Cafeterias are communication hubs. They bring people in educational institutions together and offer a spatial and mental time-out. Pupils, students, and teachers often only have short breaks between lessons. An atmospheric lighting concept is thus all the more critical. Increased natural light in a canteen boosts the quality of stay. Dynamic lighting management systems balance available daylight with artificial light to create a bright, friendly atmosphere with optimised energy consumption. The most pleasant lighting is a combination of indirect lighting and accent lighting. Table lighting is particularly important in cafeterias and canteens.
To ensure good visual conditions, tables should be illuminated with 200 lux (according to EN 12464-1) without glaring or concealing those sitting at the table. Lighting with balanced direct and indirect light shows faces, facial expressions, and gestures clearly and distinctly and makes people stand out from the background without casting shadows. The canteen is often a multi-purpose room that is also used for events or celebrations – in such cases, changeable lighting scenes for different lighting moods are ideal. Luminaires with high colour rendering properties (CRI ≥ 90) stimulate the appetite by presenting food and the ambience in a particularly appealing way while allowing those at a shared table to appear in natural light. The cafeteria has an important role to play as a place where learners can stay. With a well-thought-out lighting design, your premises will be conducive to long-term relaxation and good communication.