Evaluation of candidate lighting solutions for a model medical college classroom and insights for lighting system design in educational institutions

Purpose Adequate and effective illumination of classrooms is an integral part of facility management in higher educational institutions. The purpose of this study is to expatiate crucial design considerations for optimal indoor lighting through photometric and electrical measurements and administer a survey germane to occupants’ visual perception and comfort. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a multi-method, “repeated measures”, deductive approach. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in a model medical college classroom regarding subjective visual perception and comfort with 24 subjects under three lighting conditions: incandescent, fluorescent and light-emitting diode (LED), and statistical analysis was made with the Friedman test. Experimental measurements of electrical and photometric parameters were performed under each lighting condition to compare the lighting solutions. Findings The subjects expressed their general preference for indoor lighting with higher correlated colour temperature values. Moreover, LED- and fluorescent tubular lamp-based lighting solutions were deemed to be preferable for lower energy and maintenance costs (<US$167/year), higher vertical illuminance levels (157–305 lx), satisfactory power factor (⩾0.93) and good colour rendering index (CRI: 74–81). Practical implications This study offers practical insights for choosing optimal classroom lighting solutions considering user comfort, economy, photometric parameters and energy efficiency. Originality/value This study offers key inputs for classroom lighting design based on occupants’ subjective preferences, financial aspects and electrical and photometric parameters, and facility managers may peruse the findings of this study to plan for the replacement of antiquated and inefficient lighting installations.