Lighting Technology

Lighting is an Art as well  as a Science. There is no ideal or optimum solution to a particular lighting problem. The design process should be seen as consisting of two quite distinct phases. Phase one begins with the client, and involves studying the various local factors that will influence the design. Phase two is the design process proper, and it is here that the first of many design decisions are made. Factors Influencing the Design It is very important that the lighting designer establishes a very good working relationship with the client and with all the others engaged in the project ( such as architects, interior designers, air conditioning engineers) at the earliest possible stage in its development. It will then often be possible to influence basic design conditions concerning the space to be lighted. Later on it might well be too late to make those changes that would have simplified or improved the final lighting design. The most important factors dictated by the...

Glare In simplistic terms, glare is any light source either direct or reflected that reduces short term or long term visual performance. It is the equivalent of noise in an audio system. Glare results from an extremely complex set of interactions between the lighting, both electric and natural, the surroundings and the visual system of the body. Although there is a general understanding of the mechanism of glare and some algorithms for prediction of glare, the prediction of the models often, do not agree with the perception of the occupants. The fact that glare cannot be reliably calculated does not diminish its detrimental effect on the visual environment, nor its need to be addressed in the design process. At the same time it is not sufficient in designing a lighting installation to say that, as glare is bad, we should minimise it as much as possible. There have been many disastrous installations predicated on this philosophy. Many attempts to eliminate glare have resulted ...