Lighting

Good lighting

High-quality lighting and good visual design of the working environment are preconditions for clear and fatigue-free vision. These factors generate a sense of well-being and motivation to perform.

Lighting with daylight

Daylight in the office. Source: WINI
Daylight in the office. Source: WINI Lupe_grau

The ASR A3.4 Technical Guideline for Workplaces unambiguously declares that 'Workplaces must receive sufficient daylight in as much as possible.' The guideline defines exactly how much daylight is sufficient. Exceptions are possible only under certain conditions.

The guideline recommends that workplaces should be located as close to windows as possible.

Planning lighting

Recommendations for horizontal illuminance according to ASR A3.4
Recommendations for horizontal illuminance according to ASR A3.4 Lupe_grau

In office lighting systems, daylight is supplemented by artificial sources of light. In order to create optimal working conditions, experts take a whole series of parameters into account. The best-known and perhaps most important parameter is the illumination level. It is measured in lux (lx). The following minimum requirements apply for offices:

  • Ambient lighting: 300 lx
  • Workplace lighting: 500 lx
  • Task zone lighting: 750 lx

Several rules…

…should be observed:

  • Always set up workplaces in such a way that the lines of sight run parallel to the windows, and always place artificial light sources to the side of the monitors.
  • Provide anti-glare measures in order to avoid both direct and reflected glare.
  • Remember to provide protection against the sun. These measures prevent not only glare but also the buildup of too much heat due to sunlight.
  • Match the materials and colours of the walls, floor and ceiling to the lighting design. Most importantly, pay attention to the ceiling areas above the workplaces. In brightly illuminated rooms, a strongly reflective ceiling can cause reflected glare.
  • Even though pure white or black desk surfaces look attractive, they are bad for the eyes and have a negative effect on work performance.
To avoid glare, always choose the viewing direction parallel to the window front.
To avoid glare, always choose the viewing direction parallel to the window front. Lupe_grau
The lighting should always be positioned sideways to the workstation. Neither centrally above the workstation, nor in front of it, nor behind it.
The lighting should always be positioned sideways to the workstation. Neither centrally above the workstation, nor in front of it, nor behind it. Lupe_grau
The colour of the table surface not only influences the reflexion of light but also the work performance.
The colour of the table surface not only influences the reflexion of light but also the work performance. Lupe_grau

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Requirements