Visual lighting design

Adequate light levels are needed for a broad variety of activities, including reading and working with detail. Brightness levels also contribute to the perception of spaciousness, as well as to the visual appeal of illuminated spaces. Light intensity is measured with photopic lux (or foot candles), which is the weighted response of the 4 visual photoreceptors within the retina of the eye. These 4 photoreceptors are a mix of rod and cone cells that determine our perception of color and brightness.

The following feature establishes standards for light levels.

Part 1: Visual Acuity for Working

The ambient lighting system at workstations or desks is:

a) Able to maintain an average of 215 lux [20 fc] or more measured on the horizontal plane, 0.76 m [30 inches] above finished floor. The lights may be dimmed in the presence of daylight, but they are able to independently achieve these levels.

b) Zoned in independently controlled banks no larger than 46.5 m² [500 ft²] or 20% of open floor area of the room (whichever is larger).

Part 2: Task Lighting

If ambient light at workstations or desks is below 300 lux [28 fc]:

a) Task lights providing 300 to 500 lux (28 to 46 fc) at the work surface is available upon request.

Part 3: Commercial Kitchen Lighting

The following light levels are achieved:

a) Maintained average of at least 500 lux [46 fc] of lighting at countertops and other food preparation or production areas.

b) Maintained average of at least 750 lux [70 fc] of lighting in dishwashing areas.

Part 4: Visual Acuity in Living Environments

In all bedrooms, bathrooms, and rooms with windows, one or more fixtures must provide the following:

a) Alerting lights are able to provide a maintained average of 250 lux [23 fc] as measured 0.76 m [30 inches] above finished floor. The lights may be dimmed in the presence of daylight, but are able to independently achieve these levels.

b) Evening lights are able to provide a maintained average of 50 lux [5 fc] as measured 0.76 m [30 inches] above finished floor.

c) Lights are continuously dimmable to 25%.

Part 5: Visual Acuity for Learning

The ambient lighting system for learning spaces must be able to provide the following minimum light intensity, as measured 0.76 m [30 inches] above the finished floor:

a) Lecture rooms, study halls, and libraries: 320 lux [30 fc]. The lights may be dimmed in the presence of daylight, but is able to independently achieve these levels.

b) Science Labs: 540 lux [50 fc]. The lights may be dimmed in the presence of daylight, but is able to independently achieve these levels.

Muscular

Nervous

Endocrine

	Core & Shell	New Construction	WELL Interiors
Part 1: Visual Acuity for Working	-	P	P
Part 2: Task Lighting	-	P	P
Part 3: Commercial Kitchen Lighting	-	-	-
Part 4: Visual Acuity in Living Environments	-	-	-
Part 5: Visual Acuity for Learning	-	-	-

	Commercial Kitchen	Education	Multifamily Residential	Retail
Part 1: Visual Acuity for Working	-	-	-	-
Part 2: Task Lighting	-	P	-	-
Part 3: Commercial Kitchen Lighting	O	-	-	-
Part 4: Visual Acuity in Living Environments	-	-	O	-
Part 5: Visual Acuity for Learning	-	P	-	-

Verification Methods Matrix

	Letters of Assurance	On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Design) Visual Acuity for Working	Architect	Spot Measurement
PART 2 (Design) Task Lighting	Architect	Spot Measurement
PART 3 () Commercial Kitchen Lighting	Architect
PART 4 () Visual Acuity in Living Environments	Architect
PART 5 () Visual Acuity for Learning	Architect

Show Standard Citations

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**Ontario Ministry of Labour. Computer Ergonomics: Workstation Layout and Lighting. Toronto: Ontario Ministry of Labour; September 2004: 16.**
53.2.a	The Ontario Ministry of Labour's Computer Ergonomics: Workstations and Lighting document recommends adjustable task lighting (if required) and that light levels be between 300 to 500 lux.

This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.

53. Visual lighting design