Impacts of LED dynamic white lighting on atmosphere perception

Abstract

This paper investigated atmosphere perception as dynamic white lighting varied in illuminance or correlated colour temperature in different directions and with different functional forms of change. Fifteen Chinese observers evaluated 32 dynamic lighting stimuli. A 13-scale questionnaire was employed for each stimulus. Factor analysis was adopted to examine the gender difference and the effect on atmosphere perception. Two dimensions of atmosphere perception were obtained and identified as coziness and liveliness for both illuminance change and correlated colour temperature change. Gender differences exist mostly on the scales ‘informal-formal’ and ‘slow–fast’. Dynamic white lighting shows significant influence on atmosphere perception. For illuminance changes, high correlated colour temperature levels are useful to create liveliness and a formal atmosphere. Liveliness also increases when the light level rises. A linear change increases coziness most and produces the slowest perceived speed of change. For dynamic light variations in correlated colour temperature, changes under high illuminance level or changes from warmer light to cooler light create liveliness. Perceived evenness tends to decrease when the light level rises. Linear and quadratic changes offer the coziest atmosphere. Further studies are needed but the effect should be considered when designing dynamic lighting installations or when dimming for numerous applications.