Lighting in Design Q2 2023

used to create different sensory environments relating to the intention and purpose of the area to be illuminated. 8: Consider using task lights. In some cases, overhead lighting may not be the best option, but task lighting can salvage the situation. Task lights are small in size, and the advantage is that these can be easily plugged in to outlets as convenient to the employee and their needs. Thus, these can provide concentrated light just where the employee needs some, and using such lights will also allow the employees control over where and how they would prefer lighting for their work. Smidt-Hart says: One should ensure that correct illumination levels are maintained over the task area, that employees are aware of the consequences of not using task lighting and the hazards of working in a workspace with below minimum prescribed illumination levels. The workplace should, where possible promote natural light, then substitute with task lighting. A benefit of task lighting by individual luminaires at the task area is that the general area ceiling lighting does not need to provide the necessary illumination for the task, thus less energy is consumed by the general lighting. Consider an open plan office where only certain employees make use of task lighting while others are supplemented by natural lighting. 9: Remember that some types of lights heat up and cause overheating and stuffiness in the office space. This is true for smaller offices and for low quality lighting. Such lighting will probably not have a long life and may also come with oth er repercussions because of the poor quality. It is advisable not to use such lighting and instead, pay a little more for better quality and longer, more sustainable use, as employees will spend many hours every week in the office and should be comfortable. Smidt-Hart says: All lighting generates heat. Cooling systems and building ventilation designs need to take lighting systems into account. It is important to procure quality lighting products that tend be efficient and generate less heat. Having effective and continuous maintenance programmes in place, cleaning light fittings regularly, do wonders in reducing heat and energy consumption while improving illumination levels. 10: In case a combination of natural and artificial lighting is being used in the office, it is important to make sure that the sunlight from

moving towards simulating the circadian rhythm to assist in promoting wellbeing within employees which further promotes productivity. 5: It has been observed that brighter and warm, but white-based lighting correlates to energy and wakefulness for employees, boosting performance and productivity, while dim lights make one drowsy and lethargic at times. The idea is to find a right balance between yellow and white lights and use lighting that falls somewhere in the middle. Dimmer lighting can always be used in recreational areas to create a more relaxed atmosphere. Smidt-Hart says: Confusion is created in the above statement whereby “dim” is being associated with low, warmer colour temperature. “Dim” lighting refers to low levels of illumination and not to the colour temperature of lighting. Warm lighting (2000-3000 K) is viewed as ‘yellow’ light which promotes relaxation, neutral white (4000 K) promotes alertness, while cooler to blueish white light (>5000 K) promotes peak coordination and concentration. It is beneficial to promote synchronisation of circadian rhythm and wellbeing within employees. 6: Even today, many offices use fluorescent lights overhead to save costs, but that is not a rec ommended choice. Fluorescent lighting might be a cheaper option for offices looking to cut cost, but using such lighting can come at a cost of employ ees’ health and well-being. Fluorescent lights are very bright and can seem rather harsh to employees with sensitive eyes and/or migraine tendencies. As such lighting hurts eyes when one is exposed to them for too long, it causes disturbance in sleep patterns and causes tiredness. Thus, such lights should be avoided. Smidt-Hart says: Lighting products of poor quality and poor performance should be avoided. Whether the lighting products are fluorescent or LED, employees may be exposed to unnecessary hazards if the lighting products do not operate and perform as required for the intended purpose. 7: If the office has a separate sitting area where guests are welcomed, it would be more aesthetical ly pleasing if the lighting in there is not too bright. Here, dimmer, more yellow-white-toned lights (around 2700 K) can be used to provide a calmer, more relaxed look and pleasant environment. More over, one can be creative with the lighting structure in such areas, including any lounges in the entire office, the cafeteria, recreation room, etc. Smidt-Hart says: Here the use of different colour temperatures and intensities of illumination are

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LiD Q2 - 2023