Have you ever found yourself fumbling round in the dark trying to find a particular item? Where’s the lighting?
All you needed was light. We take it for granted. If the sun is not yet up, or a window is not in sight, we flip on a light switch. Viola, we can now see.
Light! An essential ingredient that’s required in order to get stuff done.
Light up!
Our ancestors worked by daylight and then slept once the sun went down. When we discovered fire, we could not only cook, we could extend our productivity and communal interaction via fire and candlelight.
Today, we selectively use candle flames to add romance to our lives. Thomas Edison freed us with the discovery of electricity, to create bright light for any task.
How are you lighting your workspace?
- Do you have enough light to easily accomplish your task?
- Does the quality of light inspire you?
- Are you in a dingy space that drags you down?
- Do you require more windows with natural light?
- Does the level of lighting match the task you are doing?
- Does a blanket of cold, unsettling fluorescent light blast you?
I have been obsessed with the quality of light since I was young. You can often find me turning lights on and off, or dimming lights to match the level of lighting to the activity. I come from Australia where the daylight is so bright and strong. European and American light is more diffused, as can be seen in paintings from the Impressionist era. There’s a time and place for both depending on the context.
There’s also a venerated place for darkness, which we need to rest and sleep effectively.
Here are some tips to improve the quality of light in your workspace.
- Select bright warm light, which is easier today with LED lights.
- Consider adding extra lamps in the winter. Up-lights are a great solution as they bounce light off the ceiling. Is it any wonder we paint so many ceilings are white?
- SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder is real! If you find that your mood really starts to dip when fall is on its way, you know what I’m talking about. Sitting under a really bright lamp for at least 30 minutes a day can be really helpful.
- There’s definitely a correlation between light and color. Generally, if you want to lighten up your space it makes sense to select light colors.
- Add a highly reflective surface such as a mirror can reflect more light.
- Match the level of lighting to the activity and ambience that you enjoy.
And if you work with the visually impaired, then really pay attention to the sensory experience of sound and smell in the environment.