Lighting tricks to transform your veterinary hospital

If you're not ready for a complete veterinary hospital renovation yet, there's an easier way to create the illusion of more space: the right lighting. Not only does proper light allow us to see and focus on what we're doing, it can also boost mood and increase employee efficiency. Here are some methods presented by architect Dave Gasser and engineer Scott Learned at the 2014 Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Conference preceding CVC Kansas City.

> A high level of light in a room can give the impression of a larger volume.

> Raise a ceiling visually by splashing a large concentration of light toward the ceiling or upper portion of the walls.

> A shadowed ceiling will appear lower. Concentrate light away from its surface or draw attention elsewhere.

> "Open" a small space by washing a wall with light. These fixtures can be placed in the ceiling.

> If a room is too narrow, illuminate its long walls. The shadowed walls at the ends will advance.

Also keep in mind that less isn't more when it comes to fixtures. "It's better to have more lower-level, well-distributed fixtures rather than a few high-intensity lights," says Gasser. This helps you avoid glare and even eye strain, as this can happen in both poorly lit and overly lit spaces.