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Designing for Diversity: Inclusive Lighting in Education for Neurodivergent Learners
Creating learning environments where every student can thrive is at the heart of inclusive education. With an estimated one in seven people in the UK likely to be neurodivergent, the way classrooms, study halls and entrances are illuminated has never been more important. Lighting can strongly influence focus, comfort and sensory load, particularly for neurodivergent learners. This article draws on insights from a conversation with Flick Ansell, Associate Director, Lighting at AECOM following their presentation at IALD’s Enlighten Europe Conference in Valencia, Spain in June 2025, plus research led by Dr Jemima Unwin Teji from the Institute of Environmental Design and Engineering, Bartlett School of Built Environment, Energy and Resources, University College London, UK as well as key recommendations from the Society of Light and Lighting’s Lighting for Neurodiversity guidance (Factfile 19). Why Lighting for Neurodiversity Matters ‘Neurodiversity’ is an umbrella term for everyone. Neurodivergence is a description of a wide range of cognitive differences, including, but not limited to, attention deficit disorder (ADD), autism (ASD), OCD, dementia, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Each experiences sensory input differently; lighting that feels neutral to one student may be overwhelming to another. Flick Ansell notes: “If you’ve met one neurodivergent person, you’ve met one neurodivergent person. That person's reporting of their experience of the world will be unique to them.” They explain that two students sitting in the same space can interpret the environment completely differently – a reminder that lighting design must adapt to local preferences rather than rely on assumptions. This approach empowers designers and architects to craft flexible solutions that truly meet diverse needs. The SLL’s Lighting for Neurodiversity guidance recommends designing environments assuming neurodivergent individuals will be present and reducing potential discomfort wherever possible. What Research Is Telling Us Research supported by AECOM and students at University College London (UCL) is beginning to reveal consistent patterns in how neurodivergent people experience light. In one office lighting study, neurodivergent participants consistently preferred lower illuminance levels (200 lux rather than 500 lux) than neurotypical peers[1], one of the clearest findings to emerge so far. A PhD[2] student’s research at UCL is also exploring differences between neurotypical and neuro diverse subjects when Modulating Emotional Perception Through Different Colours, with Fagerhult providing space for experiments. This PhD study uses coloured light in space (whether direct or indirect) and coloured filters over facial-expression images on a screen or paper to investigate whether certain hues help neurodivergent individuals feel more comfortable and / or interpret emotions more ‘accurately’. Pilot studies provide preliminary evidence that personalised colour context can selectively modulate perceived emotional intensity, supporting the relevance of user-adjustable chromatic ambience as a potential direction for more inclusive lighting and built-environment design. These early research results reflect what practitioners report in real school settings. Flick notes that lived experience is as valuable as formal research; when students repeatedly report discomfort or avoid entering a room until lighting is dimmed, those responses offer meaningful evidence about how spaces truly perform, validating the importance of listening to user feedback. This aligns with an MSc[3] study completed this year within a North London SEND (special educational needs and disability) School, a collaboration that allowed for a number of qualitative and quantitative methods of study. Within the classrooms, a very simple dimming system is accessible. Teachers frequently dim the lighting below the standard 500 lx because students reported discomfort, and in some cases, learners refused to enter the classroom until the lighting was reduced. As part of the MSc study, a trial shifting classrooms from 4000 K to 2700 K and asking students to complete standard spelling tests under the different conditions reported no immediate clear findings. However, anecdotal information suggested some positive reactions, supporting growing evidence that warmer light may reduce sensory load. These results were from a tiny cohort of students, and UCL is currently exploring whether there is merit in conducting a broader study. If the budget allows, having access to different colour temperatures within classroom settings would be a welcome level of flexibility. Lighting Challenges for Students Glare and uniformity Slight variations in uniformity or reflections from glossy surfaces can trigger sensory discomfort. Reflections from desks, whiteboards or unexpected daylight can be particularly challenging. Flick notes that even the sheen of a surface or the angle of daylight can make a space feel totally overwhelming for neurodiverse students. Flicker sensitivity Neurodivergent individuals may be disproportionately affected by flicker or temporal light artefacts, even when these effects are subtle or invisible to most observers. Colour temperature Standard 4000 K lighting can feel harsh for some learners. Warmer light (2700–3000 K) tends to be more calming, especially in breakout zones, therapeutic rooms and SEND settings. “People often perceive colder colour temperatures as brighter. Making it warmer can make the space far more comfortable, teaching staff included,” Flick explains. New Guidance: Lighting for Neurodiversity The SLL’s Lighting for Neurodiversity guidance (Factfile 19, 2025) offers the most comprehensive framework to date for creating educational environments that minimise sensory stress. Its recommendations include: Appropriate illuminance and uniformity – meeting BS EN 12464-1 as a minimum, while avoiding sharp contrasts and enabling local dimming for individual comfort. Low-glare, indirect lighting – reducing discomfort from direct sources, veiling reflections and screen glare, supported by careful luminaire positioning. Flicker and stroboscopic management – specifying drivers that meet stringent PstLM (≤1) and SVM (≤0.4) thresholds to limit sensory strain. Colour temperature considerations – using warmer 2700–3000 K light in calm or breakout areas, and offering tunable options where tasks vary. The guidance emphasises that inclusive electric lighting cannot be delivered in isolation. It must be considered alongside interior design, surface finishes, furniture and daylighting. Flick highlights that practical success comes from understanding what learners genuinely experience: “You can have tools and technical solutions, but the right approach always begins with asking end users what they need.” The Role of Smart Lighting and Controls Technological advancements in smart lighting make inclusive design more achievable: Automated dimming and CCT tuning: Allows seamless adjustment of brightness and colour temperature for different tasks and times of day. Changes should be in tiny increments so they are not noticeable, and manual overrides should be provided to accommodate end-user requirements. Intuitive control interfaces: Wall panels with straightforward presets, or simple apps, ensure teachers can make quick adjustments without complexity. Glare reduction: Indirect lighting, shields and diffusers distribute light evenly. Flick stresses that flexibility only works when controls are simple. In many classrooms, the teacher or teaching assistant effectively becomes the lighting operator, so systems must be fast-acting and intuitive. In smaller SEND settings, students may also contribute to decisions about lighting settings. “When it comes to controlling the light, flexibility is everything – but only if people can actually use it easily.” Designing Spaces Where Learners Can Thrive Inclusive lighting requires an understanding of the diverse sensory experiences within a classroom. By integrating research insights, responsive technologies, and adaptable design strategies, schools can create environments that reduce sensory stress, support concentration, and enhance well-being. The guidance stresses that lighting and interiors must be developed together, as students do not experience surfaces, colours, daylight and electric lighting separately. Flick notes that the most successful projects involve user engagement and early collaboration across disciplines, with designers sharing decisions on finishes, daylighting and spatial layout to create coherent, comfortable spaces. Ultimately, designing with empathy – listening to students, empowering teachers and applying evidence-based guidance – ensures that every educational setting becomes a place where all learners can thrive. If you’re working on a project and want to discuss how lighting could make it more inclusive, please get in touch. Co-Authors Flick Ansell – Associate Director, Lighting. AECOM Dr Jemima Unwin Teji (UCL) Lecturer in Light and Lighting Research input from Beatrice Chui Ling Yuen – MSc in Light & Lighting 2022 - Assessing illuminance preferences in Neurodivergent Individuals Ruoxi Yin PhD 2026 - Modulating Emotional Perception Through Colour in Neurodivergent Individuals Tommy Smith MSc 2025 - Investigating the impact of lighting on user comfort and cognitive ability amongst neurodivergent individuals: A case study of a SEN school in London. [1] Beatrice Chui Ling Yuen – MSc Light & Lighting Dissertation 2022 - Assessing illuminance preferences in Neurodivergent Individuals. Supervised by Dr Jemima Unwin Teji. [2] Ruoxi Yin PhD Student 2026 - Modulating Emotional Perception Through Colour in Neurodivergent Individuals paper presented at IEEE Sustainable Smart Lighting World Conference 2025, Monastir, Tunisia, December 2025 [3] Tommy Smith MSc Student 2025 - Investigating the impact of lighting on user comfort and cognitive ability amongst neurodivergent individuals: A case study of a SEN school in London.
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From Workplace Metrics to Workplace Mood: How Light Shapes Vibrancy
The office is no longer just a place to work; it’s a destination where employees come for the experience – how the space makes them feel, how it supports collaboration, and how it connects them to colleagues and culture. Yet too many workplaces still rely on traditional metrics – like occupancy or utilisation – that tell us how many people use a space, but not how it feels when they’re there. As hybrid work reshapes expectations, workplaces must evolve from simply providing desks to crafting experiences. And increasingly, lighting is emerging as a powerful tool in defining that experience. From Counting People to Understanding Atmosphere Workplace success has long been measured through familiar metrics: occupancy levels, utilisation rates, footfall. Useful, but limited. They quantify presence, not atmosphere. Hybrid working has exposed this gap. Offices may be full mid-week and quiet at the edges. Some areas buzz with energy while others feel flat – even when every desk is occupied. This disconnect matters. Research shows that 78% of employees say access to natural light improves their overall happiness and wellbeing, with clear links to motivation, satisfaction, and performance. How a space feels can be just as influential as how often it is used. This is where vibrancy becomes essential. Vibrancy is not about busyness alone. It is the combined effect of energy, comfort, movement, and social presence. A vibrant workspace captures the sense of connection many employees miss when working remotely, while still supporting focus, wellbeing, and productivity. No Single Metric: A Principles-Led Approach to Vibrancy Unlike acoustics or illuminance levels in lighting design, vibrancy has no universal standard. It sits between data and perception. Rather than limiting its value, this invites a principles-led approach. A vibrancy-led workplace considers factors such as: Activity levels and patterns of presence Noise that feels lively, not disruptive Lighting that is dynamic, comfortable, and supportive A mix of spaces for different work modes Team proximity and interaction Employee sentiment and lived experience Lighting contributes to nearly all of these factors. It shapes behaviour and perception, and can also help reveal how spaces are actually used. In this way, lighting becomes both a design tool and a source of insight. When supported by smart lighting sensors such as Organic Response, data can help organisations better understand patterns of movement, presence, and interaction – forming the basis of a more nuanced view of vibrancy. The Psychology of Light: A Silent Mood Setter Lighting in the workplace subtly influences how people feel and behave – often without conscious awareness. Employees in well-daylit environments report fewer headaches, less eyestrain, and lower levels of drowsiness than those in poorly lit spaces. Research into Fagerhult’s Double Dynamic Lighting shows that lighting designed to follow natural daylight rhythms can positively influence: Mood and motivation Concentration Work engagement Visual comfort Perceived wellbeing These effects operate on both biological and psychological levels. Cooler, brighter light supports alertness and focus, while warmer tones help reduce tension and encourage social interaction. Direction, contrast, and intensity all shape whether a space feels energising, calm, or somewhere in between. What Vibrancy Looks Like in Practice Vibrancy is not achieved through uniform brightness or one-size-fits-all solutions. It is created through variation, layering, and intentional contrast. Circulation areas feel bright and easy to navigate, encouraging movement Focus spaces are evenly lit and visually calm, supporting sustained concentration Collaboration zones use warmer tones and softer contrasts to support conversation Social spaces glow rather than glare, drawing people in without overstimulation Lighting also changes throughout the day. Morning light feels crisp and activating, helping people transition into focused work. As the day progresses, lighting becomes more balanced and relaxed, responding to shifts in energy, posture, and interaction. Even quieter moments feel purposeful rather than empty. When thoughtfully designed, vibrancy becomes visible – not as noise or clutter, but as rhythm, warmth, and presence. Designed for Change: Flexibility in Hybrid Work Hybrid work has made movement constant. Teams shift, spaces evolve, and office rhythms change from day to day. Vibrancy is not static – it adapts with the people using the space. Lighting must be just as flexible. With Organic Response, lighting also functions as an intelligent sensor network, providing insight into occupancy, movement, and patterns of use, responding automatically to occupancy, daylight, and patterns of activity. Lighting as a Strategic Tool In a hybrid context, employees compare the office not only to other workplaces, but to the comfort and control of working from home. Lighting plays a key role in making the office feel equally welcoming and adaptable. Spaces that offer visual comfort, variation, and subtle responsiveness feel more human and less institutional. Over time, lighting becomes part of the workplace identity – reinforcing culture, signalling intent, and shaping how people experience being together. When done well, lighting transforms the office from a functional necessity into a place people actively choose. Looking Ahead Towards a Vibrancy Mindset The idea of vibrancy is moving towards a more data-informed, experience-led approach: Human-centric lighting supporting mood, comfort, and belonging Multi-sensory design where lighting works alongside acoustics and materials Intelligent controls responding in real time to activity and daylight Sensor data revealing patterns of movement and interaction Workplace strategies that prioritise experience alongside efficiency In this future, lighting does more than shape atmosphere. It helps organisations understand, manage, and continuously improve it. Creating Workplaces That Truly Support People As organisations rethink how they define workplace success, lighting offers a powerful way to move beyond metrics and towards mood. By designing for vibrancy – not just utilisation – workplaces can become environments that feel alive, supportive, and genuinely human. Want to learn more about how our lighting could enhance the vibrancy of your workplace? Speak to us.
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