Lighting Design by Space Type

Open Plan Office Environments

Open plan offices are designed to support a wide range of activities within a shared environment, including focused screen-based work, informal collaboration, meetings, and general circulation. At INTERGLO, we approach these spaces with a strong focus on creating lighting environments that feel comfortable, balanced, and easy to work in, without feeling overly uniform or visually fatiguing.

In open plan layouts, Lighting Levels are typically designed in line with the AS/NZS 1680 series, which recommends maintained illuminance levels in the order of 300 to 500 lux for general office tasks and screen-based work. From the INTERGLO team’s perspective, task areas such as desks and meeting points require higher maintained light levels, while surrounding circulation and peripheral zones can operate effectively at lower levels. This layered approach avoids over lighting large floorplates and helps reduce unnecessary energy use, while still maintaining strong visual performance where it matters most.

Office Lighting Design at 550 Bourke St L8 Tenancy 1 Spec Suite

Uniformity is also an important part of how we design open plan offices. Good uniformity across the work plane ensures lighting levels do not fluctuate significantly between adjacent desks, which helps reduce eye strain and visual fatigue during long periods of work. At the same time, INTERGLO avoids making spaces feel flat or clinical by introducing subtle variation and contrast through thoughtful lighting distribution.

Because computer screens and reflective surfaces are common, Glare and Visual Comfort is a key design consideration. The INTERGLO team works closely with suppliers to select luminaires with appropriate optical control, such as low glare optics, recessed light sources, and controlled beam angles. By carefully managing luminaire luminance, viewing angles, and ceiling layouts, we minimise both direct and reflected glare. In practice, Unified Glare Rating principles are often used as a guide to maintain visual comfort across typical workstation layouts. For open plan office environments, glare is commonly managed by targeting a Unified Glare Rating (UGR) of 19 or lower, consistent with AS/NZS 1680 guidance for screen-based work

Office Lighting Design at 459 LT Collins Sy L12 Tenacy 2 Spec Suite

The overall visual quality of the space is also influenced by Colour Quality. At INTERGLO, we place strong emphasis on selecting light sources with good colour rendering so materials, finishes, and people appear natural and consistent. This contributes to a more pleasant working environment and helps maintain a sense of visual clarity throughout the space. For open plan office environments, glare is commonly managed by targeting a Unified Glare Rating (UGR) of 19 or lower, consistent with AS/NZS 1680 guidance for screen-based work.

To support flexibility and efficiency, Lighting Controls are commonly integrated into open plan offices. We typically implement zoning, occupancy sensing, and daylight responsive dimming, often through DALI based control systems. These strategies allow lighting to adapt naturally to changing patterns of use and available daylight, improving comfort while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Collaboration and Breakout Spaces

Collaboration and breakout spaces are designed to support informal interaction, short meetings, creative thinking, and social engagement. Unlike task focused work areas, these spaces benefit from lighting that feels more relaxed, comfortable, and less rigid in character.

In these environments, Lighting Levels are generally lower than in primary office zones. AS/NZS 1680 guidance typically places these spaces in the range of 150 to 300 lux, depending on how they are used. At INTERGLO, we use this as a baseline while allowing lighting to feel softer and more ambient.

Uniformity in breakout spaces is intentionally less strict. Slight variation in light levels adds visual interest and reinforces the informal nature of the space, while still maintaining sufficient consistency for comfort and safety.

Although these spaces are less screen focused, Glare and Visual Comfort remain important. The INTERGLO team carefully manages transitions between different lighting conditions, so occupants do not experience harsh contrasts when moving between work areas and breakout zones. In breakout and informal spaces, glare limits are typically less stringent than formal work areas, provided visual comfort is maintained.

Consistent and pleasant Colour Quality supports the overall feel of the space and helps reinforce the intended design aesthetic. Light sources with a Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 or higher are generally appropriate for these environments

From a functional perspective, Lighting Controls in breakout spaces are typically simple and unobtrusive. We often apply local switching or occupancy sensing, so lighting responds naturally to use.

Lobbies and Public Spaces

Lobbies and public spaces act as transition zones and first impressions within a building. These areas support wayfinding, movement, and social interaction, while also contributing to the overall architectural experience.

We approach public spaces with a strong focus on spatial clarity and comfort. Lighting Levels are typically lower than task areas, often in the range of 100 to 200 lux as suggested by AS/NZS 1680 for circulation and public areas.

Uniformity plays an important role in these environments. Even distribution helps avoid dark patches and supports intuitive wayfinding.

Because people may be entering from bright outdoor conditions, Glare and Visual Comfort is carefully managed. INTERGLO designs for controlled luminance, diffused light distribution, and gentle transitions between lighting zones. In public and circulation spaces, glare control focuses on luminance management and smooth transitions rather than specific UGR limits.

Consistent Colour Quality ensures materials, finishes, and architectural features are perceived as intended. A Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 or higher is typically suitable for lobbies and public spaces.

From an operational perspective, Lighting Controls are typically designed around energy efficiency and practicality. The INTERGLO team integrates occupancy sensing, time-based operation, and daylight strategies.

Retail Environments

Retail lighting is primarily focused on visual experience, product presentation, and customer engagement. The goal is to guide attention, enhance materials, and create an environment that supports both brand identity and customer behaviour.

INTERGLO designs retail environments with strong emphasis on visual hierarchy. Lighting Levels are usually layered, combining ambient lighting for general visibility with focused accent lighting to highlight products and key features. While general lighting may sit around 300 lux, accent lighting often reaches significantly higher levels to create contrast and draw attention.

Uniformity in retail is deliberately controlled. Too much uniformity can make a space feel flat, while too little can cause discomfort. We balance ambient consistency with strong local contrast on key displays.

Because customers are constantly moving through the space, Glare and Visual Comfort is important to ensure products can be viewed comfortably. The INTERGLO team works closely with suppliers to select luminaires with appropriate beam control, shielding angles, and optical systems. In retail environments, glare control is typically managed through optical control and luminaire shielding rather than fixed UGR targets.

High quality Colour Quality is particularly critical in retail environments. At INTERGLO, we prioritise high CRI light sources, so products appear true to life. Retail spaces commonly target a Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of 90 or higher to support accurate product colour appearance.

To support flexibility and visual impact, Lighting Controls are often used to adjust lighting scenes for different trading periods and promotional setups.

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