Go Light on Light

In his classic, Caring Spaces, Learning Places, Jim Greenman shares his thoughts on lighting in centers:

"There is a pervasive tendency to over-light all new institutional settings.  This may be a reaction both to the old days of dark, drab settings with few windows and other amenities and to the power of the fluorescent light revolution.  Banks of diffused fluorescent lighting allow maximum flexibility and lowest cost.  At any given spot one can read small print or string beads.  But why is this necessary?  And would you prefer to live under banks of fluorescent lights in your living room or bedroom?  A mixture of fluorescent light, natural light from windows and skylights, and local area lighting (some on tracks) will allow flexibility that creates pools of light.  Light can also be bounced off a ceiling....

"Light has some of the same possibilities as a design tool that color does.  Teachers can use light to influence activities and moods; reduced lighting calms, increased lighting can brighten spirits.  Lighting at different height levels adds variety.  Light dimmers are useful tools."

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