The recent completion of the Open University’s Jennie Lee Building represents a remarkable achievement in jobs in lighting for learning environment. This building houses the Institute of Education Technology and Computing Department and occupies an area of 5,000 square metres.

The task faced by those with jobs in lighting was to ensure that the lighting in this project could create the optimum learning environment and contribute to a highly sustainable building. Considering the number of computers in use in this building, it is vital to minimise obstacles to concentration in the form of glare and reflection.

The jobs in lighting were successfully achieved by using a broad range of suspended and recessed luminaires. A series of intelligent control systems were installed so that different products could match precisely the variety of educational and study requirements of the multi-use facility. Specifically, the trick was to provide an even, continuous and glare-free spread of downlighting in study rooms, while choosing decorative yet energy-efficient lighting for public areas. In meeting rooms, precise optical control and a perfect balance between uplighting and downlighting are required.

Indeed, the education sector is increasingly becoming a key part of business for those with jobs in lighting. From safety-driven luminaires that are needed in the sports hall, to other products that provide glare-free lighting and sharp aesthetic looks, those with jobs in lighting need to carefully specify and create highly versatile luminaires in order to satisfy the demands of the education setting.