SONO
BASO
DOC
STREAMCUT
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Outdoor safety
and orientation
The outdoor area of educational institutions is often used as a sport, play, and leisure area.
Pupils and students spend their breaks or free periods there, can let off steam, soak up the sun
and regenerate their minds.
Lighting fulfils two main functions here: safety and orientation. The top priority in outdoor light-
ing design is the prevention of accidents. Lighting can be used to draw attention to potentially
dangerous spots such as steps, obstacles, or garage exits, making them clearly visible even in
poor lighting conditions.
Steps or depressions are best identified by a glare-free, sufficiently bright light. Contrasts
help reveal the obstacle's true dimensions. Paths, entrances, or property boundaries can be
clearly marked with bollard luminaires. Shock resistant and weatherproof surface-mounted wall
luminaires are suitable for the building facade. These luminaires also function excellently as
signposts on outside staircases. In general, steps and railings can be accentuated by light and
thus made even safer.
Outdoors, lighting is subject to great stress – especially from the weather. Luminaires should
be shock resistant, durable, and impervious to water, insects, and dust. As exterior lighting is
also part of the initial visual impression, it should complement the architecture of the building
positively. Lighting design is, therefore, about functionality and the overall aesthetic effect.
Lighting requirements
• luminaires with greater protection against
water, insects, and dust (min. IP 44 / 54)
• good illumination of entrances, exits, and
stairs for improved safety
• glare-free and uniform light for better
orientation
• accentuated facade lighting completes the
architecture’s overall aesthetic effect
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