In recent years, human centric lighting – a philosophy describing lighting that creates more comfortable, welcoming, and engaging environments for people – has become a widely discussed talking point in the building industry. But differences of opinion regarding its impact and scope have generated discussion among industry specifiers and end users.
Lutron Electronics, the leader in lighting controls and automated shading solutions, believes human centric lighting should promote comfort, enable enhanced well-being, and foster engagement. As Ripu Daman Sharma, Country Manager of Lutron for India Subcon region, says, “High-quality lighting has become an essential amenity in the construction and design industry. Human centric lighting implies that we’re designing light to really enhance health, well-being and productivity. Daylight and personal control can make a profound difference in people’s experience of the built environment, making spaces more attractive for employers, workers, and customers.”
To further those goals, Lutron has created a holistic approach to human centric lighting named HXL. HXL approach combines four elements of lighting design to allow people to be, work, and feel their best: Quality Light, Natural Light, Connection to the Outdoors, and Adaptive and Personalized control.
This approach recognizes the importance of biophilia, a human connection to nature; incorporates the Internet of Things with smart technology; and allows people to manage their environment with a variety of personalized control. Indeed, the four elements of lighting design focus on different aspects of the human experience:
- Quality light. The impact of quality light can’t be understated. For designers, it can mean the difference between delivering their design intent – such as preserving color or highlighting architectural features – or not. For occupants, it may make the difference between feeling engaged or detached. With tunable white control and high-performance dimming, Lutron quality light technology helps create unforgettable experiences.
- Natural light. Sunlight, of course, is the standard by which light is measured. Our approach maximizes daylight with dynamic shading solutions, which let light in while mitigating glare. Together, the seamless combination of daylight and interior light feels balanced at any time of day.
- Connection to the outdoors. The concept of biophilia, which suggests that humans have an inherent desire to connect with nature, has become a central component of architectural design. Our strategy emphasizes window views and uses shades that mitigate glare to promote this relationship.
- Adaptive and personalized control. The Internet of Things, through automation and connection, is helping to create flexible, dynamic environments that interact with people, support efficiency, and help save energy. Lutron’s approach also leverages smart technology to change spaces for the benefit of the occupants and allows people to shape those spaces with personalized control.
The HXL approach also supports sustainability by helping reduce energy costs and embracing elements of the natural world, and it contributes to design supporting WELL and LEED standards.
“The Lutron’s approach illuminates the human experience,” said Ripu Daman. “The concept of human centric lighting is about creating more comfortable and engaging environments for people, just being sensitive to human needs, whether it’s in an office space, home, in a hospital, in a classroom or stay in a hotel for vacation, “ he said. With this human centric concept in mind, Lutron puts the benefits to space occupants at the core of any discussion about lighting control and technology. Ripu Daman added that among many companies, aspects of human centric lighting are already a key consideration of any architectural and design plan – a trend that will only continue. “We just need to evolve over time to get the best result for every project, ” said Ripu Daman.
