Abstract

The combined effects of color temperature and illuminance in a small office on visual response and mood under various lighting conditions were examined in this study. Visual annoyance tests were conducted using a sample of 20 subjects in a full-scale mock-up test space. Computer and paper-based reading tasks were conducted for 500 lx and 750 lx illuminance levels under 3,000 K, 4,000 K and 6,500 K conditions. Two hypotheses were considered for the test in this study. The primary hypothesis was that visual perception is affected by the color temperatures of light sources. The secondary hypothesis was that better moods, such as relaxed and cozy feelings, are associated with low color temperatures given equal illuminance levels. The visual environment under the 3,000 K condition was characterized by glare and brightness, resulting in visual discomfort when target illuminance was higher than 500 lx. Occupants preferred 500 lx under the 6,500 K condition, and 500 lx and 750 lx under the 4,000 K condition, reporting better visual satisfaction when performing office tasks. Prediction models for visual comfort suggest that the less that subjects are visually bothered by light during tasks, the more visual comfort they feel. User satisfaction with light source color is critical for the prediction of visual comfort under different lighting conditions. Visual comfort was the most influential factor on mood. Lower color temperature was associated with better mood at lower illuminance levels, while higher color temperature was preferred at higher illuminance levels.

Highlights

  • Fluorescent light sources with well-designed shielding devices are effectively utilized for lighting in office environments, since wide areas can be covered uniformly and the resulting visual comfort is acceptable

  • This study was performed in order to analyze the influence of the combined effects of color temperatures and illuminance levels of light sources on visual perception and mood responses in a small office space

  • 3,000 K, caused sensations of glare and resulted in visual discomfort when paper-based and computer-based reading tasks were performed under target illuminances higher than 500 lx

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Summary

Introduction

Fluorescent light sources with well-designed shielding devices are effectively utilized for lighting in office environments, since wide areas can be covered uniformly and the resulting visual comfort is acceptable. Despite these advantages, careful attention should be paid to the application of fluorescent light sources for office lighting, since their spectral composition in the visible light region is not sufficient for good color rendering and visual comfort. The spectra are not uniformly distributed in the visible light region and obscure the perceptions of colors and objects These limitations influence visual performance relevant to office tasks. The color temperatures of light sources and illuminance levels influence human visual responses and perceptions that are critically linked to visual satisfaction and comfort [3,4]

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