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Glare in lighting design and what is UGR?

20 mar, 2024 By Admin

Glare in lighting design refers to the uncomfortable, excessive brightness that can cause visual discomfort and hinder visibility. Unwanted glare can lead to eye strain, headaches, and reduced productivity, making it essential to address in lighting design projects. This phenomenon occurs when excessively bright light sources, such as direct sunlight or unshielded lamps, create harsh contrasts and reflections that strain the eyes. To create visually comfortable environments and optimise lighting design, it's essential to understand how to reduce glare effectively.

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One important metric used to quantify glare in interior spaces is the Unified Glare Rating (UGR), which measures the level of discomfort experienced by occupants due to glare from luminaires. While selecting luminaires, choosing them with low UGR ratings is a fundamental step in minimising glare. Careful positioning of luminaires is crucial for minimising glare and optimising UGR levels. Avoid placing fixtures directly in the line of sight or in locations where they can create reflections on glossy surfaces.

By controlling the direction of light, shielding prevents excessive brightness from reaching the eyes and creates a more balanced illumination. This involves using fixtures with proper shielding, such as recessed or pendant lights with baffles or louvres, to direct light downwards and reduce direct glare.

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Another strategy for reducing glare is to use diffusers or frosted lenses to soften and scatter light. Diffusing light helps distribute illumination more evenly, minimising harsh contrasts and hotspots that can cause glare. Opal or frosted glass diffusers are particularly effective at creating a gentle, diffused glow that enhances visual comfort without sacrificing brightness.

Reducing glare is essential for creating visually comfortable environments that promote productivity and wellbeing. By implementing strategies such as shielding light sources, diffusing light, optimising fixture placement, and utilising glare control devices, lighting designers can effectively minimise glare and create harmonious lighting schemes that enhance the overall quality of the space.

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