One of the requirements in designing an office space is effective lighting. Considering that this is where the functionality of the space depends, it is just right to create a lighting design which induces productivity. We have the idea that working can sometimes be boring and patterned. It actually depends on how space is designed, presented, and lighted. See lighting more than just for its aesthetic impact but on its functional features.
Common lighting of offices depends on numerous recessed lights, fluorescent lights, and service bulbs. They may be an effective source of light but the demand for energy is compromised. We want something that boosts the working atmosphere but conserves energy at the same time. Effectivity doesn’t have to be expensive. All it takes is a bit of creativity in designing the lighting in your office. Keep the office room illuminated with these five amazing tips!
Analyze How Big The Office Space Is
Before designing the lighting layout, study how big the office space is. This will give you a better view of the number of lights to be placed. Common issues in office spaces are that it’s too bright or too dim. An environment which is too bright can cause fatigue in the eyes. It does not just affect the health of the workers but it is collateral damage to employees’ productivity.
When the environment is too dim, it can greatly affect the productivity of the employees. A dim environment induces a drowsy or relaxing effect on people. It is best placed on areas like the sleeping quarters to have a quick break from work. The area of your office is where the number and the type of lights depend on. Know the coverage of the lights you’re going to use to get ahold of an ideal working environment.
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Switch to LED Lighting System
An LED Lighting system is one of the sustainable products of technology. Apart from being a direct and indirect source of lighting, they are very economical. About 90% of the energy they demand is converted to light and the other 10% to heat compared to the numbers produced by incandescent and fluorescent. Due to advanced technology, they have provided more than just a direct source of light but exhibits its aesthetic features.
They are customizable compared to other lighting sources. You can play with different colors and vibrancy without changing the bulb. For example, the flexible LED strip lighting system is best used for cove and cabinet lighting. From the name itself, they are flexible in lighting up straight and curved spaces without hassle. It’s an economical choice without compromising the needed lighting per office space.
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Maximize the Use of Ambient Lighting
Common among office spaces are floor to ceiling windows. During the day, they can limit the number of lights functioning and save energy in the evening. Ambient lighting is the most sustainable means of acquiring light. It’s free and effective in lighting up an office space. Considering that you are catering to a large space, lighting can be a big part when it comes to energy expenses.
Let these large windows exhibit their features by allowing natural light into the office space. This is very beneficial especially for buildings designed with curtain walls. They maximize the ambient lighting without absorbing heat and distributing throughout the space. They also use specialized curtains best for the floor to ceiling windows to prevent heat from entering.
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Play with Different Lighting to Zone the Functionality of the Area
Not because it’s an office space doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be boring and conventional. The employees need something that will boost their will to work at any time of the day. Let them feel that the office deserves to be their favorite place. Apart from recessed lights, most interior designers choose to play with pendant lights, wall sconces, strip lights, and other lighting fixtures.
Allow the lighting to highlight the features of the office. This is best especially for common areas like collaborative rooms, pantry, and employee’s lounge. With the different lighting fixtures present, it is just right to exhibit the identity of the employees and the company with more personalized lighting design. Expand your choices and resources in planning the ideal office lighting design.
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Create a Motivating Working Atmosphere
What is the ideal working atmosphere? A well-lit environment exhibiting comfort, positive energy, and motivating ambiance. Remember that the performance of the employees depends on the working environment. Use lighting to define the spaces and exhibit the feature they uphold. These spaces should be provided with a lighting design that will highlight the activities they cater to.
Conclusion
The lighting design of an office greatly affects the activities within an area. These tips are just the start of the list on why you should pay attention to lighting design. Know the ins and outs of coming up with a lighting layout which is effective but economic at the same time. Sometimes, you have to think outside of the box and go beyond the conventional lighting design.
Moreover, how the interior design of the office space depends on how you will allow proper lighting to highlight what these areas feature. In achieving an effective lighting design, you have to be smart about your options, decisions, and resources you consider. Lighting is a flexible element that will enhance how your design will look.