Since Lutron Electronics founder Joel Spira invented the first solid-state electronic dimmer, the company has become synonymous with innovative lighting for residential and commercial interiors. As we head back to the office, we are thinking about how lighting can not only enhance the workspace, but also create a more positive experience for employees.
Two leaders at Lutron recently shared their thoughts about the evolution of workplace lighting— from static fixtures to cutting-edge tools that allow the user to create an ideal environment for work using intuitive systems.
Personalized Lighting
Just as employees want to choose when to come into the office, they want to choose lighting that best suits their needs on any given day. Experts believe that personalized lighting will become the norm for post-pandemic spaces.
“People have experienced curated lighting in their home for a year, and they know what good, personalized lighting is like now. I think that’s going to drive a lot of what we see moving forward. I may want to bring my laptop with me and sit right next to the window for access to daylight. I may want the light dimmed to the correct color temperature so that I look great on camera. As we think about re-entry into the workplace, I think the concept of personalization, and being able to set up your own environment in the office, is going to be important,” said Cecilia E. Ramos, senior director, architectural market, Lutron.
Photo copyright Kim Rodgers Photography. Image courtesy of Lutron.
“We might think that we’ve had curated lighting for a long time, but in reality, we don’t give the end-users access to personalized lighting in many of these open offices. The ability to change the light with either an app or some sort of desktop controller hasn’t been used much yet in the corporate environment. I think there are opportunities now for simple color temperature and light intensity control in the office. It doesn’t require a lot of additional, complicated technologies,” said Brent Protzman, director, building science and standards development, Lutron.
Lighting that Mimics Nature
Harsh artificial light is no longer acceptable in the workplace. Staff members want lighting that is calming and captures the feeling of being in nature. Lighting and shade systems can now let users bring the best elements of the outdoors to the office. “During quarantine, people took advantage of being surrounded by nature. Offices are not necessarily built that way, to maximize natural light and views. We have automated shades that give you more access to daylight, and adapt based on the sun’s position. We can change the color of light and change how you perceive a room,” Protzman explained.
Photo copyright Jake Holt. Image courtesy of Lutron.
Users can now have the look and feel of daylight anywhere in the office, no matter which floor they are on or if their desk is located in a far off corner. “There are a lot of new technologies out there that essentially mimic daylight, which create a seamless transition between interior and exterior light. At the office you may not have the luxury of sitting near a window. Having the control of electric lights, you can wash the space in illumination that is just like daylight. It basically brings the window seat to you, and I think it’s something that we are going to see more of,” Ramos noted.
Intuitive Systems
The latest lighting systems designed for the workspaces require the latest technology, yet they can’t be too complicated to use on a daily basis. “Giving people control of their lights is not the hard part. The hard part is making sure people understand the technology so that they actually take advantage of it. If a system is confusing, or an app isn’t intuitive, then they won’t be utilized. At Lutron, we’ve developed intuitive user interfaces and products that can be integrated with third-party systems. We’ve simplified everything,” Protzman noted.
Image courtesy of Lutron.
“I think systems have to be fundamentally intuitive. They have to fit into what people already know. If you think about hotel lighting controls, the concept is the same. A person spends one night in a room, and they have to immediately understand the control panel on the wall. It has to be in a global language, because you have people traveling from different countries. We have to take that same logic and apply it as we move forward,” Ramos added.
Future-Proofing the Office
As we think about the offices of the future, lighting must adapt like people and spaces do. Flexible solutions are essential for companies as they grow, and as the world remains in a state of flux. “People want to know what’s coming next, and how they can prepare for the future. They want to have the infrastructure in place, and still be able to adapt. We’re future-proofing by preparing for flexible spaces. That includes having a platform that allows you to continually update the software. We continue with the development, and people are going to be able to get more features every few months throughout the life of the system,” Protzman said.
Lutron’s own Athena platform has several new enhancements which were launched in May, dubbed Athena 2.0. The sleek touchscreen manages both lights and shades from one simple interface. Athena now supports integration with a variety of audio-visual systems, while the app provides more precise control of correlated color temperature and intensity. All of the essential features are a touch away, making selecting the right lighting easier for professionals and end-users.
“You can set the color temperatures and moods via your personal iPhone and save it. Previously, you always had to have a technician on site to make these changes happen. With Athena 2.0, it just takes the touch of a button. it’s super easy and a time-saver,” Ramos added.
Caption: Automated Lutron shades help to prevent glare at the Shiseido office in New York City. Photo copyright Eric Laignel. Image courtesy of Lutron.