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What characterizes good light? Our fundamental knowledge of lighting theory and significant professional experience give specific answers to this question.
Diffused light is emitted by a light source and spreads unhindered in all directions. For human beings, diffused light has its most pleasant effect when it is distributed softly in the room. Such luminaires are equipped with diffusers made of matte glass, or other materials. The stronger the distributed light is, the larger the area of the diffuser should be to avoid glare. Diffused light is ideal for general illumination.
This type of light is frequently used for illumination of surfaces in interiors and landscapes, even from a great height. Directional light is frequently used for functional illumination and placing accents in interiors. Outdoors, this type of light is used in street and pathway luminaires, and in areas requiring increased attention from people – for example stairs.
Depending on the intended purpose, it may be advisable to use reflected light. Particularly with wall luminaires, for example in house entrances or in corridors where one would like to use soft light, it is considered to be more pleasant when some of the light is reflected off of surfaces. Luminaires with reflected light are often utilized to create a play of light and shadows on surfaces. They are also suitable for placing light accents.
General lighting defines the environment, it is homogeneous and soft. There are no harsh contrasts or shadows. In interiors, general lighting is ambient and allows to comprehend the dimensions of rooms. This lighting should enough to see.
Functional lighting is used in working areas. The light is focused in certain areas where attention is required form the user: on table surfaces, in hallways, staircases, on intersections and street crossings.
Accent lighting creates accents, highlights objects and architectural elements. This type of lighting should be brighter than general lighting to draw attention. Still, it works only if used moderately.
The effect is achieved by the right and aesthetic use of lighting, and provides a high level of visual comfort. Lighting appliances should conform to the architectural environment and compliment it with the light.
The most obvious way of lighting for a building with a glass façade is that of illuminating the interior. In this example, the illuminated cube is surrounded by columns that create an impressive architectural look with black lines.
Illumination with light from the ground. The building is illuminated homogeneously from the ground up. Since the columns are positioned in front of the building, they cast shadows under the ceiling. Is could be viewed as too much shading from the columns.
Here light is being emitted from under the roof and directed straight at the floor of arcades. Water-resistant ceiling directional luminaires are used. The floor area is uniformly illuminated. This type of illumination appears more low-key rom afar.
This scenario feels more impressive. The light is emitted from the ground to the ceiling by floor-mounted luminaires with a medium diffused beam angle. They are installed in the ground directly at the base of the columns, and also illuminate the inward-facing sides. From a certain distance, the ceiling of the building appears detached from the building.
The positioning of the luminaires is altered. The light from recessed luminiares installed outside in front of the columns spreads around and partially illuminates the ceiling. This type of illumination is very suitable for drawing attention to architectural elements.
Illumination of the ground with ceiling luminaires is added to Scenario 5. Thus, we have reduced the contrast and increased the total amount of light. With this approach, functionality of human-centric light is combined with the architectural illumination of buildings.
The large post has a mounting height of 1050 mm. The pathway is homogeneously illuminated. The spacing between the luminaires is 9-10 m.
The medium-sized post has a mounting height of 630 mm: the light is somewhat accentuated. The spacing between the luminaires is 5 m.
The small-sized post has a small mounting height (250 mm). Low mounting height creates bright areas in the vicinity of the luminaire. The light is accentuated. The recommended spacing between the luminaires is 2.5 m.