Clinics

Examination Room Lighting Design for Clinics

Place light where people work or read faces. Layer task light over ambient light and test glare from occupied positions.

Explore the ideas
Bedroom with a low upholstered bed and open route beside the bed
Rest-space inspiration: consider approach and transfer space around furniture.

Plan in this order

  1. Mark tasks, viewing angles and screen locations on the furniture plan before placing fittings.
  2. Separate regularly used tasks from the room's general lighting so each can be controlled independently.
  3. Test the proposed fitting and finish sample together. Glossy finishes can reflect a bright source directly into view.
Worked example

Imagine a resident who wakes at night and needs to find the bathroom while a bright ceiling light disturbs a sleeping partner.

Explore a separately controlled low-level route light and a task light for care activities. Put controls where the resident can reach them, and have a qualified professional confirm suitable fittings and placement.

How to test it

Check the space in daylight and after dark. Stand and sit where people actually use it, and check controls from the entry.

Apply it to this space
Layout
Keep the examination surface accessible from working sides and place a screen between the door and changing area.
Detail
Use easy-clean flooring and task lighting directed to the examination area with a separate ambient source.
Trade-off
More equipment storage can constrain staff movement.
  • Walk the clinician route around the surface
  • Check changing privacy from the doorway
Bathroom layout diagrams illustrating alternative fixture arrangements
Care planning reference: review bathroom movement and fixture positions together.

The Elixir portfolio

Details worth a closer look

Photographs for design inspiration
Bedroom with a clear bed approach and softly lit wall niches
Rest-space inspiration: keep bedside lighting and approach points easy to identify.

Related design guides

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