Light and people
Light has always been a prerequisite for human existence. Inspired by daylight and the latest science, we can create lighting that makes life even better. Humans are made to be outdoors, and daylight affects the way we are – biologically and psychologically. New research has shed light on these links.
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Control Track Versa: empowering offices of the future with lasting flexibility
In 2024, the UK workplace landscape saw a gradual return to in-person work, with office attendance increasing to an average of three days per week, according to the Centre for Cities data. While major corporations such as Barclays and Lloyds Banking Group enforced stricter in-office policies, hybrid working remained a key factor in attracting and retaining talent, with nearly half of UK graduates unwilling to apply for roles without flexible options. This evolving work pattern is influencing office leasing trends, with new data from Re-Leased showing a shift toward longer lease agreements in both the office and retail sectors. In Q1 2024, the average UK office lease length increased by 27% to 3.7 years. Lease duration of three to five years surged by 69%. However, short-term flexible leases remain in demand. As businesses seek to optimise their space efficiency while balancing employee flexibility, rental offices must prioritise adaptable fit-outs that accommodate evolving tenant needs. These shifting lease dynamics also impact the lifecycle of office assets, including lighting. Traditionally, light fittings have had the capacity to operate for 20–25 years, which once aligned more closely with longer office lease terms. In the 1990s, leases in the UK office market typically ranged from 10–15 years, often with mid-term break clauses. Today, lease durations have shortened considerably, with many now averaging just 3–5 years — reflecting the rise of more agile and flexible workspace models. As a result, lighting systems are likely to change hands multiple times before reaching the end of their intended life. This raises an important question: how do we design and specify products built to last two decades for spaces that may be reconfigured, relet, or vacated in under five? Adapting to flexibility, health, and productivity To adapt to this new norm, office fit outs must be more flexible and sustainable. This is where the Control Track Versa comes in—a cutting-edge track lighting system that offers unparalleled versatility. It serves as its own infrastructure, allowing for a range of lighting combinations that can easily be adapted to different tenant needs and office layouts, making it an ideal solution for modern, flexible workspaces. A creative edge This suspended track system offers exceptional flexibility in lighting design. It features a dual track known as Control Track Dual which supports direct, indirect, and intermediate configurations and is compatible with luminaires using a Eurostandard+ adapter, ensuring broad usability. Notable compatible products include the VIL Luminaire, designed for dual Control Track use, providing seamless uplight with 300 lux at the ceiling and various lumen output options. The Pleiad G4 128 Track offers advanced solutions for modern offices, while the Zkye 55 G2 Zoom Spotlight adds precision and flexibility for adjustable focus. The Notor 65 Track integrates effortlessly with the system, delivering efficient lighting, and with Integrated Organic Response Sensor enhances energy savings with smart technology. These luminaires demonstrate the system’s adaptability, catering to diverse needs across a range of different spaces. Control Track Versa allows seamless integration of track and luminaires, creating visually appealing setups suited to both minimalist and extravagant styles. By employing lighting principles like focal glow (highlighting specific areas), ambient luminescence (soft overall brightness), and the play of brilliance (creating contrast and depth), designers can craft dynamic and engaging spaces. Ideal for commercial and office workspaces, providing the tools for stunning and effective lighting solutions. Organic response for a long-term infrastructure Control Track Versa offers an adaptable lighting system, ideal for sustainable, forward-thinking projects. Built on a 230V setup, it integrates with advanced lighting control systems, like Organic Response. This wireless Plug & Play solution, designed for workplaces and learning environments, features luminaires with presence sensors that activate upon connection to mains, removing the need for complex programming. Organic Response automatically adjusts lighting based on occupancy, optimising energy use. As each luminaire has its own driver it simplifies rearrangements without the need to recalculate capacity, a common challenge in traditional 48V systems. The design also minimises installation issues, creating a cleaner aesthetic. Control Track Versa, with Organic Response, provides dynamic lighting that adapts as workspace needs change. Flexible lighting designs, planned from the outset, support evolving tenant requirements without compromising energy efficiency or sustainability. As workplaces become more dynamic, lighting quality can be significantly enhanced to meet the needs of modern, tenant-focused spaces. Simplicity that offers versatility The adaptability of both the tracks and fixtures ensures that Control Track Versa can meet the demands of tenants and clients alike. Recognising the collaborative nature of today’s workplaces, this range has been expanded with various track-mounted products designed to accommodate the evolving needs of modern offices. As office spaces become more dynamic, the challenges of short-term leases and temporary spaces are significantly mitigated, making Control Track Versa the perfect solution for fast-paced, ever-changing environments. If you’re curious to see more of what the Control Track versa is capable of, see the full product page or for all products visit our website.
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Melanopic lux: lighting for education influenced by human biology
Light is essential in our daily lives, influencing our ability to see, overall well-being and performance. In educational environments, lighting quality can significantly impact students' focus, mood, and energy levels. So, how do we know what is the right amount and quality of light for this setting? Traditionally, light has been measured in lux, a unit of measurement for the intensity of light. It's used to measure how much light falls on a surface or the amount of light in a given space. One lux is the amount of light that falls on a surface that is one square meter in area when one lumen of light is spread out evenly. Recent advancements in research have unveiled the importance of melanopic lux, which goes beyond mere visibility. This measures how effectively light stimulates specific eye cells that regulate crucial non-visual functions such as sleep and alertness. In classrooms and lecture theatres, the melanopic ratio has become vital in lighting design, enabling educators to create spaces that support visual tasks and align with students' biological rhythms. In this article, we explore how lighting solutions can align with our biology, and how this helps to create optimum conditions for educational environments. The science of vision and light The human eye is a remarkable organ designed for high-resolution colour vision within a small area (approximately 2 degrees of the visual field) while relying on peripheral vision for motion detection. This dual-function system, shaped by evolution for survival, continues to influence how we perceive and interact with our surroundings. Our eyes are particularly susceptible to green and yellow light, reflecting our evolutionary adaptation to naturally lit environments. In contrast, blue light, which is chief in modern LED lighting, requires higher intensity to be perceived at the same level. Effective lighting design carefully considers brightness, timing, and distribution to support visual clarity and biological functions like mood and alertness. For example, exposure to bright light in the morning helps regulate circadian rhythms, boosting alertness and mitigating the effects of seasonal darkness. This is particularly important in educational environments, such as schools and universities, where lighting impacts mood, focus, and overall performance. Our Organic Response system provides an innovative solution tailored for these spaces. This smart lighting technology automatically optimises light levels, featuring daylight-responsive sensors and advanced occupancy detection, maintaining a balance between natural and artificial light. Doing so supports visual comfort and reduces energy consumption, making it an ideal choice for creating dynamic, efficient, and student-friendly learning environments. To further support students, well-lit spaces with minimal glare are essential for reducing eye strain and maintaining focus during extended study sessions. Adjusting light intensity and colour temperature for different tasks—such as reading, group discussions, or creative activities—enhances light's visual and non-visual effects. By integrating thoughtful lighting strategies like those offered by Organic Response, educational environments can promote healthier, more productive, and engaging learning experiences. Integrative lighting: Supporting health and well-being. Integrative lighting (also referred to as human-centred lighting) combines visual and non-visual benefits (such as emotional effects) to support biological rhythms and psychological well-being. This approach goes beyond traditional lighting solutions by considering how light impacts circadian rhythms and hormonal balance. Light exposure in the morning is critical for suppressing melatonin (the sleep hormone) and increasing cortisol (the alertness hormone). Proper timing helps align students' natural rhythms with school schedules, which often require a lot of focus. Consistent exposure to bright, cool light early in the day can enhance energy levels and cognitive performance. The melanopic ratio compares the spectral composition of a light source with daylight. Using this information, you can determine its melanopic lighting intensity. This enables the design of lighting setups that precisely meet both visual and biological lighting needs. Lighting recommendations for educational spaces Each learning environment has unique lighting needs. Libraries benefit from direct lighting on the floor, paired with ambient lighting on walls and ceilings. Vertical shelf lighting (200-300 lx) makes it easier to browse titles. Lecture halls, on the other hand, require glare-free, comfortable lighting with flexible control, ideally with pre-programmed scenarios. In auditoriums and classrooms, strong vertical lighting is crucial for clear visual communication, especially over greater distances, enhancing facial expressions and engagement. General lighting recommendations apply to all educational spaces. Our solutions meet industry standards, ensuring reading and writing areas maintain 500 lx for effective visual tasks. Using daylight-responsive sensors for luminaire rows can reduce energy consumption while maximising natural light. The number and arrangement of luminaires should be adjusted based on the room's size and function to ensure consistent illumination. The role of dynamic lighting A Double Dynamic lighting system can be a game-changer in educational environments. It allows for intensity and colour temperature adjustments to match the specific needs of activities, from quiet reading sessions to collaborative group work. Fagerhult's distinct approach to lighting means that our design is human-centric; we integrate scientific insight into light and human psychology, creating environments that support academic performance and well-being. Our focus on energy efficiency also means our advanced control systems optimise light usage while minimising energy consumption, contributing to a building’s sustainability goals. The customisable setting and flexible solutions ensure that educational environments can create tailored lighting profiles for different times of the day or specific learning activities. Long-term benefits of melanopic lighting Melanopic lighting, designed to mimic the natural light spectrum, helps regulate the circadian rhythm, which is essential for maintaining focus, energy, and emotional balance. In classrooms and study areas, proper lighting can reduce eye strain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance mood, which are critical for students' mental health and academic performance. By incorporating lighting that aligns with our biological needs, schools and universities can foster healthier, more productive learning environments,. This is particularly important during the winter months when daylight is limited. Whether through advanced tuneable white light systems, designs that maximise daylight, or energy-efficient solutions, we are dedicated to leading the way in lighting innovation for educational environments, delivering brighter futures—one classroom at a time.
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