The results, published in Building and the Environment, revealed that the architecture and design of classrooms has a significant role to play in influencing academic performance. Six of the environmental factors — colour, choice, connection, complexity, flexibility and light — were clearly correlated with grade scores.The study came at an interesting time; the U.K. government released some standardized templates for the design of schools at the tail-end of 2012, a move which was met with some derision from the architectural community.
Of course, the lighting conditions are standardized in this document, but first, we'll briefly cover some interesting research findings on lighting and learning.
Light Improves Concentration and Memory
In a study of Dutch schoolchildren, a flexible and dynamic lighting system was found to have a positive effect on the subjects' concentration - particularly the younger students.The word "dynamic" here means that the researchers had an element of control over the intensity and color temperature.
And interestingly, in another study in Germany, bright lighting was found to have an effect on working memory for night shift workers.
While this effect hasn't been studied in schoolchildren yet, it's still an interesting observation.
The new findings are in line with what we already know about light's positive effects on learning.
It's clear that schools need adequate light (preferably using as much daylight as possible to save energy, of course) and a flexible lighting system.
Designing Within Government Architectural Guidelines
The government's baseline designs mandate sustainable lighting systems that are "future-proof" - they need to be reasonably flexible for use. At the same time, a "daylight design" principle is in place - the lights need to provide "balanced, glare-free luminance."At Sparks we distribute a wide range of LED ceiling lights, wall lamps, table lights, and floor lamps.
As for the ceiling in the offices or in classrooms, the LED panels will help very much, for they are the best replacement for what we used to have before, e.g., the fluorescent lamps.
As for flexibility, on a basic level, we would recommend LED dimmer switches, but a whole-building approach might be best.
It's possible, and even easy, to design a lighting system for schools that improves learning and stays within government guidelines. For more information, why not drop by the showroom?
Image by dcjohn (Creative Commons)
