Lighting
Design is a area of the construction/Refurbishment
process that often does not get the recognition
it deserves. The atmosphere in a room can
be drastically effected by the type of lighting
installed and the lighting design levels.
Get it wrong and people will often just
not be happy working/resting in that area
or will be unable to work safely or effectively.Lighting
designers have to be aware of various regulations
such as 'CIBSE Lighting Requirements' which
details methods of lighting and recommended
lighting levels in different environments.
New Lighting schemes now have to comply
with Building Control guidelines on energy
efficiency.
Detailed
below are some common lighting design situations:
Rest
Areas
If any area is being designed for people
to relax in, it is important lighting
design levels are not to high. Localised
areas of higher lighting level can be
provided for reading etc by the use
of down lighters with background lighting
possibly being provided by uplighters.
It is very important to minimise glare
as this will cause stress to the eyes
and make relaxing very difficult.
Computer
Rooms
Areas designed for use with computers
should comply with CIBSE LG3 guidelines,
which basically aim to ensure glare
from lighting does not reflect on VDU
screens. The recently updated LG3 guidelines
aim to ensure that some light is thrown
on the ceiling and walls to prevent
the 'dark patches/high contrast effect'
previously associated with lights designed
to be used with computers.
External
Lighting This can either be designed for
effect or to provide security lighting
or both. many studies have shown that
good lighting in public areas is a very
effective way of reducing crime and
also the fear of crime.
Buildings such as town halls churches
etc can have lighting schemes designed
for them that can really make them stand
out at night time and look quite dramatic
and make an areas more attractive to
visitors.
Reception
Areas These are areas where lighting contrast
can be used to great effect. The reception
desk can be made to stand out from its
surroundings naturally drawing people
to it. Low voltage lighting is often
used in these situations as it produces
a bright crisp light that brings out
the colours of the lighting spectrum
effectively. Up lighting is often used
in receptions as this produces a slightly
dramatic effect.
Energy
efficiency
Provision of suitable Lighting systems
is now recognised as an ideal way to
improve the energy efficiency of a building.
Modern high frequency luminaires used
with lighting controls(automatic day
light dimming or PIR sensor switching)
can greatly reduce the cost of lighting
a building with savings of up to 40
to 50% compared with older lighting
methods.
Emergency
Lighting
Public
buildings, shops etc have to have emergency
lighting systems installed to meet British,
European standards and Building Control
requirements.This is to enable safe
escape in emergency situations.
As
can be seen from above Lighting design is
a deep subject in its own right with many
engineers specialising in it exclusively.
With modern lighting and lamp technology
improving all the time the opportunities
are getting greater. Putting in the right
lighting design input in the beginning of
a project can benefit people for years to
come. Please contact the Electrical Services
Manager if you require any further information
regarding this subject.
