| 6.16
Lighting and Illumination
6.16.1 Use of Lighting
Lighting is the key element in defining the shape of spaces
and helps with orientation.
Entrance areas, foyers and lobbies should be used as transition
areas to enable people to adjust to changes in lighting
levels from outside to inside and vice versa, and to lighting
levels within different parts of a building. In public buildings,
electronic monitoring of lighting levels inside and outside
should be considered.
Light fittings should be positioned above 2000mm from ground
or floor level in accessible pathways. Uplighters should
not be used at street or floor level where they will cause
obstruction.
Light fittings should be positioned where they do not cause
glare, reflection, shadows or pools of light and dark (6.16.1a).
The illumination level is much affected by where the fittings
are located. For example, if the light fittings are located
near one side of the corridor wall, the illumination level
on the opposite wall may be inadequate. The situation may
be worsen if there are other services running along the
corridor blocking the light source.
Light colours for walls and ceilings (6.16.1b) will help
to reflect and diffuse the light. Large areas of gloss finish
on walls or ceilings are not desirable.
Colour and luminous contrast is essential for differentiating
an object with its background and detecting level difference.
The use of lighting can improve colour contrast difference
between stair treads and risers. Illumination from above
the stairs to provide higher illumination to the tread surface
to contrast with the riser surface is preferred. Lighting
should also be used to provide better contrast between countertops
and front edges or cabinet surfaces.
Light fittings in circulation and work areas should be
selected to have a non-directional even light spread.
Use lamps with good colour rendering properties where appropriate,
for example, use 'daylight' lamps.
Fluorescent light fittings should be screened, maintained
to avoid flicker, and located to avoid interference with
hearing enhancement systems.
All lighting systems should be compatible with hearing
enhancement and radio frequency systems.
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