Bright spaces

Natural light exposure boosts creativity and well-being; it also enhances spatial quality and the awareness of time.

Architecture is the masterly, correct, and magnificent play of masses brought together in light. Our eyes are made to see forms in light; light and shade reveal these forms. Le Corbusier - Architect

Capturing the light

Prioritise the location of operational work tasks in the areas with higher incidence of day light, as all permanent working spaces must have natural light. The contrast between perimeter windows, the ceiling, the floor, and vertical surfaces creates the potential for glare, therefore, use diffuser light coloured surfaces to reflect sunlight into the interior. The light transmission coefficient (LT) of colours is a key factor to the intensity of natural light reflected into the space, recommended values ensure a bright interior space.

Ceiling

For zones close to perimeter, standard recommended light transmission (LT): 70% for ceilings, 50% for walls, LT 20% for floors

Perimeter

Permanent working spaces. Avoid placing meeting rooms at the facade. Desk should be placed 90º to window. Avoid circulation adjacent to external perimeters.

Core of the building

Locate enclosed workspaces and support areas in interior zones. For work and meeting spaces include a glass partition to allow daylight to penetrate. Where appropriate, create contrast from daylit zones with warmer/darker colours (lower LT values)

Glare

Glare control devices should be provided at the facade for comfort, such as manually or electrically operated shades or curtains.

Transparency for a sense of openness

Use transparent partitions and translucid elements close to windows to bring natural light into the building as deeply as possible.

Plants are an effective solar radiation filter.
They can also be used as space dividers.

Translucent curtains allow light to flow and offer a flexible solution for delimiting different spaces.
Low height partition panels are also an alternative, although less flexible.

All the partitions of an enclosed area that are oriented to windows should be transparent, additional privacy can be provided by curtains, which give flexibility while adding acoustic value if required.

Control direct sunlight at visual task areas with glare protection systems.
Provide balanced illumination on interior surfaces taking into account daylight and artificial light, avoiding glare and extreme contrasts.

Create sequential spaces, encourage cross views

The height of elements that define open work areas should be carefully considered. Natural light should be allowed to flow throughout. Visual connection between different areas should be intentionally designed, avoiding monotony and encouraging users to move freely around the workplace.

Low furniture elements are used as storage, display, and zone definition.

Semi-open storage elements serve as visual and acoustic separation. High-back ancillary furniture can also be incorporated to support focus work. Avoid placement in locations that block daylight.

Wheeled whiteboards and other brainstorming movable boards allow for flexibility.

Curtains on a suspended track offer the opportunity to play with transparency and opacity.

Systems furniture height should be a maximum of 90cm to allow for daylight and views access, and to separate yet connect diverse areas.

When using transparent glass, include curtains or apply a guideline-compliant manifestation that makes the glass visible, in order to avoid any injuries. Refer to Roche Brand web page for signage guidelines.

Key to Bright spaces

All permanent workspaces should have quality natural light.
Allow light to travel across different areas using transparent or translucent partitions for a sense of openness.
Quality of light depends on the materials’ reflectivity, so consider light transmission coefficient (LT) when defining colours and finishes.
Be cautious with materials that have highly polished surfaces and glossy textures, as they cause glare.