The lighting lab is focused on the benefits of daylight. Studies reveal that daylight conditions can limit the progression of myopia and generally have positive effects on visual and cognitive performance.

This observation is confirmed in practice by Claas Proske, Coordinator of Functional Vision Diagnostics and Assistive Technology Advisor at the LBZB: “In many cases, we find that people with visual impairments or visual limitations benefit greatly from higher levels of illumination. And when it comes to light colour, they tend to find neutral white or cool white light more pleasant.”

The lighting in the diagnostic room can reach up to 2400 lux via the flat C95 luminaires. This exceeds the usual illuminance levels, enhancing brightness and colour contrasts, reducing fatigue, and prolonging attention.

Lighting management system for precise control
The lighting management system (LMS) enables flexible and precise control of the lighting conditions. Using a tablet, the illuminance and light colour are individually adjusted and controlled via a specially configured web interface, accessible via Wi-Fi. The illuminance can be entered as a percentage dimming value, ranging up to 2400 lux, while the light colour can vary between 2,700K (warm white) and 6,500K (cool white). These adjustments are crucial because different light colours have distinct visual and psychological effects. Reports from LBZB clients indicate that cool white light (over 5,300K) enhances reading and concentration skills and is perceived as energising during the day.

Diagnostic assessment under optimised conditions
The diagnostic room at the LBZB enables testing of patients’ individual visual and visual-cognitive functions under varying lighting conditions. Using specific testing procedures, such as preferential looking or the Lea-Hyvärinen tests (specifically designed for children who are unfamiliar with reading letters), as well as informal observations, detailed assessments of the use of visual, auditory, and haptic strategies can be obtained.

Thanks to the ability to individually adjust lighting conditions, the LBZB can also test specific visual functions, such as contrast sensitivity, under different lighting conditions. “This information is very valuable to us, as we can pass it on so that it can be implemented as best as possible at the person’s workplace,” says Claas Proske of the LBZB. Overall, the implementation of this lighting concept at the LBZB demonstrates the importance of optimised artificial lighting in the diagnosis and support of people with visual impairments.

Positive effects of optimised lighting
The ability to adjust lighting conditions also offers a variety of positive effects for people without visual impairments. Improved illuminance and optimally coordinated light colour can significantly improve visual perception, reduce fatigue, and reduce headaches. Additionally, adapted lighting has a positive effect on the circadian rhythm by regulating melatonin production, which influences the sleep-wake cycle. This is particularly crucial because blue light with a high colour temperature suppresses the production of melatonin, thereby increasing alertness.

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The Medical Protection Society (MPS) has recently overhauled its head office in response to changing office attendance patterns, making it more suitable for modern working life.

MPS occupied a 70,000 sq ft office at Victoria House in Leeds. As hybrid working has continued post-COVID, some of the space was underused on a daily basis. Workplace transformation specialists TSK Group were appointed to re-evaluate the special needs of the business.

Following a series of workshops and data analysis, TSK identified that MPS could operate effectively within 35,000 sq ft. The remaining 40,000 sq ft has been transformed into a separate workspace that can be sublet. This not only uses the office space much more efficiently, it also provides an additional income for MPS.

P&A Projects were appointed to the project by TSK to supply and design bespoke lighting features for the open circulation, reception and office breakout areas. The brief also included lighting for the meeting rooms and canteen spaces. The P&A Projects team also provided sample lighting calculations for the areas to ensure they met lighting guidelines.

In the meeting rooms, P&A Projects has supplied bespoke lengths of their Subspace 70 architectural linear luminaires. The bespoke lengths were designed to fit within the acoustic ceiling rafts; providing general lighting in compliance with guidelines. In some of the meeting rooms, five suspended Sabre 2,000 mm pendants have also been fitted.

To illuminate the main canteen and breakout space, 14 Suspended Subspace 50’s have been installed, designed to imitate a grid ceiling. P&A Projects specifically supplied a lighting calculation for this area, to ensure the design provides general lighting in accordance with guidelines.

Elsewhere in the breakout and casual meeting areas, P&A Projects supplied two bespoke recessed versions of the Subspace 50. This has been installed in a similar style to a goal post, travelling vertically up the wall, along the ceiling and back down the opposite side. The dimensions are 6,223 mm x 2,700 mm.

In the same area, a bespoke twin rail biophilic planter feature in gold has been created. This comprises six planters and 6 glass pendants, mounted within a suspended twin curved rail pendant. A suspended POLO 90mm biophilic pendant, complete with plants and a neon 360° LED rope pendant, has also been fitted. Elsewhere, three bespoke biophilic oval pendants – 2,000 mm x 1,200 mm – complete with hanging plants, bring greenery and nature into the space.

Completing the biophilic design, three suspended POLO 900 mm have been partnered with an acoustic moss infill.

The P&A Project luminaires were installed by electrical contractor Performance Electrical.

Neil McClymont, Lighting Design & Technical Manager at P&A Projects said: “MPS has demonstrated its forward thinking values, adapting the changing needs of the workforce while also making the best commercial value from their head office. The newly transformed office looks fantastic and will provide comfortable and productive working spaces for employees and tenants. It was a fantastic opportunity for P&A Projects to demonstrate how our bespoke lighting fixtures can meet the needs of each individual space and requirements.”

Grant Dean, Lead Designer at TSK added: “Lighting played a huge role in this project. Every area has feature ceilings with integrated lighting. From up-lighting and wall lighting to suspended and under-counter lighting, every detail was considered. Even the planters and cupboards have illuminated elements.

As designers, we don’t often get to indulge in this level of detail, which made this project truly special. The lighting is also fully controllable, with pre-programmed settings in meeting rooms, ranging from bright to moody and atmospheric. This flexibility was essential, particularly in supporting neurodiverse needs.”

Sustainability has been embedded throughout the project, from upgrading the building fabric with energy efficient glazing to removing outdated gas systems. These extensive changes have resulted in the building now holding an EPC Rating B and a BREEAM Excellent award.

Project credits:
Client: The TSK Group Limited.
Electrical Contractor: Performance Electrical.
Consultant: PJA.
Photography: Mike Dinsdale.

The post P&A Projects supplies bespoke lighting for Medical Protection Society head office appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.