Lighting in Design Q2 2023

• How to effectively use natural and artificial light to illuminate a room. • Contrast in luminance and colour between the detail and its background. • The colour and reflectance of surfaces within a room. • Suitability of the light distribution for that application (direct, diffused, semi-direct, indirect lighting). • Uniformity of illuminating the task and surrounding areas. • Flicker and stroboscopic effect. • Ease of maintenance. • Visual comfort. 3: Add corrective lighting as a complement so that the balance between light and shadow is maintained. Corrective lighting acts as a mediator between the different kinds of lighting and colour temperature in the office – the natural light outside, the main lighting source used at the workplace and computer/mobile screens being used there. Such lighting makes adjustments so that the employees don’t have to strain their vision and can work in better conditions. Smidt-Hart says: Contrast in luminance and colour between the detail and its background is important to consider to avoid fatigue. The eyes become strained due to constantly adjusting to the varying conditions. An extreme example of this is if one were reading between a computer screen in front of a sun filled window and fined texted documents on a glossy reflective desk. 4: It is widely agreed that natural daylight is the best kind of lighting one can use for the most productive work environment. However, these days it is increasingly difficult for companies to find office spaces that are exposed to considerable daylight, so it follows that daylight-like lighting must be mimicked by closest available artificial lighting. Thus, the colour temperature of the lighting used in such offices, especially bigger and wider office spaces, should be between 5000K and 7000K, according to lighting experts. Smidt-Hart says: The above statement is inaccurate. Implementing natural daylight into interior lighting is beneficial as it promotes synchronisation of circadian rhythm and wellbeing within employees. Artificial lighting design is

employee’s desk – that can only be feasible if the lights are smaller. Smidt-Hart says: The simplest and ‘cost effective’ means of lighting an office building or office floor, especially for open plan space, is through the use of a monotonous ceiling grid lighting layout, using a single type luminaire. This type of lighting may not always be cost effective, depending on the luminaire selected to addressing the tasks and activities in the workplace. Before selecting this type of lighting, one should consider what would be beneficial to the employer and the employees throughout the lifecycle of the lighting installation. Is it sustainable for the employer (cost effective to implement, operate and maintain, dispose of and replace)? Is the environment and task area being illuminated adequately to allow tasks to be performed safely, efficiently and in comfort? Although glare affects visibility and performance, there are many other factors to consider, some of which are: • The employees undertaking the tasks.

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LiD Q2 - 2023