The main objectives are to ensure that students and staff have enough light to perform their work (such as science experiments or craft projects) and that the lighting helps good visibility and therefore safety.

Light at any position should be from multiple sources to prevent heavy shadowing of the task by the student. However take care to provide some "modelling" as patterns of light and shade are essential to allow objects to be correctly seen and to create an interesting environment.

Good colour rendering is required. For areas using machinery high frequency control gear should be used to prevent any problems with stroboscopic effects resulting in rotating machinery appearing to be stationary.