Shared spaces like co-living, hostels, as well as coworking spaces, can benefit greatly from a meticulously planned lighting arrangement. Appropriately designed lighting also has an amazing capacity to foster a pleasant atmosphere and a high level of energy in the designated space while adding to its aesthetic value. An adequately illuminated space is favorable to comfort, peace and positive energy.
The specific requirements for lighting in a room depend on the room’s function, preferences of occupants, and overall design aesthetic of the room such as the color of the walls, the furniture, and the color of the linens used. Experimenting with different lighting setups is often beneficial to find the right balance for the room’s purpose and atmosphere. Here are some considerations and suggestions for lighting arrangements in coliving spaces:
The usage of the space guides the lighting design. Unlike in a house, there is a definite space designed for a specific activity like a study room, living room, bedroom, dining etc. The scenario is different in a hostel room, here in a constrained space acts as a study, resting space work area etc. Likely two variant lighting features come into the picture i.e. Ambient lighting, and concentrated task lighting.
Task-oriented concentrated lighting
Psychologically bright white light (3000-4500k) gives a user with positive high energy level to a person performing a concentrated task ex working, reading, studying etc.
The study light is always preferred to be bright white light at a handy height from the tabletop preferably with a narrower beam angle wherein the light intensity is brighter and area-specific. This ensures the privacy of the co-occupant doing a different task.
Ambient room lighting
Overall room lighting depends on various factors
- Size of the room.
- Colour and textures around
- Space utilization
- No of occupants
- The infiltration of the natural light at different parts of the day
- Furniture color and placement
The amount of light required has always been a personal preference. We are looking to illuminate the space mainly catering to the younger dynamic adults. That calls for an evenly well-lit bright space both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Herein the down lighters with wider beam spectrum are the unanimous choice. Considering the diverse occupant and varied usage of space lighting is expected to jell with the mood expected. Evenly distributed low-intensity multi-light with a well-planned control system helps in achieving an intended warm/cozy/bright feel.
Task lighting could also act as the bedside reading light when placed handy to both the working table and bed .preferred light would be bright white/natural daylight with retractable head, 9-12w.
General lighting -In a room of 12’x10’, 2 occupants. App 2000-2500 lumens LED 8w -4no, 2 each connected in a loop would serve the purpose of total illumination (walls and furniture of light color).
LED is proven to be the most energy-efficient lighting solution, initially, it might be a costly solution, but comes with long-term benefits. as proven it saves 1/10 the energy consumption cost in comparison with the other lighting solutions.
The common area (lobby/corridor/staircase well) lighting
- Lobby/corridor/staircase, the vital part being to secure the safety of the user by providing a well-equipped lighting system that enables clear vision.
- Staircase well to be provided with a min 150lux illumination.a ceiling mount light at one of the landing and a wall light at alternate landing such that its first and last step is sufficiently illuminated.
- Lobby/corridor to be illuminated considering 150-200 lux i.e. app 2- 5 sqft of area is effectively /watt of LED fitting, (specifications vary from product to product).
Lighting design in co-living spaces is crucial for creating a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment that accommodates the needs and preferences of multiple residents.
Author: Swapna Revankar
Email: Kudtarkar_swapna@rediffmail.com
Designation: Interior consultant, SharedSpaces
