The white Canvas. A lighting proposal for the KTH library hall

Abstract:

Consolidating a library within the old patio of a building that for more than 100 years has undergone constant transformation is a challenge. Putting a roof over an area that was clearly defined to be open and under it a large library is a great opportunity. Due to its large area, a discussion was opened about implementing light on the surface of the ceiling, in a subtle and abstract way, aligned with the environmental parameters of the city(Fig 1) The white ceiling that appears to be suspended but is supported by large windows then became a White canvas for a play of lights brought on by daylight during the day and electric light for the long hours of darkness. Through qualitative and quantitative methods such as meetings, observations and surveys, the perception of the users was evaluated, and after tests( Fig 2)., models and digital analysis, an intervention was defined on one of its facades that allows that ceiling to be reconnected with the natural and especially with the light. Exploring with elements such as the use of color or the management of reflections results in simple elements that can also be implemented from the architectural design, as support for lighting design.

Keywords: Daylight, Electric lighting, reflections, nature

Uniform vs. uneven lighting: Accommodation of multiple users’ preferences in study rooms

Author: Evdoxia Iro Gkolompia

Abstract:

Uniform lighting in public spaces like study rooms in libraries, is still a common practice. However, uniformly lit spaces cannot support simultaneously the needs of multiple users and can create dull environments. The task of this thesis is to analyze users’ behavior under different lighting conditions in study rooms and investigate whether alternative lighting designs, which step away from uniformity, could be more beneficial than uniform lighting, from a human performance and well-being perspective. A uniformly lit study room in the library of KTH was chosen as the main case study of this investigation and was thoroughly analyzed and evaluated through qualitative and quantitative research. Under the initial hypothesis that the lighting in this study room does not support the needs of its users and does not create an inspiring and comfortable environment, three more study rooms, in three different swedish libraries, were comparatively analyzed through observations, interviews and questionnaires, so as to better understand individual users’ needs and lighting preferences in study rooms. The research showed that there are various types of users that have different personal preferences concerning lighting, in order to feel comfortable and alert. A new conceptual lighting proposal is presented for the study room in KTH library, that follows an uneven lighting approach and uses different zones of lighting that can accommodate individual needs and affect the feeling of comfort, the alertness and finally the well-being of multiple types of users.

Keywords: individual needs, light zones, contrast, visual comfort, lighting in libraries.

Light as a biophilic medium: Workspaces with no view to nature

Author: Elena Mokeeva Hansson

Tutors: Isabel Villar

Abstract:

A substantial part of our lives is spent in offices where lighting is affecting our well-being and health, even if we are not aware of that. Offices are most commonly illuminated by high intensity ceiling lights or suspended linear luminaries which emit uniform light over our heads and cause glare. In this thesis, I question this practice from perspectives of visual ergonomics and well-being and suggest a biophilic approach to lighting. Biophilic design strategies can guide us in a direction of creating comfortable visual environment and improving our well-being along with boosting work performance and creativity. This thesis explores ways to incorporate biophilic lighting design into workspaces that lack views to nature on a case study of an open office in Stockholm, Sweden. Results of this study support the existing knowledge that downlights cause glare and should not be used above desks where people sit for prolonged period of time. I propose conceptual design solutions for indirect ambient lighting and indirect task lighting which are glare free and tuneable in terms of light intensity and correlated colour temperature. Other suggested biophilic lighting solutions include dappled light and water reflection effects, as well as interactive dynamic digital lighting depicting water movements.

Keywords: lighting design, office lighting, daylight, visual ergonomics, well-being.