Airport Lighting

Every location has unique needs in terms of lighting design. When it comes to airport lighting design, this is a location that has changed over time. While airport interiors were once just about function, the modern traveler has changing needs an airport must adapt to in order to better serve travelers. Here are 4 tips for creating airport lighting that meets the expectations of today’s traveler.

1. Choose environmentally friendly options.

Consumers today are more and more concerned with the environmental impacts of business solutions. If an airport uses environmentally sound practices, it can reflect well on the reputation of the airport in the eyes of the traveling public. It will also help the airport in the area of energy costs. One of the most expensive line items for any airport is lighting. By choosing lighting solutions that use less energy while still providing reliable illumination, you stand a chance to reduce your energy costs greatly while still reducing the environmental impacts. Look for solutions that will offer low wattage to high lumen ratios for the best result.

2. Experiment with fixture types.

While airport lighting was once basic in design with most locations using troffer lighting with fluorescent lamps, this area has evolved in both appearance and function in terms of fixture types. While overhead lighting is still the standard, there is more variation in terms of fixture types. A recessed troffer is a great choice for lighting larger areas in need of high levels of lighting such as baggage claims and security checkpoints. Recessed cam lights are a nice way to give travelers a break from the overly bright lights and can be used in hallways, walkways, and other areas of in-between lighting.

3. Invest in LED solutions.

LED solutions are popular for good reasons. They offer a better long-term return on the investment since they are so long lasting in terms of both the internal elements and the burn rates of the lamps, but they are also beneficial to cutting monthly utility costs. A LED also doesn’t produce high levels of heat so they won’t impede comfort. The lack of heat is also part of why they last for years of reliable use. In fact, most LED lamps will offer up to 100,000 hours of bright, evenly distributed lumen output.

4. Install dimmers and timers to fixtures.

There is no denying that airports, like any business, are less busy during certain time periods. Whether during a lull in the travel year or just the time of night when few flights are arriving or departing, lighting will need to be adjusted. While there is the option of simply shutting off lighting in areas not in use, but that can create potential security risks. A better bet is to install lighting with dimmers on a timer. This will reduce the energy being consumed for lower energy costs while still giving travelers the sense of safety they deserve.