Modern Building Services

30 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MARCH 2022 FEATURE VERTICAL FOCUS T he pandemic has accelerated many office trends with wellbeing, flexibility and hybrid working all rapidly moving up the priority list. Mechanical and electrical services play a key role in meeting these requirements, ensuring offices can meet the changing needs of both owners and occupiers now and in the future. Enhancing wellbeing Lighting has a huge impact on office space, contributing towards people’s wellbeing as well as the building’s efficiency and security. Technology is advancing rapidly with lighting design changing dramatically within the last three years. One of the biggest drivers of change is the WELL Building Standard (WELL), which focuses on measures that improve the health and wellbeing of occupants. With the pandemic increasing the emphasis on health, a growing number of companies are adopting the standard. As far as light is concerned, WELL addresses a range of elements including visual acuity, glare reduction, colour, flexibility, daylight, and people’s circadian rhythm – the physical, mental and behavioural processes we all experience in a 24-hour cycle. There are various ways in which these requirements can be achieved through lighting design. One of the most effective is tunable lighting which comprises LED chips in red, blue and white, enabling the user to adjust the colours for different working conditions. A strong blue colour for example, can help boost concentration and productivity while a warmer light towards the end of the day will help to aid relaxation. By emulating natural patterns of sunlight, this can benefit people’s overall wellbeing. Taking control Technological advances are also improving lighting control, ensuring the right amount of light is delivered when and where needed. Intelligent, self-learning systems are available featuring luminaires fitted with sensors that respond to the environment. We have recently installed this technology for a new office building spanning 10,000 sqm. Supplied by Whitecroft, the ‘Organic Response’ system comprises of luminaires each containing an occupancy detector and photocell. As it features individual photocells per luminaire, this gives maximum control over areas of the floor plate where ‘deep’ parts may not benefit from With new ways of working continuing to shape office design, Toby Buckley , Managing Director of REL Building Services, explains the impact on M&E solutions. Office design is changing and building services must keep up VERTICAL FOCUS † BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE?