OFFICE ligthing

Enhancing Well-Being and Efficiency with Dynamic Lighting in Workspaces

Workspaces are places where people spend a significant portion of their lives. Therefore, it is essential to make these environments as comfortable and conducive to well-being as possible, and lighting plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. The advancements in lighting controls, dynamic lighting, optics, and light emission control technology offer a wide range of solutions to tailor illumination to human needs.

When designing lighting for workspaces, it is important to consider all activities that occur within the space. This includes not only job-related tasks but also activities that promote socialization and relaxation. It is also crucial to account for the times of day the space is occupied, ensuring lighting supports various activities throughout the day.

Different layers of lighting should be employed to adapt the space to its diverse functions. A combination of task lighting and general lighting improves overall brightness, enhances visual comfort, and reduces high contrast, which can strain the eyes during precision tasks or while working on screens. Direct and indirect lighting can be very effective in achieving these goals.

Creating lighting zones that can be individually controlled allows for the transformation of the space to suit different activities. Pre-set lighting scenes provide the flexibility to adjust the lighting without compromising light quality and maintaining appropriate light levels. Additionally, presence and absence sensors help ensure artificial lighting is used only where and when needed, enhancing efficiency.

Tunable white lighting, which can adjust the colour temperature of the light, can significantly improve productivity and well-being. This type of lighting can mimic natural daylight patterns, supporting the body’s circadian rhythm, enhancing alertness during the day, and promoting relaxation in the evening. By providing lighting that aligns with our natural biological cycles, tunable white lighting can help maintain energy levels and improve overall comfort.

In spaces with access to daylight, implementing lighting sensors to adapt artificial lighting to outdoor brightness is essential. This prevents over- or under-lighting the workspace, ensuring optimal lighting conditions at all times.

The implementation of dynamic lighting not only improves the usability of workspaces but also generates significant energy savings. By using lighting only when and where it is needed and adjusting it according to the availability of natural light, energy consumption is reduced. This reduction in energy usage not only lowers operational costs but also has a positive environmental impact. Energy savings reduce the demand on power plants, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

For further guidance on designing effective lighting in indoor workspaces, the BS EN 12464-1:2021 standard provides comprehensive guidelines. This standard outlines the best practices for lighting design, ensuring a balance between visual comfort, performance, and energy efficiency.

In conclusion, dynamic lighting in workspaces enhances well-being, boosts productivity, and promotes energy efficiency. Thoughtfully designing lighting solutions that adapt to human needs and environmental conditions creates workspaces that are comfortable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

For more information on how dynamic lighting can transform your workspace, do not hesitate to contact us and explore our range of our services. Together, we can create spaces that benefit both people and the planet.

Key studies:

|Levitt Bernstein Architect office

| PwC Embankment Place