3.14 - ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING DESIGN

1.) ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING3.14 - ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING DESIGN

Indirectly related to stage lighting design, architectural lighting design is a relatively new field, becoming popular in the 1970's. Architectural lighting design refers to the planned lighting of both interior and exterior spaces. See also: Landscape Lighting.

Typically, for most buildings (commercial and industrial) 'illumination' is prescribed by the ELECTRICAL ENGINEER. This consultant is usually responsible for; general electrical systems, power distribution, audio systems, fire alarm systems and lighting. Occasionally, an ILLUMINATING ENGINEER may specify the lighting. Typically when these engineers specify a lighting system, they are most concerned with providing proper illumination - for specific work related tasks.

The LIGHTING DESIGNER is a fairly new addition to the architectural team. Although usually not an engineer, this consultant will often specify all lighting and illumination criteria. He will work directly with the other consultants (architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical) to ensure that the lighting systems are properly designed, detailed and drawn.

Architectural lighting is far more than illumination however. The architectural lighting designer may be concerned with properly lighting buildings and spaces. He may be concerned with lighting levels, lighting efficiency and lighting safety. The architectural lighting designer however should also be very much concerned with the performance and well being of a human being, in an architectural space. Good lighting design always works towards solving specific criteria. Architectural lighting may provide basic 'seeability' for specific tasks, or may assist in effect, esthetics, comfort, health, safety and well being.

The architectural lighting designer must have a complete understanding of both the physics of light and the psychological effects of light. He must be well versed with the architectural design and construction process and must be able to design responsibly within budgets.

2.) ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING - TECHNIQUES

There are many hundreds of manufacturers around the world that specialize in the manufacture of architectural lighting fixtures. Fixtures come in all grades, shapes and sizes. Literally, thousands of different fixtures exist, for different application. Fixtures may use incandescent, fluorescent of high intensity discharge sources. H.I.D. sources are generally used where possible as they are highly efficient and have lamps with extremely long life.

Stage lighting fixtures are seldom used for architectural lighting. Stage fixtures use 'photo' type lamps with relatively low hours, and fixtures are generally not designed for continuous operation.

Architectural lighting (as does stage lighting) uses a combination of flood and spotlight techniques. Fixtures are typically positioned as down lights, however some applications may require uplighting or side lighting for dramatic effect.