Spatial distribution for activity-based lighting in primary schools

This research project explores spatial distribution as a lighting variable in educational spaces. Within the project, different lighting distribution scenes are tested in relation to classroom learning activities. Spatial perception, visual development, human scale, and ergonomics are among the parameters setting the foundation to understand children’s perception and vantage points. Participatory methods are used to involve and gain knowledge from pupils and teachers, before the installation of new lighting in two of the school’s classrooms. Lighting is designed, measured, and evaluated considering design parameters specifically for 10-to-12-year-old pupils. Spatial lighting distribution is evaluated through an experimental field study where creativity and attention are registered through standardized tests to map potential correlations between light changes and test outcomes.

Bio Stavroula Angelaki is PhD candidate at the Department of Architecture, KTH. She holds a MSc in Lighting Design and BSc in Interior Architecture, Decorative Arts and Design. Her research focuses on lighting interventions in educational spaces beyond retrofitting solutions, considering participatory methods and classroom activities as defining parameters for lighting proposals.

Opponent Niko Gentile is a senior lecturer at the Division of Energy and Building Design of Lund University. His research focuses in the field of lighting and daylighting. He works with technical and observed-based evaluations, combining a background in building physics with principles and methods from the domains of environmental psychology and architecture. Niko is part of NLITED, a modular need-based online course in daylighting of buildings for traditional students and lifelong learners, and a co-author of the book "Daylighting and lighting under a Nordic sky". He leads Subtask D "Applications and case studies" of the newly approved IEA SHC Task 70 (coordinated with IEA EBC) "Low Carbon, High Comfort Integrated Lighting".

For a copy of the manuscript, please contact Stavroula Angelaki at angelaki@kth.se