Illuminations for Learning

Suspended indirect and indirect/direct lighting is increasingly being used in classrooms and other educational spaces. The newest system designs are highly efficient and can effectively reduce energy consumption as well as operating and maintenance costs. Well-designed indirect and indirect/direct lighting systems eliminate shadowing problems and glare on computer screens, while increasing visual comfort in the space. They can also be used to emphasize an architectural element or to add color to the environment so that the space feels warm and friendly.

Lighting design for schools offers an important opportunity to enhance the learning environment. A wide range of activities must be evaluated in the lighting design process. The objective is to choose a lighting system that will fulfill a variety of lighting requirements. In addition, a system must add to and blend with the design of the architecture and the interior. The budget for school lighting generally runs between 1 to 2 percent of the total school construction budget, and this can allow for specification grade lighting systems to be considered.

The lighting design should address the trend of increasing use of school buildings for use after hours. This means a wider range of tasks and ages must be accommodated by the lighting design. The aesthetics of the lighting system also take on new importance, as today’s more demanding population makes use of the school for longer periods of time and has opportunities to compare it to more “cutting-edge” designs in new buildings they have seen. At the same time, educational facilities are under increasing pressure to reduce operating expenses. Lighting designs must be highly efficient.

Current Classroom Design
There has long been a traditional way to build a classroom: 660 to 900 square feet with chalkboards on two walls and fluorescent parabolic lighting fixtures recessed into the ceiling grid. This design is being reconsidered due to changes taking place in the classroom and new demands that these spaces must meet.

Consider just a few of the changes: students meet in small groups to learn; their learning experience is often focused on a computer; classrooms are now being used for multiple activities.

The problem is simple—the 2-foot by 4-foot lighting system traditionally used in these spaces has not been reconsidered. This type of fixture, either lensed or parabolic, designed in the 1970s, is ill-equipped to meet the new demands of today’s classrooms. But, because of their lower initial purchase cost compared to other types of lighting fixtures, they are often specified without proper examination of lighting performance or long-term operating cost.

Among the disadvantages are the classroom is dark, cave-like and unfriendly; the walls are dark and need additional lighting, adding energy and maintenance expense; and the fixtures are not designed to be used with computers, creating glare on the monitors.

For 2-foot by 4-foot fixtures, there is a design component that be must considered. In the modern classroom, changing the arrangement of furniture can be a common occurrence. Changes often result in poorly illuminated areas with non-uniform light distribution from a lighting system design that is incapable of change.

Suspended indirect/direct lighting systems offer many advantages that meet the needs of today’s classroom environment. The combination of indirect and direct lighting creates a uniformly illuminated space with bright ceilings and walls and a warm appearance. The lighting effects are superior to direct lighting because the indirect component eliminates the need for additional lighting for vertical visual tasks on the walls. Well-designed indirect/direct systems provide shielding on the direct (downlight) portion, making the lighting appropriate for use with computers. Because the fixture is suspended, it is not constrained by the 2-foot by 4-foot grid so that its shape, size, color and layout pattern can be controlled, and varied, for aesthetic variety.

Some thoughts to consider: Does the classroom look commonplace or innovative? Which most enhances a flexible, effective learning environment?

Luminances (brightness) of significant surfaces are also important in classroom design. They should not differ greatly from the luminance of the task. This means that the desk should not be significantly lighter or darker than the paper. This is why desks are often putty, gray or birch colored. A black or dark brown desktop easily contributes subtly but surely to visual fatigue.

Given budget limitations for educational facilities, architectural lighting offers the designer an element that can provide a unifying theme. For typical classroom layouts, an indirect/direct solution can be the same or less than a parabolic fixture when considering total installed cost. And, over time due to efficiency and performance advantages, indirect/direct systems can significantly reduce operation and maintenance costs.

Cafeterias
Cafeteria lighting must provide for socializing and safety. Because this is an area for the students and faculty to rest and recharge their batteries, the lighting is, by definition, much different than classrooms. Unlike classrooms, where typical lighting consists of linear rows, cafeterias often use individual suspended fixtures. Lighting levels are usually equipped with dimming for social events.

Corridors
Corridors should be well illuminated, and lighting should provide appropriate directional cues to help people move easily to their next destination. Recessed perimeter lighting generally fulfill this requirement.

Auditoriums
Design schemes for auditoriums are driven by the need to accommodate large groups of people whose main activity is visual communication. This relates to the economy of design, which is characteristic of auditorium spaces and cafeteria/auditorium combined spaces with ever-changing audio-visual requirements.

Libraries
Libraries can be simple or complex depending on the size of the educational institution. Requirements can be as simple as a separate reading space with tables and chairs, where basic indirect lighting may be used. Conversely, complex library facilities could include multimedia research facilities in addition to reading and reference areas, study carrels and book stacks. Consideration must be given to proper lighting for the intended function in each area.

Gymnasiums
Gymnasium lighting presents some unique and difficult challenges because of the variety of functions performed. Lighting design must consider athletic events, social events, physical education activities and various academic functions. For basketball, five characteristics are important: direct glare, reflected glare, shadows, light distribution on surfaces and light distribution on the task plane. Though not commonly considered, indirect fluorescent lighting effectively addresses all of these issues and provides the best visual environment for athletic events. Diminished glare elevates visibility, and enhanced design elevates mood levels.

Science and Media Labs
Science labs and benches are used for experiments, specimen examination and operation of scientific instruments, many of which include computer screens or electronic displays. Media labs often have work or study stations with audio-visual equipment and computers. Adequate lighting on task surfaces and computers without shadows or glare is critical in all of these situations. Design consideration should include overall indirect lighting with direct components to properly illuminate task surfaces.

Offices
Offices and lounge areas for faculty and visitors account for about 10 percent of the floor area in educational facilities. They are used for general administrative tasks, computer work, individual conferences and small group meetings. Generally, indirect lighting is best in theses spaces. However, the frequency and intensity of various tasks performed should be considered to determine the need for a direct (downlight) component to the lighting system.

Lighting for all educational facilities must be designed for safety. The lighting system chosen should be designed to meet all of the requirements of the various spaces, while providing a unifying architectural theme or element throughout.

Source: Litecontrol, www.litecontrol.com.

Product Roundup

Precision Spots by W2 Architectural Lighting
For religious schools where high performance, fit and finish are critical, W2 Architectural Lighting introduces Precision Spots, a line of upscale, specification grade track heads. Engineered with state-of-the-art technology and crafted of specification grade die-cast aluminum, Precision Spots feature concealed wiring and abrasion-resistant powder-coat paint finishes and offer a sophisticated, clean look. Designed to be used with both low- and line voltage track systems, the lights are available in white, black, and black/platinum. They can be used with extensions and suspension kits for hard-to-light locations. 
www.w2lighting.com

TL-5024 Lighting Console by Lightronics
Lightronics’ innovative lighting console, the TL-5024, provides the power of larger theatrical style boards at a lower price. Compact and easy to operate, this console offers softpatch with multiple pages, cue lists, scene and chase memories and programmable fade times. The TL-5024 is the perfect choice for schools, theaters, worship facilities and other live stage applications. Lightronics offers a five-year warranty on all products.
www.lightronics.com

Meyda Lighting
Meyda Lighting is a Meyda Tiffany Company, a leading manufacturer and designer of Tiffany lamps and decorative lighting. The company offers thousands of decorative lighting designs including stained glass, mica, iron, steel, copper, fabric and other types of styles. Themes include Victorian, Deco, Contemporary, Rustic, Arts & Crafts and more. Meyda manufactures chandeliers, ceiling pendants, wall sconces, outdoor landscape lighting, floor and table lamps, stained glass windows and more. 
www.Meyda.com     

Stellina Track Spot by Amerlux Lighting Solutions
State-of-the-art lamp technology is integrated with a compact scale and style in Amerlux Lighting Solution's Stellina Metal Halide Track Spot Luminaire for accent and display lighting in religious schools. Specially designed for the new 20w Philips Mini MasterColor CDM-Tm ceramic metal halide lamp, Stellina features high-performance optics that produce clean beams, free of striations and hard edges. It is available in spot or narrow flood distributions. This track spot provides a cost-efficient alternative to fixtures using low and line voltage halogen lamps up to 100 watts.  The significantly lower wattage of the Stellina fixture, combined with its prolonged lamp life, results in lower operating and maintenance costs. 
www.amerlux.com

Tradition Series by Manning Lighting
Manning Lighting’s Tradition series pendants feature an innovative reflector system that prevents bugs and debris from entering the acrylic bowl. Maintenance is easy, too. All the lamps can be replaced without removing the acrylic bowl or trim ring. The Tradition series is available in several sizes, energy-efficient lighting packages and dozens of finishes. Manning Lighting has more than 60 years of experience lighting religious buildings.
www.manningltg.com

Stage Wash 950 by Chauvet
The Stage Wash 950 is a powerful yet economical color wash lighting system, ideal for stage and musical performances. Three 300-watt lamps, housed in a reflector, collectively produce a wide spectrum of selectable, RGB-induced colors. The Stage Wash 950 provides a wide area of projection, which makes it especially suitable for stage and wall color washes. Dimming is infinitely variable. Barn doors provide an effective method of beam control, limiting light spill. Stage Wash 950 responds to DMX control via 2 to 4 channels.
www.chauvetlighting.com

PARNel by TLS
In 1999, ETC’s Source Four PARNel was awarded the ESTA Dealer’s Choice for equipment. Since then it has continued to be a top seller. Combining the compact shape of the Source Four PAR with the focusing capabilities of a fresnel, the PARNel gives users the best of both. The easy to use focus knob allows users to adjust from 25 degrees to 45 degrees smoothly.  Many accessories are available, including top hats and barndoors. 
www.tlsinc.com

Wybron Nexera LX Profile
The Nexera LX Profile luminaire is Wybron's newest model of affordable luminaries designed specifically for small theatres, schools and churches. The integral CMY dichroic color mixing module features an exceptional range of control over a virtually unlimited color palette, with seamless transitions between colors. Created in response to demand, the Nexera provides hard-edge illumination in an adjustable field from 19 to 26 degrees, making it ideal for longer throw distances. Using a high output, compact tungsten 575W source, it provides superb light output and beam uniformity. It also is available with a 150W CDM lamp for situations where dimmer limitations and power constraints are a factor. Nexera is lightweight, easy-to-use, and has a unique convection cooling system, which allows for virtually silent operation.
www.wybron.com