Cornell University Ergonomics Web

Office lighting: Comparative studies of Direct and Indirect Lighting Systems

Summary report of the research study.

Journal article:

Hedge, A., Sims, W.R. and Becker, F.D. (1995) The effects of lensed-indirect uplighting and parabolic downlighting on the satisfaction and visual health of office workers, Ergonomics, 38, 260-280. ABSTRACT

Images from the research study.


Prismatic lighting system in offices at the start of the study.


Parabolic lighting installed in half of the office space.


Lensed-indirect lighting installed in half of the office space.