Well-lit and ventilated sports facilities help your clients stay active for longer. A connection to the outdoors can also keep people using your sports facilities in winter months when the amount of daylight exposure is maximized throughout the day. This connects people to nature as they exercise and creates an inviting space.
Five popular indoor sports facilities:
- Gym
- Spa and swimming
- Indoor stadiums
- Pavilions
- Bowling alleys
Sports facilities lighting requirements
In larger spaces like sports halls, consistency of light can be an issue, particularly when using artificial lighting. This can be due to a facility’s multipurpose functions and sporting requirements. But keep in mind that light level requirements vary depending on activity and the level of competition. If a contact sport such as football, then a higher level of illuminance is usually required. This also applies if competition levels increase, especially important when hosting events and activities ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
External associations and professional bodies have clear expectations when it comes to lighting. A combination between artificial and natural light is often required in design. Consistency of light is of high importance to ensure sporting activities remain fun. This is especially true when objects move between light and dark spaces - a potential cause of harm or injury. Hanging lights can also impede vision with unwanted glare when looking up. But by combining vertical windows and roof glazing solutions, an even distribution of light can be achieved.
Minimal lux level requirement for most sports activities:
Maximum lux level requirement for most sports facilities:
Providing extra comfort in sports facilities
Glare reduction is important so as not to dazzle or disorientate sporting people. Daylight solutions can be specified with semi-transparent glazing or blinds to provide glare and shadow-free illumination. This in turn reduces the risk of overheating from direct sunlight in hotter months. Ventilation solutions provide extra support and work to help control inside temperatures. The perk of providing fresh air improves comfort levels of active people and increases performance.