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Energy Efficiency as an Element of Design in the Context of Hospital Ward Lighting Alan Brown Department of the Built Environment University of Northumbria at Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK John Wiltshire Department of Architecture University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Abstract The research described in this paper sets out to determine if current design strategies and practice related to the lighting of six bed hospital wards has resulted in solutions which are appropriate - that is, "Right" for their purpose. What analysis has shown is an isolated or compartmentalised approach to lighting design, revealing itself in: arbitrary changes in design standards without reference to the impact on the whole daylighting and electric lighting viewed as separate issues solutions designed without integration, resulting in performance and solution extremes a lack of adequate appraisal of designs. The investigation demonstrates that recent practice has resulted in solutions which do not always meet user needs, may save on lighting energy but do not represent good value for money. Back to Right Light Proceedings startpage Top of page