Effective lighting in lecture theatres can create an optimal learning environment across a wide range of different uses. Well-designed lighting systems enhance visibility and influence the mood and concentration of both lecturers and students.

With smart lighting controls, different lighting scenes can be created and used to switch between different uses while meeting lighting standards and providing safe entry and egress for users.

Lighting scenes for diffferent users

Lecture theatres in universities are versatile spaces that host a variety of activities and where many different subjects are taught, with different lighting conditions required to provide students and lecturers with the best possible experience.

Smart lighting controls can be used to pre-program different scenes that can be switched between quickly, providing a seamless transfer from one use to another during a session.

Lecture mode

During lectures, the primary focus is on the presenter. Lighting should ensure that the lecturer is well-lit without causing glare or shadows. This can be achieved using focused downlights or track lighting directed towards the podium.

Presentation mode

When presentations or slideshows are used, the screen or projection area is the focus of attention. It is self-illuminated, so the lighting in the surrounding area should be reduced to allow the information on screen to stand out.  General lighting for the audience should be sufficient to allow students to make notes while also being focused on the subject.

Discussion mode

For interactive sessions or discussions such as at the end of a lecture, a more even cylindrical illuminance is useful. Lighting levels on vertical surfaces help with facial recognition and aid in communication, essential in maintaining an environment where students can take notes and engage with each other, and the lecturer can see and converse with students. 

Exaimination mode

Where lecture theatres are used during exams, lighting should be bright enough to allow for concentration while at a comfortable intensity to avoid eye strain or discomfort. Uniform lighting across the room ensures that all students have equal visibility.

Entry and exit times

During entrance and exit from the lecture theatre, lighting levels should be raised significantly to provide safe access to and from the seating area and allow students to collect their belongings before leaving.

Smart lighting controls allow for seamless transition between these different lighting scenes. These systems can be programmed to automatically adjust the lighting based on the scheduled activity.

For example, the lighting can be set to automatically switch to lecture mode when the lecturer enters the room and to presentation mode when a presentation starts. This enhances the space's efficiency and ensures that the lighting is always appropriate for the activity at hand.

Lecture theatre lighting standards

As part of the planning of the different lighting scenes for lecture theatres, designers should refer to the guidelines provided in CIBSE Lighting Guide 5: Lighting for Education (LG5). 

The standards emphasise achieving adequate light levels, prioritising daylight, and providing lighting controls that are easy to use. They also set specific lux levels, uniformity ratios, and glare ratings to ensure visual comfort and safety.

The lighting controls can be set to provide the recommended 500 lux illumination around the podium, which allows for a clear view without overwhelming any teaching aids used and adjust the lighting level for the audience between 200-300 lux as needs change during the lecture and subsequent discussions.

Find out more

High-quality, well-designed lighting for lecture theatres can enhance the experience for students and professors and provide a better learning environment. Speak to one of our educational lighting specialists to learn more.