Offices
Open Workstations Workstation Light Control for Offices
Layer room and task light to reduce screen reflections and support focused work through the day.
Explore the ideas
Plan in this order
- Map daylight direction and monitor position before choosing task lighting.
- Put controllable task light on the side that does not cast the user's hand shadow.
- Separate work lighting from ambient lighting so each can be adjusted.
Worked example
Imagine a programmer switching between a monitor and handwritten notes as daylight shifts across the desk.
Keep the monitor out of the direct window reflection and provide separately controlled task lighting for paper. Test the controls from the seated position and avoid glare on glossy surfaces.
How to test it
Check the screen and paper surface at the workstation during different daylight conditions.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Arrange desk rows with a distinct aisle and keep high-traffic routes behind, rather than between, seated workers.
- Detail
- Use modest-height screens and task lights so people can tune their own work area without darkening the room.
- Trade-off
- More desk density reduces spare space for informal collaboration.
- Mock up chair pullback and aisle width
- Check screen glare at seated eye level
The Elixir portfolio
Details worth a closer look
