Planning general lighting: what matters at the outset

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 quietly into a variety of settings and makes it easier to achieve a harmonious interplay with the architecture. Changes are made primarily through lighting control—or by using movable luminaire types.

Typical examples of this 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 with care, since later changes to recessed luminaires are laborious.

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

Additive

With additive lighting, the luminaire is shown as a distinct element. It forms part of the visible spatial composition.

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

Additive 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 additive lighting are spotlights, light structures, and pendant luminaires.

Flexible lighting

The greatest variability is achieved by using movable spotlights on tracks or supporting structures. This allows the luminaires to be reoriented in space and even repositioned or replaced entirely.