History

Right up until the 18th century people only had two light sources at their disposal: natural daylight and the flame - the latter being the only artificial light source since the Stone Age. These two types of lighting dictated the patterns of life and architecture down through the ages, but a new epoch was ushered in with the invention of gas lighting and then electric lighting.

Seeing and perception

The majority of the information that we receive about the world around us comes through our eyes. Light is not only an essential prerequisite , it is the medium by which we are able to see. Through its intensity, the way it is distributed and through its properties, light creates specific conditions which can influence our perception.

Architectural lighting

It is light that first enables spatial perception. Above and beyond this, our perception of architecture can also be influenced with light: it expands and accentuates rooms, creates links and delineates one area from another.

Planning process

The planning process provides an overview of the sequence of the individual tasks in lighting design. This process is closely linked with the planning procedure for an architectural design. The findings of the analysis are firstly channelled into the concept planning and are then finalised for implementation in the design. In addition, maintenance schedules are a prerequisite for maintaining the quality of light on site.

Practical planning

Having completed the project analysis and developed a lighting concept, the next phase entails practical planning: decisions regarding the lamps and luminaires to be used, the arrangement and installation of the luminaires. A detailed design can be developed from a concept based primarily on lighting qualities.

Visualising light

Representing lighting installations and their lighting effects in architecture plays a key role in lighting design. The range of representations includes the whole gamut from technically oriented ceiling plans to graphic illustrations of varying complexity to computer-calculated room representations and three-dimensional models of architecture or lighting installations. Skilled lighting designers use ceiling plans and diagrams to derive a realistic idea of the lighting effects achieved.

Types of lighting

The effect of rooms, areas and objects greatly depends on the type of lighting. This ranges from uniform washlighting through to highlighting and the projection of gobo images.

Luminaire groups

Luminaires are available in a wide variety of types, each intended to fulfil different lighting requirements. The same light distributions can be achieved with different luminaires. The choice depends on whether the luminaires are to be a design feature in their own right, or whether an integrative design approach is being followed. Compared to luminaires that are permanently mounted, track-mounted luminaires offer a higher degree of flexibility.

Lighting applications

Light plays a central and multifaceted role in the design of a visual environment. In addition to the requirements and demands made by the user on lighting design, the architectonic concept also stipulates a framework for the design of the illumination.

Planning examples

In this subchapter, application possibilities for indoor luminaires are shown using design examples. Design variations are presented using simulations.

Types of lighting

The effect of rooms, facades, objects and vegetation greatly depends on the type of lighting. This ranges from general lighting through to specific highlighting. Washlighting forms the background for accent lighting for emphasising objects. In terms of orientation lighting, points of light or rows of light are used to provide orientation in the outdoor area.

Luminaire groups

Luminaires are available in a wide variety of types, each intended to fulfil different lighting requirements. For external applications it is primarily permanently mounted luminaires that are used.

Lighting applications

Illuminating facades by night changes the atmosphere of a city. In urban areas or civic parks, points of interest can be created to enable orientation and to establish spatial reference points. Light in the outdoors also extends one's perception when looking outside from with a building.

Design examples

In this subchapter, application possibilities for outdoor luminaires are shown using design examples. Design variations are presented using simulations.

Dimensions, units

Light plays a central role in the design of a visual environment. The architecture, people and objects are all made visible by the lighting. Light influences our well-being, the aesthetic effect and the mood of a room or area.

LED

Efficient lamps based on semiconductor technology

Calculations

The planning and design of lighting installations involves a number of technical and economical calculations. Usually, these relate to the average lighting level or the exact illuminance at individual points in the room. In addition, it may be useful to determine the luminance levels in specific areas of the room, the quality features of the lighting such as shadow effects and contrast rendition or the cost of a lighting installation including maintenance cost.

Planning data

The lighting design process requires detailed information to ensure compliance with the standards relating to illuminances and visual comfort. Thus for the simulation programs, luminaire manufacturers provide files that contain data on the lighting technology of the luminaires.

Glossary