THE ENLIGHTENMENT SERIES
The Basics of Lighting
Lighting Diagrams
Light Distribution Curves, Illumination Diagrams and Isolux diagrams
Careful planning work is required to solve lighting tasks. The necessary information about the properties of luminaires is given in light distribution curves, illumination and isolux diagrams.LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CURVES
Light distribution curves specify in what direction and with what intensity a luminaire emits light. The luminous intensity value in candela (cd) for a given luminaire is obtained by multiplying the ...
Types of Luminaires
Lighting plays a pivotal role in shaping our environment, influencing not just the aesthetics of a space, but also its functionality and mood. Whether it's the soft glow of recessed ceiling lights in a cozy living room, the striking beams of floodlights highlighting architectural features on soaring facafes, or the practical in-ground lights guiding pathways in public parks, luminaires are integral to our daily lives.RECESSED CEILING LUMINAIRES
Recessed ceiling luminaires are installed ...
Understanding Unified Glare Rating (UGR)
Glare, a common yet often overlooked aspect of lighting, refers to the discomfort or visual impairment caused by excessive and unregulated brightness from light sources. This occurs when intense light, whether directly from a source or reflected, enters the eyes, leading to a blinding or uncomfortable sensation. Glare can result in squinting, reduced visibility, eye strain, headaches, and other discomforts. This problem is particularly troublesome when lighting conditions are inadequately ...
Lenses vs Reflectors
It's time to shed some light on the age-old debate of lenses versus reflectors. Picture this as a friendly duel between two enchanting optical warriors, each with its own set of strengths and quirks.
When it comes to lighting technology, LED chips emit light in a 180° dispersion, which is often too broad for practical use. To control and harness this light effectively, a secondary optical component is required. The two primary choices are reflectors and lenses, each with its own distinct ...
Types of Illumination
Introduction to Lighting Theory
Lighting is an essential aspect of any space, and understanding the different types of illumination is crucial for effective light planning. In the 1950s, Richard Kelly, a renowned light planner, defined a basic classification of illumination types that remains relevant today.
These types include:
General Illumination - Light to See
Functional Lighting - Light to Look At
Accent Lighting - Light to Behold
Each type serves a specific purpose in creating a ...
Harnessing the Power of Natural Light
The Importance of Day Light in Sustainable Lighting Design
Daylighting, or the use of natural light to illuminate interior spaces, is an essential component of sustainable lighting design. Daylighting not only reduces the need for electric lighting during daylight hours, but also provides a host of additional benefits such as improving occupant comfort, enhancing the visual quality of spaces, and promoting overall well-being.
In sustainable lighting design, daylighting is often the ...
Understanding CRI and Colour Temperature
When it comes to lighting, two important factors to consider are the Colour Rendering Index (CRI) and Colour Temperature. CRI measures the accuracy of how colours appear under a specific light source, while Colour Temperature refers to the perceived warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvins (K). Both CRI and Colour Temperature play a significant role in both interior and exterior lighting and can have an impact on each other.
CRIThe Importance of Accurate Colour Rendering
CRI is a ...
Protection: IP & IK Ratings
It's important to understand IP and IK ratings, as they play a critical role in determining the suitability of luminaires for various environments. These ratings are used to assess the protection levels of luminaires against various environmental factors, such as moisture, dust, and impact. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what IP and IK ratings are, and how they are used to evaluate the performance and durability of luminaires.
IP RATINGS
IP, which stands for "Ingress ...
Definitions
Discover the definitions of key lighting terms to enhance your understanding of the art and science of lighting.AbsorptionAbsorption is the process of a material taking in light energy and converting it into another form of energy, such as heat. It is a key concept in lighting, as it is the process by which light is blocked or reduced. Absorption can be used to control the amount of light entering a space, as well as to reduce glare and improve the quality of light.BacklightingBacklighting ...