UNIVERSITY LIGHTING
UNIVERSITY LIGHTING
A COMPLETE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
STIMULATING MINDS
A large part of University education is preparing students for the big wide world and an inspiring environment which assists with learning but also creates a home from home environment is the ultimate goal. Lighting can play a large role here both outdoors and in.
FROM THE OUTSIDE - IN
University campuses are often large spaces and being able to safely navigate them is key. For a University this space is also an opportunity to put their own branding across. The temptation in such a space can be to light for lighting sake but a considered approach can meet the brand, safety and sustainable needs of the University, students and even the dark skies all at once.
For many students, the university campus is their home. Therefore, lighting needs to make them feel safe, providing secure walkways between buildings. But lighting should also maximise energy saving targets across the site.
By lighting up the architecture of the various buildings around the campus, you accent the identity of a specific educational brand. People feel pride, a sense of belonging and most importantly, they feel part of something big.
That said it’s important that a balance is struck between the value that a great lighting scheme delivers whilst responsibly managing light spill. The use of controls can be key here, our unique NightTune technology also ensures maximum energy savings in external spaces, whilst significantly lowering light pollution, improving safety and being sympathetic to local, nocturnal ecology.
Solutions - FOR THE OUTSIDE-IN
THE CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE
As the role of the lecture hall and seminar room evolves year by year and learner by learner, we need to ensure that we have a lighting solution in place that can keep up. A fundamental part of this is getting the cylindrical illumination right. We understand the importance of illumination of vertical surfaces from EN 12464-1.
Not only is this best practice, it is something that users of the space are aware of (especially if it’s not done correctly).
To provide a dynamic learning environment, we recommend Variable Colour Temperature (VCT) solutions. By adjusting both output and colour temperature of the light throughout the day, these solutions help optimise focus. The right light is especially important in creating an ideal environment for visual learners. By varying the colour temperature of a space whilst implementing a higher quality of light (CRI90+), a wide variety of learners are being considered when illuminating university environments.
HEALTH MEETS SOCIAL
More than ever before, young people are prioritising their health and well-being. This makes outdoor and indoor sporting venues within a University a priority not only for those taking part but even for spectators with many University sports competing in elite standard leagues playing both home and away.
As such any indoor sports centres, halls or outdoor pitches need to consider the importance of lighting and that flicker is reduced to avoid unnecessary distraction. It can also be the case that some University level competitions are televised so it may be that TV Broadcasting needs to be considered.The ability to be able to light what is needed when it is needed (especially outdoor where floodlights are being used) is key and implementing lighting control such as Thorn's UrbaSens Play can assist here both in terms of keeping energy costs down as well as ensuring the night sky isn't being lit unnecessarily.