Office Fitout and the significance of lighting

Written By Adaptive Furniture

Lighting is often ignored and viewed insignificant during an office fitout project. Studies suggest that a poorly lit office can negatively impact workers’ mood, energy levels and productivity. A well-lit office on the other hand has a positive impact. There is a wealth of evidence to back up this correlation.  

An office environment can be visually and physically very demanding. Getting it right can resolve many underlying issues and have long-term benefits.

Correct space illumination is critical when fitting out and refurbing your workspace. We can be consumed by the big-picture stuff, but it is important to think about the smaller things in the preliminary stages of the project before it is too late. When it comes to choosing the perfect lighting, it is important to consider both functionality and feel. Not only are you looking for the obvious illuminating benefits, but you are also setting the mood and creating an atmosphere.  

Audit your workplace and identify your lighting needs:

Every office is different. Start with an audit to identify your lighting needs. Make sure you’re able to make the most of the natural light.

When considering the right light for your office, find out how space is being used. Different activity requires different level of lighting. For instance, Warm yellow tones are better for relaxing whereas blue and white lights are good for work and concentration. Depending on the intensity of the activity, you may be able to determine what level of lighting is required.

Here are some examples:

  • Collaborative & Activity Based – For communication and informal discussion you’d want to use receded lighting and LEDs.

  • Quiet Individual working – concentrated, focused working requires Task lighting to illuminate a specific task that needs to be bright and focused  

  • Confidential Talk – refuge area for private conservations requires

  • Breakout areas – To socialise and energise you’d require Soft & Ambient lighting 

  • Meeting rooms – For large, formal group conferencing and training, you’ll need full lighting to illuminate the entire area 

Why use Natural Light ?

The human eye functions best when it receives the full spectrum of light, which is only achieved in natural daylight. Natural light tends to make employees feel proactive. There’s freshness associated with natural light which can make a world of difference. Here are some reasons why you should make the most of the natural light: 

Natural light:

  • Is open, bright and clean  

  • induces uplifting, energising vibes that boost mood and energy  

  • Is often soft and diffused, creating peaceful, relaxing environments 

  • increases health, activity and quality of sleep 

  • is comforting to the eyes

  • decreases Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 

  • saves energy cost

How to Make the Most of Natural Light: 

  • A wall of windows  

  • Internal glass walls and partitions  

  • Skylights 

  • Mirrors 

Types of Lighting Options 

From fixtures to down lights, fluorescent to sensor, there are so many types of lighting options available:

  • Natural Light - Taking advantage of the natural light has a number of benefits. It can make workers feel more productive and energetic.

  • Task Lighting

  • Ambient lighting

  • Pendant Lighting

  • Fluorescent lighting

  • LED Lighting

  • Sensor Lighting

  • Ceiling Lighting

  • Illumination Lighting

  • Receded Lighting  

To recap, the power of lighting should never be undermined. Companies should start thinking about lighting from an investment and productivity perspective. At Adaptive Interiors, not only do we help our clients identify their spacing needs, we also formulate and implement bespoke designing and lighting solutions. Book a free consultation, if you’d like some advice on space illumination and lighting!

Adaptive Furniture