Educational environments are places where students spend a significant portion of their time. Therefore, proper lighting in these spaces can have a great impact on individual performance. Educational spaces are divided into different categories, including kindergartens, schools, universities, and any place that requires concentration. The general principles of lighting in these places are similar, but their details differ from each other. In this article from EDC, we will discuss the importance of lighting in educational centers, lighting standards, and the types of lights suitable for different spaces in schools and other educational centers.
Why is lighting in educational centers important?
Lighting in educational centers plays a key role in providing a great environment for learning. This importance can be explained by several main reasons:
Increases concentration and efficiency: Proper lighting helps students to focus more and perform better in their academic activities.
Reduce fatigue and vision problems: Proper lighting can help reduce problems such as headaches, eye strain, and vision problems. Low or bright light can lead to problems such as dry eyes and fatigue. Therefore, choosing the right type and intensity of light for educational spaces is essential.
Creating a refreshing environment: Educational environments with proper lighting can create a better atmosphere. This helps improve morale and increase motivation in learning.
Promoting mental health: Proper lighting plays an important role in improving the mental and emotional state of students and educational staff. Bright, well-lit environments can help reduce negative emotions and increase feelings of comfort.
Creating safety: Proper lighting helps ensure safety in educational spaces. Adequate lighting in hallways, stairs, and other high-traffic areas can prevent unwanted incidents and provide a safer environment.
Factors Affecting Lighting in Educational Centers
Proper lighting in educational centers depends on a set of factors, each of which can have a significant impact on the quality of ambient lighting. These factors include the following:
Type of light
Choosing the right type of lighting for educational environments is very important. The two main types of lighting that should be considered are:
Natural light: Sunlight can help improve the quality of lighting. Optimal use of natural light through large windows and appropriate designs can help.
Artificial light: Artificial light should be chosen in a way that provides glare-free lighting. LED and fluorescent lamps are common options that are chosen due to their low energy consumption and long lifespan.
When choosing the right type of lighting for educational environments: Also pay attention to direct and indirect lighting.
Light intensity (lux)
The amount of light intensity in each educational environment depends on the specific needs of that environment and the activities carried out in it. Using the right amount of lux in different spaces such as classrooms, libraries and study halls is very important. For more information, see the article Calculating the amount of light needed.
Light distribution
It is important to distribute light evenly throughout the learning environment to avoid creating dark areas. Adjustable light fixtures with adjustable angles and light distribution can help improve light distribution.
Light color temperature
The color temperature of light, which refers to the color of the light (warm or cool), has a great impact on the environment and comfort of people. For learning spaces, light with a cooler color temperature (around 4000K to 6500K) is usually more suitable, as this type of light helps increase focus and alertness.
Light control
The ability to adjust the intensity and direction of light is another important factor. The use of light control systems such as dimmers and smart lighting systems can help create suitable lighting conditions at different times.
Safety
Lighting should be designed in a way that ensures the safety of people in learning spaces. Adequate lighting in hallways, stairs, and high-traffic areas is essential to prevent potential accidents and injuries.
Standards and Regulations
Compliance with standards and regulations related to lighting in educational centers is also of great importance. These standards include the level of lux, color temperature, and type of light used and should be applied according to the specific needs of each educational environment.
Energy Management
Using energy-efficient light sources and new technologies such as LED can help reduce energy costs and protect the environment.
Aesthetic Considerations
Lighting should also pay attention to the aesthetics of the educational environment. Proper lighting design can help create an attractive environment for learning.
Guide to Lighting Educational Environments (separately for each section)
This section provides guidance on lighting different parts of educational centers such as classrooms, libraries, study halls, and other spaces:
Classroom Lighting
Objective: To create a suitable learning environment that helps students and teachers concentrate and feel comfortable.
Type of light: Use high-quality artificial light, such as LED bulbs with a color temperature of 4000K to 5000K, to create white, natural light.
Light intensity: The light intensity should be around 300 to 500 lux. The light should be bright enough to prevent eye fatigue.
Light distribution: Use ceiling lights with uniform light distribution to avoid shadows and spot lights.
Library lighting
Objective: Provide a suitable environment for reading and searching that helps with ease of vision.
Type of light: Use white light with a color temperature of 4000K to 5000K to provide adequate illumination.
Light intensity: The light intensity in reading areas should be around 500 to 700 lux. For bookshelves, the light intensity can be lower.
Light distribution: Install linear LED lights above bookshelves and use direct-light reading lights for reading areas. Wall and pendant lights can also be used for general lighting.
Study Hall Lighting
Purpose: Create an environment suitable for long-term study and concentration.
Type of light: Soft and gentle light with a color temperature of 3500K to 4000K to create a comfortable atmosphere.
Light intensity: Light intensity should be around 400 to 600 lux, depending on the type of activities and the number of people in the hall.
Light distribution: Use pendant lights or illuminated ceiling panels to provide uniform light in a large space. Indoor wall lights can also help with beauty.
Kindergarten lighting
Purpose: Create a cheerful environment for children.
Type of light: Use soft and colorful light to attract attention and create a feeling of cheerfulness. Warm light with a color temperature of 3000K to 3500K is suitable.
Light intensity: Light intensity should be adjusted according to the different activities of children, usually around 300 to 500 lux.
Light distribution: Use colored lights and various designs to illuminate play and rest areas. Install surface-mounted and recessed ceiling lights with uniform light and use wall lights to create soft lighting.
Educational office lighting
Purpose: Create an environment suitable for long-term study and concentration.
Type of light: Soft and gentle light with a color temperature of 3500K to 4000K to create a comfortable atmosphere.
Light intensity: Light intensity should be around 400 to 600 lux, depending on the type of activities and the number of people in the hall.
Light distribution: Use pendant lights or illuminated ceiling panels to provide uniform light in a large space. Indoor wall lights can also help with beauty.
Kindergarten lighting
Purpose: Create a cheerful environment for children.
Type of light: Use soft and colorful light to attract attention and create a feeling of cheerfulness. Warm light with a color temperature of 3000K to 3500K is suitable.
Light intensity: Light intensity should be adjusted according to the different activities of children, usually around 300 to 500 lux.
Light distribution: Use colored lights and various designs to illuminate play and rest areas. Install surface-mounted and recessed ceiling lights with uniform light and use wall lights to create soft lighting.
Educational office lighting
Science classrooms: Use colored lights to show different light spectrums, simulating natural phenomena such as the aurora borealis or the galaxy.
Art classrooms: Use colored and moving lights.
Library: Use soft and warm lights to create a calm and study-oriented atmosphere.
Multi-purpose halls: Use smart lighting systems to change the light based on the desired activity (for example, warm light for meetings and cool light for presentations).
Motion and light sensors
With the use of motion sensors, lighting can be coordinated with the movement of people. For example, when a student approaches a board, its light will automatically turn on.
Interactive light walls
Install light walls that respond to touch or movement. These walls can be used as teaching tools to display data, maps or even interactive tests, making the learning experience more engaging.
Lighting Educational Centers with EDC Lighting Products
With over three decades of experience in the lighting industry and a continuous effort to produce quality products, EDC is now recognized as one of the pioneers of this industry in Iran. EDC lighting products, utilizing the knowledge and innovation of Iranian experts, play a key role in improving learning environments.
From linear and recessed ceiling lights to LED lights, each of EDC’s products is designed to meet the specific needs of classrooms and transform the educational space into a suitable environment for learning. By choosing EDC products, educational centers can benefit from professional and reliable lighting and provide an excellent learning experience for students and teachers.
