ambiance can lead to stark, overly bright environments that lack comfort. Such a narrow focus results in spaces that, while technically compliant, feel cold, clinical and even uncomfortable — qualities that don’t align with human-centred design.
Why lighting quality matters
Metrics-driven design often fails to address the intangibles that create an inviting space. Quality lighting goes beyond raw data to create atmospheres that are as functional as they are comfortable. Factors like even distribution, shadow minimisation and glare reduction all play a role in fostering well-being, supporting productivity and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a space.
Studies have shown that lighting affects human health, with poorly designed lighting leading to eyestrain, headaches and even disruption to sleep cycles. In contrast, thoughtfully designed lighting that mimics natural daylight has been
found to improve mood, concentration and overall health. For example, lighting that supports circadian rhythms can help maintain mental alertness and physical wellness, making it a critical consideration in workplaces, healthcare facilities and even in public spaces. Beyond well-being, lighting quality also enhances the functional value of a space. Properly designed lighting minimises shadows, improves visibility and provides flexibility for different tasks. Creating high-quality lighting requires attention to multiple dimensions — photometry for light distribution, IP and IK ratings for durability, and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for transparency on environmental impact. Without these elements, lighting is reduced to a mere utility, rather than a nuanced tool that enhances human experiences.
The pitfall of cost-driven decisions
As with many industries, cost often drives decision-making in lighting. A budget-focused approach can lead to standardised solutions that prioritise price over quality, sacrificing user experience. While energy-efficient LED technology has improved accessibility to high-quality lighting, specifying lighting solely by cost can lead to missed opportunities. For instance, a high-efficiency fixture that’s poorly suited to a space can create discomfort and reduce productivity.
This drives investments in quality as well as affordability, balancing budget with performance to ensure that lighting delivers value beyond compliance. Properly planned lighting may require an upfront investment but save money in the long term by reducing maintenance, improving energy efficiency and enhancing a space’s usability.
Moving towards more holistic, human-centred lighting design
Moving from a formulaic, metrics-only focus to a more holistic, human-centred framework means understanding lighting’s role in enhancing well-being, environmental sustainability and productivity, rather than merely meeting minimum standards. Key to this human-centred approach is flexibility. Lighting should be adaptable to different needs, whether it’s a hospital requiring specialised lighting for patient recovery, or a workspace that needs to support both collaborative and focused tasks. Lighting’s role in fostering inclusivity is another area often overlooked; by ensuring that lighting design considers a variety of visual needs, designers can create spaces that are
28 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2025
accessible to all, including people with sight impairments and those who may be sensitive to certain lighting conditions.
Sustainability and the role of quality lighting in reducing environmental impact
Today’s climate concerns call for lighting that aligns with sustainability goals, and this means considering the full lifecycle impact of lighting products. Quality lighting goes beyond lower energy consumption and factors in durability, environmental impact and recyclability. Specifying fixtures that last longer and are built with sustainable materials helps reduce waste and lowers overall energy consumption across a product’s/scheme’s lifecycle. Additionally, environmentally friendly lighting design considers aspects like light pollution, which not only affects the environment but also disrupts wildlife and natural rhythms. By optimising lighting for minimal disruption, designers can ensure that lighting installations contribute positively to both human environments and natural ecosystems. With innovations in energy-efficient LEDs and smarter, more adaptive controls, the lighting industry has an opportunity to make substantial strides towards more sustainable design.
The path forward: embracing the art of lighting design
As the lighting industry evolves, the emphasis must shift toward creating spaces that genuinely enhance human experiences. This means moving beyond a checklist of numbers and embracing lighting as both a science and an art. Designers and manufacturers alike need to think holistically, balancing functional needs with human comfort, aesthetics and environmental responsibility.
For lighting to evolve into a truly supportive, enriching part of our daily environments, it must be designed with a broader perspective. From fostering health and well-being to minimising ecological impact, lighting has a significant role to play in shaping our world. By taking a quality- focused, human-centred approach, the industry can go beyond compliance and create solutions that not only light spaces but also enhance the lives of those who inhabit them. In the end, the goal is to create lighting that serves people, not just spaces. When lighting is designed with people at its core, it has the power to transform environments, making them more welcoming, more functional and, ultimately, more human.
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