Lighting control in the office: The power of glass and daylight
Light is perhaps the most underrated building element in the office world. Often, lighting is only added at the end of the project as a functional component of the building. Spotlights are installed and window shades are played with, yet light has the power to completely change the perception of a space. If you want to control light, you don't just work with artificial light; you also utilize daylight. And that's an art in itself. This is achieved, among other things, with glass elements. They function not only as partitions but also as a tool for shaping incoming light into a design. In this article, we delve into the world of lighting design and see how glass walls from System Flex can be of assistance.
Light is more than illumination
In the interior design world, we distinguish between 'lighting' and 'designing with light'. Lighting is purely functional. It allows you to see your keyboard while working, what you're writing, and where you're walking. Designing with light is about experience. You work with light, but also with shadows and the creation of depth. According to the principles of the International Association of Lighting Designers, light determines how we experience a physical space and how we feel within it.
In an office, daylight is a valuable resource. However, the problem with traditional buildings is that light is quickly trapped. The core of the building remains dark and is illuminated by artificial light, such as fluorescent tubes. Glass walls allow natural light to penetrate further into the building.
Beauty of twilight
Lighting management isn't just about the bright midday sun, but also about the transitional moments. An underappreciated phenomenon in the workplace is twilight. As the day draws to a close and shadows lengthen, the light softens and takes on a more colorful quality. A natural time lag occurs. In an office with solid walls, you don't notice this. There, the light is always the same: static and unchanging. Your employees come in dark in the winter and leave dark at the end of the day. This also deprives them of vitamin D.
In an office designed with glass, you truly experience the natural rhythm. The sun sets, shadows creep across the floor through the transparent walls, and you can end your day peacefully. This twilight process subconsciously helps employees regain their peace. It marks the transition from a busy workday to evening. Directing this soft light creates a serene atmosphere that lets the day's stress melt away. As described in our blog post about the Residential Revolution , creating a homely atmosphere is essential for well-being.
Twilight used to be a common practice, but over the years, it's rarely done anymore. The reason was that people were frugal with light, as fuel for lighting was expensive. So they postponed it as much as possible. The transitional moment was a time of rest or social connection. According to the Dutch Green Building Council, optimizing daylight is also one of the most effective ways to increase a building's sustainability.
The art of reflection
When you use light as a design element, you also play with reflection. The choice of profiles determines the "temperature" of your office. As we previously showed in our blog post about Hotel Chic , gold or bronze-colored profiles can give incoming light a warm, luxurious glow. This becomes magical at dusk, when the low sun reflects off the metal and fills the space with an amber-like warmth.
Light and productivity
Light also has a direct impact on our productivity. It keeps you awake. According to research published by the Brain Institute, natural light plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythms and overall mental health in the workplace.
Lighting direction in practice
But how do you best direct light in the right place? How does lighting management work in practice? It requires zoning that suits your business and the function of the space:
- The focus zone: use glass with high sound insulation. This preserves light and guarantees tranquility.
- The Social Zone: Here, the lighting can be more playful. Use patterns in glass or wooden frames on the glass, or in a double-glazed wall for a homely and inviting look.
- The Boardroom: Here you use frosted glass to let in light, but guarantee privacy.
Conclusion: Become the director of your own work environment
Light isn't something you simply consume; it's something you control. From the bright energy of the morning to the soothing shadows of dusk, by viewing glass walls as tools for directing light, you increase the value of your real estate and the well-being of your team.
At System Flex, we understand the language of light. We don't just build walls; we create the frameworks within which light comes to life in your organization.