La office lighting It implies a complex and well-studied planning project, which involves various lighting systems and elements: linear, perimeter, rendered, track projectors, pendant luminaires, diffusers, wall lights, etc. In current projects, moreover, any surface it is capable of housing the luminaires, and not just the ceiling as has been done traditionally. The walls and soil They are also excellent supports to install lights with different functions. Today we are going to focus, however, on a light resource which has been common in the most modern offices, and which solves the lack of natural light: artificial light skylights or skylights.

Advantages of skylights

This type of lighting is the artificial version of skylights of natural light. Its effect is very well achieved, so that, on many occasions, it seems that it is a skylight real. This lighting solution resolves lighting in low light areas, many of them in the entries of the offices, which are almost always located in the central part of the office floor. Its most obvious advantage is that it provides a homogeneous light that bathes the entire room and is similar to natural light.

Features to consider

When making a artificial light skylight Several aspects are taken into consideration: area that you want to illuminate; design (oval, rectangular shape, etc.); plan relative to the ceiling (level, in relief or in low relief); lighting installation interior (type, intensity and temperature of light); and material translucent which will be used. Also, as we will see, it is possible to innovate and create more decorative special designs that move away from the nuclear image and somewhat "spaceship" that these systems usually entail.

lighting area

One of the advantages of systems skylights is that there is no area limit, and that it is just as effective in small areas as in large ones. The only difference is that, in large areas, they need a structure solid structure that supports the internal system and the translucent sheets. It is important to remember that this system can coexist perfectly with natural light, since its function is not only to illuminate spaces without light but also in Night hours.

shapes and designs

As expected, there is a wide variety of designs, so it is difficult to find two identical skylights. However, in terms of shape, it is possible to establish two clear geometric lines: straight or curved. In this sense, as is logical, the functionality compared to decorative creativity, since the important thing is to provide homogeneous light to the space, and any element or decoration that is installed on the light panels It would detract from functionality.

However, you can always play with the shapes and the design of the space. We see it clearly in these two cases that appear on these lines.
Above: a skylight enclosed in a kind of cabin, which acts as a small meeting room, and which creates an effect of Space capsule.
Down: The spectacular skylight of these offices of the European Union in Buenos Aires was designed keeping the same line of the ship shaped table an allegory to the ties between the two continents and the sea that unites and separates them.

Alignment with roof

Although it is common for skylights are aligned with the ceiling, the interior designers have been able to take advantage of the different laying plans of the skylights. They can also live with other materials that highlight the beam of light: wood, sound-absorbing materials, plasterboard, plaster and other coverings such as polystyrene or polypropylene. As we have seen in previous cases, the skylight may be set back, flush to the ceiling or relief, which allows you to play with shapes and designs in a spectacular way.

The importance of light intensity

The skylights They are not independent elements and must be consistent with the rest of the office lightingeither natural or artificial. For this reason it is important to distribute the points of light according to the space, so that it does not depend only on the skylight. It is necessary to combine general lighting with spot and think about the different hours of the day. Of course, we always refer to LED lighting. For skylights it is usually used white light (cold) between 3.000 and 4.000 degrees Kelvin. The Luminous intensity It must be between 500 and 750 lux, and preferably with an intelligent control system that allows it to be adjusted. Those areas that are used occasionally must have at least 50 lux, while those that are used throughout the working day must have 100lux. And although in pass zone a minimum of 25 lux is required, this measure must be doubled in the event that there is any risk of falling, collision or extra effort. 

So that we understand each other, the light intensity is measured by lux and lumen, two concepts that are closely related. While the lumens measure the amount of light emitted by a source luxuries determine this same amount of light, but projected onto a surface.

Translucent sheet materials

In this section, there are several interesting options. Due to weight, safety and cost, it is usually discard glass and opt for lighter and more flexible materials, which allow interesting shapes to be created without fear of breakage. For example, him polycarbonate, an engineering thermoplastic with high impact resistance, available in various thicknesses in both colorless and opal white. Currently, one of the most widely used materials is fiberglass reinforced acrylic resinand with a gelcoat treatment to improve its resistance. Their and advantages They are multiple: good diffusion of light, high durability (does not yellow or lose its properties over time); resistance to aggressive chemical agents such as acids and solvents; good behavior against fire and does not suffer dilations.

However, technology is advancing rapidly towards innovative and intelligent materials, which allow lighting any environment. It is the case of vinyl stretch ceilings, that allow you to create backlit ceilings and translucent false ceilings. Stretch ceilings act as a vapor barrier, anti-dust, anti-pollution and are waterproof. They avoid chemical contamination and condensation problems caused by humidity. These fabrics are also resistant to stains and have thermal and acoustic qualities.

decorative options

We end our tour with these two images, that open up a whole world of aesthetic possibilities to us by integrating skylights in a very decorative way in office ceilings, through a design of panels combined with wood. In both cases, moreover, alternates with natural light, with ceiling and table lamps, thus demonstrating that it is an excellent alternative to other types of lighting, such as linear luminaires or recessed spotlights. 

Photos: OfficeSnapShots