The Science of Light and Learning To understand the relationship between lighting and learning, it’s critical to grasp the concept of correlated colour temperature (CCT). CCT refers to the warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvin (K). Lower CCTs (around 3000K) provide a warm, cosy atmosphere, while higher CCTs (5000K or above) emit a cool, daylight-like glow. Studies have shown that cool white light, which mimics natural daylight, can increase alertness and mood, contributing to improved cognitive performance. LED lighting, with its ability to produce this desired CCT, makes an ideal choice for educational settings. LED Lighting: Brightening the Future of Education Energy Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness One of the main advantages of LED lighting is its energy efficiency. Traditional lighting solutions like fluorescent and incandescent bulbs consume much more energy to produce the same amount of light as LEDs, which is not only environmentally harmful but also financially costly. Switching to LED lights can result in substantial cost savings for schools, enabling them to redirect funds to other critical areas of education. Durability and Longevity LED lights are renowned for their durability and longevity. They have a significantly longer lifespan compared to conventional lights, which means less frequent replacement and reduced maintenance costs. This durability also minimises disruptions caused by light failure, providing a consistent, well-lit learning environment. Improved Visibility and Reduced Eye Strain With their superior colour rendering index (CRI), LED lights render colours more accurately, leading to improved visibility. This is particularly beneficial in educational settings, where activities often require distinguishing fine details and colours. LED lights also emit less glare than traditional lighting solutions, reducing eye strain and fatigue. This can lead to better concentration and increased comfort for both students and teachers. Incorporating LED Lighting in Classrooms: Practical Considerations When transitioning to LED lighting in classrooms, a few key factors need to be taken into account. Firstly, the lighting design should ensure an even distribution of light, preventing shadowy or overly bright spots that could distract or discomfort students. Secondly, the integration of dimming capabilities can provide flexibility, allowing educators to adjust the lighting level based on the task at hand. Finally, lighting controls can be used to take advantage of natural light, automatically dimming or turning off the LEDs when sufficient daylight is present. Conclusion: The Bright Promise of LED Lighting in Education As education systems continue to evolve, it’s imperative to keep sight of the physical factors that significantly impact learning, one of which is lighting. LED technology, with its myriad benefits, offers an innovative and effective way to enhance the quality of lighting in classrooms. By prioritising investments in such improvements, we can take a significant step towards creating an optimised learning environment that nurtures the educational success of future generations.

©Thompsonphotographic.com 2014
Trendy open concept living room photo in Phoenix

**Please Note--If you click on the tags in this photo you may NOT be taken to the actual vendors. Anyone may tag photos and redirect you to their own site. Photo:Donovan Roberts Witmer

This is an example of a large transitional drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel garden path in San Diego.

**Please Note--If you click on the tags in this photo you may NOT be taken to the actual vendors. Anyone may tag photos and redirect you to their own site. Bachelor Chest covered with Robert Allen fabric. Photo by: Donovan Witmer

The contemporary rain garden at this home redirects water from the home's downpout to a metal gutter that brings water to the rain garden. The rain garden is primarily composed of native plants (Aronia and Itea shown).

Stone Stairs by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product: Antique Stone Stairs Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Stairs are one of the most basic indoors and outdoors architectural feature that are a must both functionally and esthetically speaking. In landscaping beside their obvious usefulness in helping you access various elevations on your property they will also allow you to divide and breakup various section of your outdoor design, they'll help you redirect your line of sight to specific focal points of interest and by themselves can make a powerful design statement that symbolizes hospitality and openness towards guests. When creating staircases out of our antique stone building elements we focus on waring all of those hats that your stairs need to ware in order to serve their intended multipurpose role. Most don't dwell or even think twice about this seemingly rudimentary and basic building element that on its surface seems unchanged from the days of the Roman empire. However we've identified various stairs designs and cataloged over 30 divers stone stairs type that forms the bulk of our stone stair library. Here are a few that are noteworthy of mentioning: 1- The thick hexagon staggered stepping stone stairs ideal for any ancient, whimsical, 17th century English or Asiatic landscaping themes you may be using in your outdoors. 2- The 3" and 5" Thick foundation slab slices that are massive cut-out chunks from salvaged cornerstone foundation blocks that used to be laid underneath old farmhouses and building structures in medieval and renaissance Europe before the invention of modern cement and steel foundations. 3- The double stacked antique reclaimed limestone stair edge and risers. All made out of our various lines of very hard antique limestone paves that defies all weather types from sub-Saharan to Tundra climates and perfect for both indoors and outdoors applications. 4- Full blocked 8" thick (or more) )stairs with both the squared backs and the slanted backs ideal for the outdoors or for creating a self-supporting structure that will allow architects and designer an extended range of design options and usages. 5- Limestone stairs with Encaustic Tile raisers ideal for any coastal Spanish or Italian style home. 6- Thick and solid single pieced bull-nosed stairs and raisers flanked by wrist high limestone balustrades when used on the outdoor entryway staircase of your home. All of those types of stairs and countless many others will play an invisible role in defining the character and feel of your future home.

Example of a mountain style master beige floor freestanding bathtub design in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

The intent in this project was to transform the least used space in the back yard into a vital entertaining space. The bluestone patio became an extension of the front bluestone walkway anchored by the stone fireplace. The fireplace / pizza oven becomes the lively center of attention. As a result the fireplace breaks up the linearity of fence beyond and redirects views upwards towards open view to sky.

The window next to this one has a transom at the top. To re-direct your eye and allow each room to have it's own charm the double rods fill in the space and give the illusion of more height. This custom window design disguises the fact that this window is short.

We needed to cull furniture from the hearth room in order to move traffic to the formal living room. We moved a sectional to the upper level, leaving just two lounge chairs and added an extra-large leather ottoman. This adjustment transformed the area into a space for intimate conversation, and redirected traffic as desired. DaubmanPhotography@Cox.net

Our client wished to add a covered dining and grilling area, upgrade the existing patio and redirect and refinish the rear porch. We chose bluestone for the patio, redirected the porch stairs away from the driveway towards the grilling/dining area and added a covered, screened space. The addition includes room for a large table and chairs and additional seating. A ceiling fan ensures great circulation with fresh air access on all four sides.

2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL BASEMENT INTERIOR A newer house in the suburb of Ashburn, Virginia, is home to this military couple. With a growing family and a daughter moving back home, they were in need of more space. An unfinished basement offered plenty of space for a remodel, but coming up with a desirable floor plan was difficult due to the location of a stairway that the builder had installed and the location of the furnace and hot water heater. Working with Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, the couple came up with a plan that moved the furnace and hot water heater to a storage room and redirected the stairway in order to create a workable layout. The primary goal was to have a home office, full bathroom, guest bedroom and a large entertaining area. The focal point of the design is a new gas fireplace embedded in ledge stone with a large LED television above it. A bar with custom cabinetry, exotic stone countertops and decorative pendant lighting creates a central area for the family to gather.

I redirected the staircase and moved the door to the exterior to create this new floor plan. We've added tons of storage and natural light, and even created the sense of an island -- a dream for the homeowner.

Amy Le Sueur
Photo of an asian landscaping in DC Metro.

Our client wished to add a covered dining and grilling area, upgrade the existing patio and redirect and refinish the rear porch. We chose bluestone for the patio, redirected the porch stairs away from the driveway towards the grilling/dining area and added a covered, screened space. The addition includes room for a large table and chairs and additional seating. A ceiling fan ensures great circulation with fresh air access on all four sides. Roof overhang near the porch creates a covered space for grilling.

Our client wished to add a covered dining and grilling area, upgrade the existing patio and redirect and refinish the rear porch. We chose bluestone for the patio, redirected the porch stairs away from the driveway towards the grilling/dining area and added a covered, screened space. The addition includes room for a large table and chairs and additional seating. A ceiling fan ensures great circulation with fresh air access on all four sides.

Use the Linden White's style to bring your family back to the dinner table. This Corner Nook Set is comfortable enough for daily use and stylish enough for more formal occasions. Features •Upholstered in leatherette •Stainless steel base plate •Pedestal base •Z-shaped table design •Maximum number of chairs 4 •Curved bench •Metro modern style Finishes •High Gloss White •Polished Steel Materials •Leatherette •Engineered wood •Foam •Steel

The key is to find products that come in multiple shades to allow for cohesion through repeating the items, but the personality reference through color variation.