Corridors and stairs: light for orientation
Circulation spaces need recognisable routes, doors and level changes, not just a bright floor.
Viewing direction and distance change continuously in corridors and staircases. Lighting should make steps, landings, doors and signs easy to recognise. Reflections in polished finishes or light shining directly into the eyes can impede orientation despite high illuminance.
On stairs, check whether shadows reveal or obscure step edges. Lift lobbies and changes in direction also need attention. Use realistic assumptions for surface finishes and daylight.
Demand-based controls need to detect people early enough and consider complete routes. Avoid unexpected switch-off partway through a staircase. Emergency lighting requirements are designed separately; dimmed general lighting does not replace them. Walking the route in both directions often reveals details that are easy to overlook on a floor plan, especially near transitions and changes of level.
What to clarify for your project
- Review steps and turns from both directions.
- Include signs and doors in the lighting design.
- Test detection and timeout during real use.
Remember: Assess orientation along the actual route people take.