What is UGR, and Why is it Important?

Creating the perfect atmosphere goes beyond aesthetic appeal. Functionality and comfort play an essential role in lighting design, especially in commercial and hospitality spaces. One of the key factors in achieving optimal lighting is managing glare, which can significantly affect the visual comfort of the space’s users. That’s where the Unified Glare Rating (UGR) comes into play.

What is UGR?

The Unified Glare Rating (UGR) is an international metric used to evaluate and limit the discomfort caused by glare from artificial lighting. The UGR value is calculated based on several factors, including the luminance of the light fixtures, the room’s dimensions, and the position of the observer relative to the lighting source.

UGR is measured on a scale, with lower values indicating less discomfort and higher values signaling more significant glare. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• UGR < 10: Practically no glare
• UGR 10-16: Low glare, ideal for spaces where visual comfort is crucial
• UGR 16-22: Moderate glare, often acceptable in areas with less stringent requirements
• UGR 22-28: High glare, potentially uncomfortable
• UGR > 28: Unacceptable glare, to be avoided

Why Does UGR Matter in Lighting Design?

In environments such as hotels, restaurants, and offices—key sectors for UMAYA—ensuring a low UGR is essential. Excessive glare can cause discomfort, headaches, and even reduce productivity. That’s why our lighting designs are developed with attention to UGR values, ensuring that the spaces we create not only look stunning but are comfortable for guests, employees, and patrons alike.

UGR Standards in Different Spaces

The importance of managing UGR depends on the use and function of the space. For example:

• Offices and Workspaces: A UGR of less than 19 is typically recommended, ensuring employees can work without strain from excessive glare.
• Hotel Lobbies and Lounges: Spaces where people are more relaxed can tolerate slightly higher UGR values, but we still aim for a rating between 16-19 to keep comfort levels high.
• Restaurants and Bars: Here, ambiance is essential. While UGR values may not be as critical as in work environments, keeping glare in check helps maintain the desired atmosphere.

Our approach to Lighting Design and UGR

At UMAYA, we recognize that controlling UGR goes beyond merely selecting the right fixtures. It’s about the thoughtful placement of lights, understanding the interaction between light sources and the environment, and working with both functional and aesthetic goals in mind.

We collaborate with manufacturers and utilize advanced tools to calculate UGR early in the design process, ensuring our projects maintain the highest standards of visual comfort. By paying close attention to UGR and other factors like color rendering and light distribution, we achieve holistic lighting solutions tailored to each project’s unique needs.

By taking UGR into account, we ensure that our projects, from hospitality spaces to office environments, offer optimal visual comfort without compromising on aesthetics.