Lighting Design: A Historical Perspective
In today’s world, lighting plays a pivotal role in various settings, including commercial, residential, industrial, and more. Considering its significance in economic, health, safety, and aesthetic aspects, human societies are driven to seek ways to standardize lighting practices.
Lighting design emerges as an effective solution to address all these needs. Experience has shown that well-executed lighting design can have a beneficial impact on daily life, enhance efficiency, and improve the quality of products in various industries.
Proper lighting with the right quantity and quality can prevent eye fatigue and its associated discomfort.
Electricity is a national asset, with approximately 23 percent of it consumed solely for lighting purposes. Through lighting design, not only can we achieve better quality illumination, but we can also save on electricity consumption and related costs.
It’s interesting to note that in the past, lighting design and brightness calculations were done manually, a complex and time-consuming process that often resulted in high error rates.
With advancements in technology and the development of lighting design software, the process has become more efficient. This evolution offers benefits such as time savings, higher precision, and visual simulations for projects.
Know more: LED lighting language training
What Is Lighting Design?
Lighting design refers to the simulation of lighting projects (various facilities) to achieve appropriate and high-quality illumination, a process now facilitated by software tools like Dialux.
Dialux Software:
Dialux, developed by DIAL, is the leading and most widely used software for lighting design and calculation in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Lighting manufacturers worldwide collaborate with Dialux to create custom plugins for their products, which lighting designers install to utilize specific lighting fixtures in their Dialux projects.
The latest version, Dialux evo, boasts superior graphics and a comprehensive building design feature, making it a versatile tool for lighting professionals.
Lighting Design for Various Facilities:
Lighting design is employed across diverse settings, including industrial, commercial, residential, outdoor spaces, sports arenas, and more. Different approaches are taken to cater to the unique requirements of each location.
Key Parameters in Lighting Design:
Illuminance: The amount of light leaving a light source within a specific spatial angle is referred to as illuminance. For instance, two lamps with the same luminous flux but different beam angles will have varying illuminances. (Note: Illuminance is different from luminance.)
Luminous Flux: Luminous flux measures the total quantity of light emitted by a light source, usually in lumens (lm).
Illuminance Level: The amount of illuminance per unit area (m2) is known as illuminance level and is expressed in lux (lx). The required illuminance level varies for different types of spaces.
Brightness: Brightness refers to the level of light perceived by the human eye from a surface, whether it’s a light source or a reflective surface. It is commonly measured in units of candela per square meter (cd/m2).
Uniformity: Uniformity refers to the evenness of illuminance across a space. It measures how consistently light is distributed, which is crucial for visual comfort.
Light Distribution Types:
- Horizontal Light Distribution: The illuminance level provided horizontally.
- Vertical Light Distribution: The illuminance level provided vertically.
For a more comprehensive understanding of lighting parameters, refer to the article “Basic quantities in lighting“
In conclusion, lighting design is a fundamental aspect of modern life, impacting various aspects of our surroundings and daily activities. By leveraging advanced software tools like Dialux, designers can create well-illuminated spaces that not only enhance aesthetics but also contribute to energy efficiency and overall well-being.
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Lighting Control Systems:
In the realm of lighting design, control systems play a pivotal role in optimizing illumination based on specific needs and scenarios. These systems enable adjustments in lighting intensity, color temperature, and even dynamic lighting effects. For instance, in an office environment, lighting control systems can be programmed to automatically adjust brightness throughout the day to mimic natural sunlight patterns, promoting productivity and well-being among occupants.
Examples of Lighting Design Applications:
- Retail Spaces: In retail, effective lighting design can significantly impact customer experience and sales. Strategic lighting can accentuate product displays, create focal points, and enhance the overall shopping ambiance. For instance, warm and inviting lighting might be used in a clothing boutique to create a cozy atmosphere, while bright and focused lighting may be employed in a jewelry store to highlight product details.
- Outdoor Lighting: Public spaces, streets, and outdoor areas also benefit from thoughtful lighting design. Functional outdoor lighting not only ensures safety and security but can also add aesthetic value. As an example, architectural exteriors can be lit up to produce a striking nocturnal impact within urban settings.
- Museum and Gallery Lighting: Lighting design plays a critical role in art galleries and museums, where it must showcase artwork while preserving their integrity. A well-designed system can control factors like light intensity and color temperature to protect delicate artwork from UV rays and minimize glare for visitors.
- The hospitality sector, encompassing hotels and restaurants, employs lighting design as a means to establish an inviting and cozy ambiance. In restaurants, the use of mood lighting can elevate the dining experience, while in hotel rooms, adaptable bedside lighting is employed to guarantee guest comfort and ease.
- Residential Lighting: Lighting design is equally relevant in homes. It can transform spaces, creating cozy reading corners, enhancing kitchen functionality, or setting the mood in entertainment areas. Smart home systems now allow homeowners to control lighting remotely, adjusting it to their preferences and needs.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability:
Modern lighting design also places significant emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability. For example, the use of LED lighting not only reduces energy consumption but also extends the lifespan of lighting fixtures, reducing maintenance costs. Additionally, sustainable design principles consider daylight harvesting, where natural light is utilized effectively to reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Regulations and Standards:
Lighting design adheres to industry-specific regulations and standards, ensuring safety and compliance. For instance, road lighting must meet specific standards to provide adequate visibility for drivers while minimizing light pollution to protect the night sky.
Read related article: What is light pollution?
Conclusion:
In summary, lighting design is a multifaceted discipline with broad applications across various sectors. It encompasses not only the aesthetic aspects of lighting but also its functional, environmental, and economic dimensions. The use of advanced software tools, control systems, and sustainable practices continues to evolve the field, enabling designers to create well-lit spaces that enhance our lives in numerous ways. Whether in commercial, residential, or public environments, effective lighting design ultimately contributes to improved well-being, productivity, and energy efficiency.
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