Dynamic Lighting for a Better Working Environment

To test the system, four different light sequences were developed to run for three weeks at a time. The first “Daylight Sequence” followed the natural intensity and color temperature of daylight throughout the day, going from just 40% in the morning and late afternoon, all the way up to 100% around noon. Meanwhile, the color temperature went from completely hot (2700K) to cold (5700K) around 2 pm. The second “Energizer” sequence tested if small sequences of both high intensity and cold color temperature could make employees feel more awake and energized. The third “Static Intensity” sequence provided warm lighting through the morning and late afternoon and very cold lighting around noon, maintaining 100% intensity throughout the day. The final “Dynamic Intensity” sequence kept a color temperature of 4000 K, with a shifting intensity between 40% and 100%.

Employee feedback during the experiment showed that the sequences where both color temperature and intensity were adjusted fared far better than the other lighting scenarios. Employees reported a preference for color temperatures between 2700 K and 4200 K with an intensity of maximum 80%. In contrast, the sequence where intensity was held constant and only color temperature changed received negative feedback, including complaints of headaches and tired eyes.

In addition, employees reported discomfort with color temperatures above 4200 K and with high intensities of 2700 K light. Most employees who took part in the survey reported using their desk lamps, especially early in the morning or in the late afternoon. This indicates that in working environments where general lighting systems cannot be individually controlled, desk lamps are especially important for employees. Particularly in the case of large offices, individual desk lamps can give a sense of ownership and control over working conditions.

Rather than seeking to produce a scientific conclusion, the relatively simple experiment sought to put theory into practice while creating a dialogue around dynamic lighting. Despite the complexities of the subject, the results of the study strongly indicate that dynamic lighting can help create a better working environment in office spaces. It is clear that a better understanding of dynamic lighting has the potential to alleviate many of the lighting challenges experienced today in open-plan offices.