Education

Lighting solutions that aid concentration

When planning lighting for lecture theartes we have to consider the very different needs of those presenting and those learning and, most importantly, lighting that allows for a real connection between the two.

Needs that require two lighting solutions that work in tandem – a balance between doing what needs to be done and being able to take in what is being taught.

We can help achieve that balance with an illumination solution that takes into consideration factors such as the position of the lecturer, concentration levels and effective note taking.

Lighting design catering to multiple functions

While still fulfilling their traditional role as somewhere quiet in which to study, modern libraries are used for a wide variety of study-related activities.

A lighting design has to reflect these multiple functions in its flexibility, so it must deliver a well-lit, comfortable environment which aids concentration, whatever studying technique may be being used at any given time.

Any solution has to consider open areas where collaborative group work may occur, localised lighting for use in discreet individual study spaces, and the vertical lighting of bookcases to allow quick easy selection without disturbing other students or interfering with other areas nearby.

Delivering visual comfort using advanced technology 

Work in these spaces is highly focused, so visual comfort is critical, which we achieve through the use of premium optics with advanced glare control technology to minimise veiling reflectance on monitors, as well as minimising UGR (Unified Glare Rating) that allows people to focus on the results they are aiming for.

To get the balance right can involve an IP rating of between IP44 and IP65, and lighting units that are be robust and easy to clean, so as not to interfere with the integrity of the work being undertaken.

Lighting to enhance performance 

Inside and out, lighting in school sports halls plays an important role in students getting the maximum benefit out of physical exercise.

With a wide variety of activities, the ability to manage lighting levels becomes critical to enhance every performance. Light levels in sports halls are specified at 300 lux, but in our experience, the multiple uses of these spaces may mean higher lighting levels are required, although not at all times or across the entire hall.

Cricket nets are a good example of this, as they often need higher lighting levels but not usually across an entire hall. Additional luminaires over the required spaces that can be separately switched on and off deliver an effective and energy efficient solution.

Lighting solutions to create bright and comfortable spaces encouraging social interaction

Due to how these spaces are used, we can have the freedom and scope to design lighting solutions that create an environment with contrasts, visual stimulation and interest.

These spaces should be bright and comfortable to encourage social interaction, whether face-to-face or digital, and to enjoy some downtime. Good vertical illumination and modelling play an important role in achieving these objectives.

Uniformity is important in servery and kitchen areas for a safe working environment. We recommend that luminaires should have an IP rating in keeping with the activity being undertaken and have a wipe clean front face to support the cleaning and maintenance regime.
 

Balancing the energy use and wellbeing of people

The arteries of any educational building, the lighting of these spaces is critical for the smooth and safe movement of students, staff and visitors.

The best solutions are based around a careful blend of horizontal illuminance at floor level and excellent vertical illumination.

As these spaces are often unsupervised, we advise the use of linear or modular luminaires with a wide distribution, delivering more light at higher angles that minimise shadows and dark corners, to create a safe environment – one which improves facial recognition and modelling.

Lighting that is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing 

Often thought of by many as being ‘behind the scenes’, we believe that the lighting in ancillary staff and administration rooms should be both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

Essential for a clean, safe and functional environment, administration and ancillary areas in education establishments range from general storage of equipment and materials to more hazardous boiler and plant rooms.

Lighting must therefore allow for both the protection requirements and the functionality of each individual space. Inadequate lighting in areas such as plant rooms, maintenance and housekeeping, which commonly have little or no natural light, can conceal slippery floors, trip hazards or other potentially dangerous situations.

Making outside spaces safe for all

Whether its staff getting to their cars at the end of the day, students leaving for home on a dark afternoon or evening,  or local wildlife benefitting from the spaces around educational premises, our focus in creating outdoor lighting solutions for the education sector is to make the outside spaces safe for all, while minimising upward lighting and reducing unnecessary light pollution.

In pedestrian areas and car parks, high levels of uniformity are required and, to aid facial recognition, we recommend the use of post top fittings.