Lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere while ensuring good orientation and safety. Well-thought-out lighting design of the building circulation supports students and pupils by intuitively helping them to find their way around their educational institution and feel comfortable. As a visual guidance system, lighting guides people through the building, which is particularly important in large and initially confusing schools or universities. Sufficient lighting (at least 100 lux) is essential to feel safe and comfortable and to be able to evacuate the building quickly in an emergency. As well as providing general lighting, indirect ceiling lighting or illuminated walls in corridors can make the room appear larger and improve orientation and the quality of stay.
In stairwells, however, sufficiently bright (at least 150 lux) and glare-free light (UGR < 25) must be ensured. Contrasts help to make steps easily perceptible. Light also emphasises important information. Separately switchable accent lights help visually accentuate elements such as building plans or noticeboards. Pure functionality is not always the focus. The lighting should also create a pleasant atmosphere where zones are used as recreation areas during breaks in class. A building's circulation infrastructure has an important place within the lighting design and in the evaluation of the energy balance. Presence and daylight sensors help to reduce energy costs. For example, they ensure that corridor lighting is only switched on when there is movement, or by using natural daylight and supplementing it with artificial light only when necessary.
