Focal Point to Tackle Topic of Light Quality at LED Specifier Summits

With the growing trend toward more human-centric designs in the commercial marketplace, it is good timing for Matthew Blakeley, from Focal Point, to tackle the topic of light quality and human preference at the upcoming LED Specifier Summits in Denver and Seattle.

Blakeley is the engineering director, new product development for Chicago-based Focal Point. He has devoted the last 10 years to examining product development for both the lighting control and luminaire industries. In addition to handling new luminaire product introductions, he also leads its Quality of Light and Connected Lighting initiatives.

Blakeley is scheduled to talk about Advances in Quality of Light – Lighting for Human Preference, during an educational workshop on Sept. 6, in Denver, and Sept. 25, in Seattle.

“The technology available to us today means we can expand beyond the norm for commercial space lighting. For years, most of the attention has been directed at maximizing efficiency,” says Blakeley, who earned a BS degree in electrical engineering.

“When it comes to designing interior spaces,” continues Blakeley, “we should be addressing the quality of light as it relates to human preference factors. The latest research on color preference supports this. I’ll discuss these findings and other related topics, such as why the IES TM 30 is an improved metric for determining the quality of light, at both workshops.”

One way for designers to specify a light quality that humans prefer, in alignment with the findings from multiple independent studies, is to select Preferred Light from Focal Point. The engineered solution uses advanced LED technology to deliver lighting that renders more natural skin tones, richer wood tones and more vibrant colors. That is what contributes to human well-being in interior spaces.

The Denver LED Specifier Summit will be held at the Colorado Convention Center on Sept. 6, with Blakeley’s workshop beginning at 3:15 p.m. The Seattle event on Sept. 25, will take place at the Washington State Convention Center. Blakeley’s discussion will be held at 1:15 p.m.