Ambient lighting in the classroom
Fagerhult are now launching a specially designed classroom lighting system called Indira. Based on new research findings highlighting the importance of ambient light in the study environment, Indira is based solely on ambient lighting. Low-energy LED light sources create a brighter, more pleasant classroom – with significantly lower power consumption.
Indira was specially developed for a study in collaboration with Lund University. Conducted at a Swedish upper-secondary school in the 2012–2013 school years, the study found that Indira improved pupils’ activity and well-being – while cutting power consumption by 13%.
Fagerhult’s research has previously found a positive influence on pupils in rooms with a high proportion of indirect lighting on the walls and ceiling. The findings also indicated that LED lighting was perceived as brighter than T5.
“LED created the opportunity to develop the perfect classroom lighting, without runaway energy costs,” says Lars Eriksson, product manager at Fagerhult. “This study compared Indira with the market’s best T5 solutions and proved that Indira provides 33% more light at 13% lower power consumption.”
Indira consists of three different varieties of luminaires, all of which mount on Fagerhult’s iTracks: a wallwasher, a combined wallwasher/uplighter and a pure uplighter. The fixtures are based solely on providing indirect light, and combine to create a powerful lighting solution with greater perceived illumination. Because the lighting is indirect, it is completely glare-free and provides pleasant shadowing, a necessity for creating a natural, welcoming feel in the classroom. The installation only has one electrical connection point, making it fast and efficient. The solution is future-safe and flexible – it’s easy to move the luminaires or add to them if needed.
“The research shows that extensive indirect light stimulates learning, but achieving such levels with traditional lighting solutions takes a lot of power. This creates an enormous risk that the educational benefits of indirect light will be sacrificed in the name of energy efficiency. According to Light and Room, the Swedish lighting industry’s planning guide for lighting systems, there is an energy requirement of no more than 12 W/m2. Indira provides all the necessary light, with a consumption of just 8 W/m2. This ensures the best possible lighting for pupils, combined with low power consumption. Indira is an invaluable investment in our children’s future. A sustainable solution from a human, environmental and financial perspective”, concludes Lars Eriksson.