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Ansell Lighting discusses the considerations and technologies that decision makers should include when designing lighting for educational projects...
Lighting plays a central role in both the design and functionality of educational buildings. More than just a practical how people think, feel, and learn within a space. The lighting needs within an educational setting can vary depending on the function of the space and the nature of the tasks being carried out. From focused individual study to collaborative group work, each environment demands a tailored approach to achieve the right balance of comfort, visibility and performance. At its core, the most obvious role
of lighting is to ensure that staff and students can see clearly, whether they are reading, writing, using screens or moving through corridors and around the building. As a result, every space has its own required lux level –
a unit that measures the amount of visible light per square metre – ensuring that visibility for users meets a recognised and appropriate standard. Classrooms generally require 300 lux
during the day and up to 500 lux for evening use. Laboratories need bright, low-glare lighting with a minimum of 500 lux throughout the space, along with IP65-rated, chemical-resistant splashes. Sports halls, which may host everything from basketball to school exams, should be lit to at least 300 lux, but where additional usage is expected, levels up to 750 lux may be more appropriate. Corridors and communal areas present
another set of challenges. These spaces require clear, even lighting at 100–150 lux that ensures safe movement between rooms whilst libraries and study areas require 500 lux in reading areas and
200 lux across bookshelf spaces. Outdoor lighting must not be
overlooked either. In educational settings, outdoor areas such as playgrounds, paths, car parks and drop-off zones must be well lit to between 50 and 100 lux depending on use and location to ensure safe access when natural lighting levels are low. Outdoor lighting also plays a vital role in security, helping to deter unauthorised access and improve visibility for CCTV systems. Consideration must be given to the placement, direction and any potential obstructions to ensure consistent coverage without causing glare or light pollution impacting surrounding properties and the wider environment. No matter what lighting levels are
required, one of the most important considerations in any educational lighting scheme is glare and visual
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