Illumination in educational facilities

An attractive learning environment

Focused work and comfortable learning are a question of lighting

Teaching and learning formats are becoming increasingly flexible. An attractive learning environment meets the needs of this dynamic and adapts to different communication formats. In spaces used for teaching, lectures or training, comfortable lighting, comfortable reading and comfortable learning go hand in hand. Therefore, focused work is also a question of lighting. The unique features of every room and its lighting can be taken into account with various luminaires and light distributions.


Lighting designs for different teaching rooms

The huge potential of luminaires enables multiple different lighting scenarios for different requirements

When it comes to pendant luminaires, a single lighting design can facilitate many design options. As well as unshielded light, the luminaires feature a very wide beam downlight and an additional upper light emission. Three lighting scenarios form the basis of the lecture theatre illumination: The continuously lit downlight ensures safety and visual comfort in the auditorium. The additionally activated unshielded component enables a significantly brighter illumination of the hall. The additional upper light emission rounds off the homogeneous overall lighting concept. The DALI-controllable lighting design is easy to operate and control. In the RGBW version, the luminaires also add stimulating colour effects to the auditorium.

Renovations: Using DALI with five-core cables – installed in the suspended ceiling

Lighting in existing classrooms and teaching spaces can be made fit for the with only a few targeted measures. Suspended ceilings can be very helpful when it comes to modernisation. Not only do they facilitate the replacement of the luminaires; they also allow the simple installation of cables with at least five strands for DALI control systems above the ceiling. Surface-mounted ceiling luminaires or recessed ceiling luminaires can then be easily controlled to create a pleasant atmosphere in the classroom. The luminaires feature our patented BEGA Vortex Optics® technology. In conjunction with BEGA’s own LED modules, the pure aluminium twisted reflectors create perfect light deflection and excellent visual comfort. Easily accessible light controls for added convenience.

BEGA luminaires in historic buildings: modernisation using energy-efficient LED lamps

Preserving old or even historic building structures and classic interiors does not mean the existing lighting cannot be made more energy-efficient. Thanks to their outstanding durability and sophisticated, timeless design, BEGA luminaires continue to function like new in their area of application, even decades down the line. In order to significantly reduce energy costs and enable even more efficient illumination of existing luminaires, it may be worth looking into switching to LED technology. BEGA Support can answer any questions of this nature and provide information about technical feasibility. 

Pleasant light without disruptive shadows: Large-area luminaires with indirect light component

What makes a perfect classroom? Glare-free light and high visual comfort are a must. The technical features of the large-area luminaires in the FLED series provide exactly that. The optical system consists of micro-structured, light-deflecting layers that are precisely tailored to the LED module. The pendant luminaires and ceiling luminaires each come in two different versions: with 100% direct light distribution and – where additional lighting of the ceiling or the area directly above the luminaires is required – with 70% direct and 30% indirect light.


DALI lighting scenarios for lecture theatres

The different parameters necessary for the illumination of lecture theatres are each highly important. In addition to the self-explanatory issues of safety and visual comfort; the type of use and the needs of both the presenters and the audience determine which of the predefined lighting scenarios are used.

When determining the light intensity, light distribution and ambience of predefined illumination scenarios, it is recommended that the installer and the staff of the educational institution work closely together. This means trying out the intended dimming gradations in advance to define and set multiple gradations in the DALI control. This will add to the overall convenience during use, ensuring the user can react quickly to new requirements and change the illumination accents easily.

Overhead projector presentation · Film presentation

Depending on the other technical equipment in use, the illumination can be adapted to the lecture thanks to several predefined dimming levels. The linear ceiling luminaires are dimmed down, while the step lighting continues to function as emergency lighting, showing every user of the space the way to the stairways and exits. The light from the downlights around the lectern is not needed Other dimmed luminaire lighting circuits are conceivable and must be specified in advance in order to avoid difficulties from the outset.

Presentations that do not involve interaction with the presenter usually take place in a darkened room. With their shielded light, step lights serve as emergency lighting. In this case, too, additional dimmed lighting circuits are conceivable and must be specified in advance in order to avoid difficulties from the outset.

The following applies to both uses: If notes are to be taken, dimming the recessed ceiling luminaires to 30 percent of their light output is recommended. If the focus is exclusively on the lecture/film; recessed ceiling luminaires and the luminaires for the lectern and blackboard are switched off. The recessed stair luminaires should be operated at full output.

Use of the blackboard or whiteboard · Exams

In addition to using the linear ceiling luminaires undimmed, the downlights in the lecture area can be switched on to draw attention to the information on the board and to the lecturer. The luminous intensities of both types of luminaires are fully utilised, meaning there are no distracting differences in brightness. This also prevents eye fatigue.

A degree of illuminance of at least 500 lux is achieved on the desk surfaces, which is fully sufficient for writing and reading work. The brightest possible illumination of the linear ceiling luminaires is perceived by the user as stimulating and motivating. These luminaires also feature excellent glare suppression, despite their intensive illumination. The presentation area can be darkened somewhat by dimming the downlights.

Individual lectures

The downlights set the stage for the speaker. They create the appropriate ambience for a lecture, establishing a sense of importance through the lighting. Nothing distracts from the protagonist of the occasion. In addition to the centrally positioned luminaires, the light points to the left and right of the lecture area can be additionally switched on as needed and at 30 percent of the light intensity. The recessed ceiling luminaires are also operated at 30 percent, the stair luminaires at full output. Optionally, the asymmetrical light can be switched on to bring the blackboard into focus.

The ingress and egress of persons

The focus here is on providing safe routes through the space. In addition to the stair luminaires with full output, the recessed ceiling luminaires with 30 percent output provide illumination that meets the safety requirements for movement in the hall. All other luminaires are switched off.


Our offer: DALI Training Our BEGA DALI Training offers an introduction to DALI in conveniently structured steps. The training covers the basics (definition, properties, prerequisites), concrete examples of circuit design, as well as configuration and control. For users who are just starting out or those in need of a refresher – BEGA’s DALI Training offers high-quality instruction in the basics and the finer points.

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