In any environment it is essential that people can see ‘well’ and do their particular tasks. These will vary depending on the particular application and will often include more than one. They could range from moving safely round a building to carrying out a demanding visual task, such as examinations in schools or reading important documents in offices. Face to face communication between people is important, for example in schools, shops and offices, while good colour appreciation and recognition are important especially in architectural practices and design studios.
Numerous tasks are carried out in schools and offices including reading, drawing, various other paperwork and IT work. Minimum illuminance values are recommended and guidelines must be followed.
School Lighting is important, needing to be comfortable in order to promote productivity as well as being adaptable.
It is important for the lighting in any educational or office environment to be comfortable, to promote productivity and to be adaptable. This can be achieved by utilising technologies that offer glare control, good distribution of light, and flexibility in its control. These factors will contribute to performance and aid student and staff concentration.
Lighting educational environments from nurseries to universities requires care and experience to ensure correct standards are set to aid concentration, comfort and performance.
Artificial lighting currently accounts for the highest proportion of all energy costs in schools, at around 28% – how can this be reduced? The use of automatic lighting controls can save as much as 40%.
Getting the details right is important when aiming to focus student or staff attention with light levels throughout the rooms not differing greatly from the light level at the work-space as large variations will cause distraction and fatigue.
The brightest surfaces in schools should be the most important surfaces; lighting the focal walls helps teachers catch and hold students’ attention as well as improving the visibility of information
Lighting controls also give flexibility to set the lighting level to match the tasks being performed.
As well as being an area for study resources, libraries can also be used for small exhibitions and private study. Good vertical luminance is required for the book shelves and display areas, but glare should be avoided in areas where there is likely to be display screen equipment.
Total Lighting & Controls understand the importance of school lighting and have undertaken numerous projects for Gloucestershire County Council to include schools, offices and sports halls.
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