Bright spaces

Natural light exposure boosts creativity and well-being; it also enhances spatial quality and the awareness of time.

“Architecture is the masterly, correct, and magnificent play of masses brought together in light. Our eyes are made to see forms in light; light and shade reveal these forms.” Le Corbusier - Architect

Capturing the light

Prioritise the location of operational work tasks in the areas with higher incidence of day light, as all permanent working spaces must have natural light. The contrast between perimeter windows, the ceiling, the floor, and vertical surfaces creates the potential for glare, therefore, use diffuser light coloured surfaces to reflect sunlight into the interior. The light transmission coefficient (LT) of colours is a key factor to the intensity of natural light reflected into the space, recommended values ensure a bright interior space.

Ceiling

Ceiling colour should provide a light transmission LT > 70%

Perimeter

Permanent working spaces. Avoid placing meeting rooms at the facade. Desk should be placed 90º to window. Avoid circulation adjacent to external perimeters.

Floors

Recommended LT 20%

Core of the building

Locate enclosed workplaces and support areas. Colour temperature 4000k in spaces with natural light. Create contrast with warmer/darker colours in spaces with less natural light, adapt lighting colour temperature to 3000k.

Glare

Glare control devices should be provided at the facade for comfort, such as manually operated curtains.

Transparency for a sense of openness

Use transparent partitions and translucid elements close to windows to bring natural light into the building as deeply as possible.

Plants are an effective solar radiation filter.
They can also be used as space dividers.

Translucent curtains allow light to flow and offer a flexible solution for delimiting different spaces.
Low height partition panels are also an alternative, although less flexible.

All the partitions of an enclosed area that are oriented to windows should be transparent, additional privacy can be provided by curtains, which give flexibility while adding acoustic value if required.

Control direct sunlight at visual task areas with glare protection systems.
Provision balanced luminance on interior surfaces, particularly between perimeter windows and key vertical surfaces.

Create sequential spaces, encourage cross views

The height of partitions and other elements that define working areas should be limited to max.170cm. This height allows visual interaction and natural light to flow into different areas, avoiding monotony and encouraging users to move freely around the workplace.

Low furniture, 90cm high, used as storage or display.

Translucent storage elements max. 150cm high.

Wheeled whiteboards and other brainstorming movable boards allow for flexibility.

Curtains hanging on suspended rails from the ceiling. Play with transparencies and opacities.

Furniture should be a max. 90cm high to separate and yet connect diverse areas.

Use of transparent glass and translucid curtains. Include a graphic symbol or pattern on the glass that makes it visible to avoid any injuries.

Key to Bright spaces

All permanent workplaces should have quality natural light.
Allow light to travel across different areas using transparent or translucent partitions for a sense of openness.
Quality of light depends on the materials’ reflectivity, so consider when defining colours for finishes.

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