Bright or Dark? Different Ages Need Different Lighting in Classrooms.

Have you heard of this national project by Japan that changed the color of street lights to reduce the crime rates? Theory (now myth) suggested blue light has a calming effect which may effectively prevent potential crimes from happening. If you heard about this 15 years ago, here’s an update for you:

Regardless, science has long been proving several effects of lighting on our cognitive behaviors — including the ones in the educational context.

How far do you go to optimize your classrooms? Outside of learning content, there are so many more factors that affect our students’ learning environment, such as temperature, noise, chairs, tables, devices, monitors, size of classrooms, and so much more. I think the list doesn’t end and shouldn’t.

The teachers should always seek the most optimal learning environment. Last time, I discussed the surprising effect of odors (smell, fragrance, etc.):

And this time, I’m back with something visual 👁️ 👁️

What if I tell you different age levels need different lighting? What if different subjects/courses need different lighting? Have you ever questioned if natural lights are actually good for classrooms? If you are a school leader reading this or planning to renovate your classrooms, this will be a good consideration to have.

Science Behind Lighting and Ambience

Lighting plays a crucial role in our daily lives, influencing everything from our mood to our productivity. In educational settings, the right lighting can enhance learning experiences and improve overall well-being.

The General Effects of Lighting

1. Circadian Rhythms:

   • Natural light helps regulate our internal body clock, known as circadian rhythms. Exposure to bright, natural light during the day can improve alertness and enhance mood, while dim lighting in the evening signals the body to wind down.

2. Mood and Emotion:

   • Bright, well-lit environments are associated with increased levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being. Conversely, poor lighting can lead to feelings of fatigue and depression.

3. Cognitive Performance:

   • Studies have shown that appropriate lighting conditions can improve concentration, memory, and overall cognitive performance. Well-lit environments reduce eye strain and fatigue, facilitating better learning.

Above matters, though they sound very scientific, we may all agree based on our daily lives and experiences.

Types of Lighting and Their Effects in the Educational Context

According to UCL (University College London), “out of all design parameters in school, including air temperature, acoustics, and CO₂ concentration, according to one study daylight has the highest impact on overall student progress.”

Natural light enhances mood, boosts energy levels, and supports circadian rhythms. Natural light is also found to “positively contribute to a higher academic performance in reading as well as in science” (UCL).

However, don’t forget natural light is from the mighty Sun! ☀️ Excessive natural light can lead to glare on screens and surfaces, causing distractions and discomfort. It can also increase the temperature in the classroom. We all know we cannot concentrate in hot classrooms.

Different types of artificial light are widely available in the market.

• Warm Artificial Light (2700K - 3000K):

  • Effects: Creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere; promotes relaxation and comfort.

  • Best For: Younger students (preschool to elementary), where a warm environment can foster creativity and collaboration.

• Cool White Lighting (3500K - 4100K):

  • Effects: Increases alertness and concentration; mimics natural daylight.

  • Best For: Middle school and high school students, who benefit from enhanced focus during study periods.

• Daylight Simulation (5000K - 6500K):

  • Effects: Maximizes alertness and cognitive function; reduces drowsiness.

  • Best For: College students and adult learners, particularly in environments with intense study sessions or late-night classes.

• Task Lighting:

  • Effects: Provides focused illumination for specific activities, reducing eye strain and increasing productivity.

  • Best For: All age groups, especially in settings where detailed work, such as reading or writing, is required.

Good Lighting By Age Group

While there are no definite answers, it is interesting to see reasonable correlation between age and the Kelvin (K) value, where the higher K value means colder (more blue) color light.

In summary, you could remember this rule:

• Preschool and Early Elementary (Ages 3-7): Use warm lighting (2700K - 3000K) to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that supports comfort and creativity.

• Late Elementary to Middle School (Ages 8-12): Transition to cool white lighting (3500K - 4100K) to enhance focus and concentration during more structured learning activities.

• High School (Ages 13-18): Incorporate daylight simulation lighting (5000K - 6500K) to maintain energy levels and reduce drowsiness, especially during study sessions.

• College and Adult Learners (Ages 18+): Utilize bright, cool lighting (5000K - 6500K) to promote alertness and productivity in demanding academic environments.

There are personal differences and preferences.

Case Studies on Interesting Schools

Now, let’s take a look at some schools that strategically use lighting for optimal learning environment!

1. The Green School, Bali, Indonesia

The Green School emphasizes sustainability and holistic education in a natural setting. The school utilizes abundant natural light through large windows and open-air classrooms.

Here, students reported increased focus and engagement, with teachers noting improved behavior and participation during lessons.

More interior visuals are available here:

2. Birmingham City University, UK

The university's new campus incorporated advanced lighting design as part of its commitment to student well-being and academic success.

They adopted a strategy called “Dynamic LED Lighting,” where classrooms are equipped with LED lights that adjust color temperature throughout the day to mimic natural daylight.

Research indicated dynamic LED lighting can yield a 30% increase in student alertness and a significant reduction in fatigue during long study sessions.

3. The Hellerup School, Denmark

The Hellerup School employs a zoned lighting strategy that combines ambient, task, and natural lighting. Each learning zone is equipped with adjustable LED lights that can change in intensity and color based on the activity. Feedback from students indicated an improvement in concentration and comfort, with a reported 20% increase in collaborative work during group activities, demonstrating the effectiveness of tailored lighting solutions.

More visuals:

4. Germantown High School, Tennessee, USA

Following a major renovation, Germantown High School upgraded its lighting system to create a more conducive learning environment. Classrooms were designed with large windows and energy-efficient LED lights, providing bright, cool white light during the day. The school reported a 25% decrease in disciplinary incidents and improved academic performance, attributing these changes to the enhanced learning atmosphere created by effective lighting strategies.

5. Vuggestuen Tummelumsen, Roskilde, Denmark

This kindergarten implemented a lighting strategy that focuses on enhancing children's spatial perception. The design includes spotlights and ceiling lights that work together to create a dynamic lighting environment. Observations indicated that the combination of natural light and strategically placed artificial lighting improved children's engagement and comfort during activities. The lighting design emphasized sharp shadows to help children understand shapes and forms, which supports their cognitive development.

If you are more interested in the kindergarten’s lighting strategy, try reading this:

These case studies illustrate how thoughtful lighting design can significantly enhance educational environments by improving focus, engagement, and overall well-being among students.

I hope this post gave you an insight on how passionate educators in different countries are changing their education. If you liked this post, subscribe to get weekly insights for educators on global innovation in education.

See you in the next one 👋,

Christopher Lee (Let’s connect on LinkedIn!)

Room for Growth