Planning general lighting: what matters beforehand

Recessed installation

The luminaire itself remains discreetly in the background. Usually only the wall or ceiling openings are visible.

The focus is not on the luminaire; instead, the light shapes the space.

Integrated lighting blends calmly into a variety of settings and makes it easier to achieve harmonious coordination with the architecture. Changes are brought about above all through lighting control, or through the use of adjustable luminaire types.

Typical examples are recessed ceiling and wall luminaires.

Fixed lighting

Permanently mounted luminaires are available in a range of light distributions.

These include adjustable luminaires such as directional downlights.

Their position is planned early and carefully, since later changes to recessed luminaires are laborious.

A thorough review during the design planning phase provides certainty here.

Surface-mounted

With surface-mounted lighting, the luminaire is presented as a distinct element. It forms part of the visible appearance of the space.

Alongside the lighting effect, the design of the luminaire matters. Its selection and arrangement must suit the architecture.

Surface-mounted lighting adapts to existing structures. It actively shapes the overall picture.

Its advantage is flexibility; the challenge is visual order.

Too many different luminaire types always create restlessness. An unclear arrangement disrupts the space as well.

Typical examples of surface-mounted lighting are spotlights, light structures, and pendant luminaires.

Flexible lighting

The greatest variability is achieved by using adjustable spotlights on tracks or supporting structures. This allows spatial realignment and even repositioning or complete replacement of the luminaires.