Whether in schools, colleges, or university lecture theatres, much of the learning process is visual. Setting the right lighting conditions is critical to enable the optimum environment to improve learning ability. Where possible, natural daylight would be harvested, but this isn’t always achievable. Artificial light must also be used to light the space. By using tunable white luminaires, dynamic lighting scenes can be achieved, giving the right color temperature for the time of day.
Using color temperature has been shown to have a positive impact on the concentration levels of students. Light can be used to better performance by improving alertness and focus. Warmer white light with slightly lower intensity can be used to help users calm down when facing high stress. Cooler white light with higher intensity can be implemented to help awaken student’s senses and help them prepare for the day ahead. In a study conducted by Mott et al (2012), US students showed a 36% higher percentage increase in oral reading fluency when exposed to high-intensity light, compared to 16% of students who were exposed to standard lighting.
People have evolved under daylight conditions, and our body clocks are set to this biorhythm. A room under static light with six 600×600 modules set to 100%, and three dimmable luminaires near the window is far away from the creative environment we should be giving students. Particularly when DALI fittings are now a standard feature for most luminaire manufacturers. We can now use Human Centric Lighting to replicate daylight using artificial light in combination with intelligent lighting controls. This method of lighting educational spaces gives a better environment to study in, for interaction and socialization purposes. Concentration levels can be boosted, buildings are more aesthetically appealing, and energy can be saved by harvesting natural daylight where possible.
So, with lighting having a significant impact on student productivity, how close is your educational institution to enhancing the learning needs of your students?
Here below ARCO surface Linear is Toppo's newly launched product for college fittings. Would you like to have a try?