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Washlighting

Washlighting illumination refers to an architecture-related and object-orientated illumination. The primary purpose is to make visible the room proportions and room limits. Symmetrical floodlights are used for washlighting of horizontal surfaces or for general lighting in the area of presentation. A feature of asymmetrical floodlights is the uniform light intensity distribution on surfaces.

symmetrical

asymmetrical

symmetrical

Observation

Symmetrical washlighting produces an even illumination on objects or surfaces.
Washlight illumination is characterised by high uniformity and a soft gradient of light intensity distribution.
The illuminated areas of the room are emphasised by washlighting.

The directed light produces good modelling abilities and enables good appreciation of form and surface structure.
Washlighting illumination can serve as a background for accent lighting.

Applications

Washlighting illumination for:
- wall lighting
- facades
- entrance areas
- cantilever roofs
- trees
- park and garden complexes
- sculptures
- objects

Preferred luminaire group
- floodlights

Private home, Southern Highlands, Australia;

ERCO Lichtwiese (Light Garden), Lüdenscheid

Church, Rörvik

Monastery ruins, Paulinzella

asymmetrical

Observation

Asymmetrical washlighting illumination is used for illuminating surfaces evenly. Wallwashing is a highly valued tool in architectural lighting. Vertical illumination emphasises the walls - or other room limits - in terms of their physical makeup. Brightening the wall surfaces makes the room look bigger.

Point-form luminaires lend the wall surface a higher brillance, whereas with linear luminaires a higher uniformity is achieved. With asymmetrical washlighting, areas of a room can be defined and thus have attention attracted to them. It can also serve as a background for accent lighting or form the ambient brightness for the work place. To obtain a uniform light intensity distribution the correct positioning of the luminaires is of great importance.

Applications

Washlighting illumination for
- facades
- entrance areas
- passages
- atria
- cantilever roofs
- park and garden complexes

Preferred luminaire groups
- floodlights
- washlights
- wallwashers
- recessed floor luminaires