Workplace Lighting Regulations – Standards and Atmosphere

Light is no side issue. It determines whether we can concentrate in the office, work safely in the workshop, or achieve precise results in the lab. And it is not just a matter of well-being – it is clearly regulated by workplace lighting regulations. As lighting designers in Berlin and Antwerp, we combine these legal frameworks with atmospheric design, turning compliance into identity and quality.

👉 In this article you will learn which rules apply, which standards you need to know and why great lighting is more than just meeting minimum requirements.

📜 Legal Framework

Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV)

The ArbStättV forms the basis of all requirements. It stipulates that workplaces must be illuminated in such a way that employees do not suffer any harm. This is where the workplace lighting regulations are clearly anchored.

➡️ ArbStättV – Workplace Ordinance

Further information from the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA):
➡️ BAuA – Lighting and Workplaces

ASR A3.4 "Lighting"

The technical rule ASR A3.4 specifies the ArbStättV. It defines minimum values for illuminance, uniformity, glare and flicker-free operation. Employers must comply with these points to meet the workplace lighting regulations.

➡️ ASR A3.4 PDF (BAuA)

DIN EN 12464-1

The DIN EN 12464-1 regulates the lighting of indoor workplaces – from lux levels to glare limitation. It applies throughout Europe as a standard and is part of the workplace lighting regulations.

➡️ DIN EN 12464-1 Standard Info

Other Regulations

🔎 Technical Requirements at a Glance

✔️ Illuminance: Office workplace min. 500 lux, surrounding area min. 300 lux
✔️ Glare & UGR value: UGR ≤ 19 for screen workplaces
✔️ Colour rendering & light colour: Ra ≥ 80, 3,000–5,000 Kelvin
✔️ Daylight & view connection: include daylight, ensure view to the outside

🛠️ Practical Examples

  • Screen workplace: 500 lux
  • Precision assembly: 1,000–1,500 lux
  • Workshop: 300 lux

✅ Checklist for Employers & Planners

  • ArbStättV – integrated? ✅
  • DIN EN 12464-1 – fulfilled? ✅
  • Illuminance – ≥ 500 lux at workplace? ✅
  • UGR value – ≤ 19? ✅
  • Daylight – view to the outside available? ✅
  • Maintenance – regularly scheduled? ✅

🌍 Conclusion – Regulation + Atmosphere

Workplace lighting regulations ensure safety and health protection.
But only great lighting design – created by experienced lighting designers in Berlin and Antwerp – transforms spaces into places where we can focus, be creative or relax.

“Light is not just regulation – it is identity, atmosphere and culture.”

👉 More news or project inquiry?
If you’d like to stay up to date with our latest lighting projects, articles and studio news, you can subscribe to our newsletter below the FAQs.
If you’re an architect, investor or company representative planning a project, you can also book a free consultation below — and find out how we can create meaningful spaces together.

❓ FAQ

Which rules apply in Germany?
The Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV), ASR A3.4 “Lighting” and DIN EN 12464-1 form the legal framework for workplace lighting.
How much light is needed at a desk?
At least 500 lux at the workplace and 300 lux in the surrounding area.
Why hire lighting designers?
Because they combine regulation, function and atmosphere — creating spaces that work and inspire.

Pictures: The Full Node Office by Studio De Schutter to visualize Workplace Lighting Regulations, while meeting function and atmosphere.

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Sabine De Schutter

Founded in Berlin in 2015 by Belgian born Sabine De Schutter, Studio De Schutter reflects the strong belief that architectural lighting design is much more than just lighting up the built environment.

As independent lighting designers, the studio's focus is on user-centred design, because design is about creating meaningful spaces that positively affect people's lives. Studio De Schutter work focuses on creative lighting for working spaces, custom fixtures for heritage buildings to workshops and installations for public space.The studio's motto = #creativityisourcurrency

Sabine teaches at the HPI d.school, Hochschule Wismar, is an IALD member and the ambassador for Women in Lightingin Germany.

Studio De Schutter wurde 2015 von der in Belgien geborenen Sabine De Schutter (*1984) in Berlin gegründet. Die in Berlin lebende Designerin studierte Innenarchitektur in Antwerpen und Barcelona, hat einen zweiten Master-Abschluss in architektonischem Lichtdesign (HS Wismar) und studierte Design Thinking an der HPI d.school in Potsdam.

Das Studio De Schutter zeigt, dass es beim architektonischen Lichtdesign darum geht, Wahrnehmung zu formen und Erfahrungen zu schaffen. Für Studio De Schutter geht es beim Lichtdesign darum, eindrucksvolle Umgebungen zu schaffen, die das Leben der Menschen positiv beeinflussen. Der Benutzer steht im Mittelpunkt ihres Ansatzes und deshalb lassen sie und ihr Team sich nicht durch konventionelle Beleuchtungsstandards einschränken. Sie arbeiten eng mit ihren Kunden zusammen, um die Vision des Projekts und die Nutzerbedürfnisse zu verstehen und sie mit Licht zu akzentuieren. Das Studio De Schutter hat kreative Lichtlösungen für Arbeitsumgebungen, Lichtkunstinstallationen und kundenspezifische Leuchten in seinem Portfolio. Heute ist es ein vierköpfiges Team von internationalen Power-Frauen, die sich alle leidenschaftlich damit, wie Licht den Raum, die Erfahrungen und Emotionen formt, beschäftigt.

Sabine De Schutter lehrt an der Hochschule Wismar und ist Botschafterin für Women in Lighting (https://womeninlighting.com) in Deutschland.

https://www.studiodeschutter.com
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