Uniform vs. uneven lighting: Accommodation of multiple users’ preferences in study rooms

Abstract Uniform lighting in public spaces like study rooms in libraries, is still a common practice. However, uniformly lit spaces are unable to simultaneously meet the needs of multiple users and can create dull environments. The objective of this research is to analyze users’ behavior under different lighting conditions in study rooms and investigate whether alternative lighting designs, which step away from uniformity, could be more beneficial than uniform lighting, from a human performance and well-being perspective. A uniformly lit study room in the library of KTH was chosen as the main case study of this investigation and was thoroughly analyzed and evaluated through qualitative and quantitative research. Under the initial hypothesis that the lighting in this study room does not meet its users’ needs and fails to create an inspiring and comfortable environment, three additional study rooms in different Swedish libraries were comparatively analyzed through observations, interviews, and questionnaires, so as to better understand individual users’ needs and lighting preferences in study rooms. The research revealed the existence of various types of users with different personal preferences regarding lighting in order to feel comfortable and alert. A new conceptual lighting proposal is presented for the study room in KTH library, following an uneven lighting approach that utilizes different lighting zones to accommodate individual needs and affect the sense of comfort, alertness, and ultimately, the well-being of multiple types of users.