CEDIA has introduced three new white papers discussing Human-Centric Lighting. These white papers were written by technical writer and educator David Meyer and were reviewed by lighting designer Andy Bull and CEDIA director of technical education programs Ken Erdmann.
Human-Centric Lighting Part 1: Why We Need It
Humans evolved spending bright days outdoors and nights in relative darkness. Our physiological systems have functioned for millennia around this distinct daily cycle. But now we spend most of the time indoors, with artificial light enabling varying degrees of light at any time of day or night.
We’re well adapted psychologically to artificial light, harnessing it to elongate our days and to enhance convenience, productivity, and entertainment. But it comes at some cost to human health and wellbeing.
This white paper is part 1 of 3, taking a deep dive into the science of photobiology as the basis for why humancentric lighting is so important. Topics include the composition of light, how light affects human physiology, and the developing standards for how to optimize light at different times of day and night.
This white paper will explain how integrators can optimize the light throughout the day and night to best support human health and wellbeing.
Human-Centric Lighting Part 2: Artificial Light
The advent of artificial light has extended our days and enabled more indoor lifestyles. Incandescent lights that were ubiquitous in the 20th century are being phased out due to their inefficiency, but it turns out their energy-efficient replacements are less healthy for our photobiology and are exacerbating disruption to our circadian systems.
This white paper explores the most common lighting technologies and the attributes that together determine the quality of artificial light — color temperature and accuracy, spectral power distribution and blue light content, brightness, and flicker. It also investigates the juxtaposition of energy efficiency mandates versus human-centric lighting needs and standards for determining circadian illuminance in the smart home.
Human-Centric Lighting Part 3: Design
This document explores the design aspects of human-centric lighting in the home. It requires a holistic approach, considering the spectral mix, quality, and timing of light throughout the day and night to best deliver the functional and photobiological needs of a home’s occupants to benefit their comfort, productivity, and wellbeing.
CEDIA white papers are free to download for CEDIA members. Visit cedia.org/education/white-papers to get a copy.
