Knowing Light: Lighting Design Thoughts
Lighting design requires knowledge of certain elements of lighting. Whether it is Vaxcel lighting, pendant lighting, spot lighting, or floor mount lighting the quality of light will be maintained by numerous variables. making the right atmosphere will mean using these factors in a masterful way. These factors, include the shape of the light, the volume of light, the temperature of the light, the direction and the diffusion.
Shaping light is an integral aspect of lighting design. Walk into any fancy restaurant and there will be some noticeable highlights, some areas of contrast and a balance around the dining room that allows for intimacy and functionality. Like a stage production with spot light, colored lights and other effects, shaping the light, allows the light designer to bring the eye toward, or away from aspects in a room. The light, can create a feeling of depth on a flat wall by creating area of light and dark. The light can be placed in such a way as to highlight a beautiful vase or painting. It can be used to mask a work area by placing lights directed outward right in front. It is human nature to not look directly into lights, and the iris shifts making darkness appear behind the brightness, like looking out a window in a well lit room makes the evening appear darker.
The amount of light is similar to the shaping of light. This envisioning an area and determining how much light is to be used to illuminate a room. Often people prefer a light-filled room by placing lamps in every corner, and overheads through out a room. The amount of light used determines the mood of a space. Hollywood can offer a simple tip regarding amount of light; dramatic lighting has high contrast ratios, and comedy lighting tends to be much more uniform. A lighting designer worth their salt will design a space or house with varying ranges of contrast ratio, providing unique feelings for each room.
The temperature of a light whether it is heat or coolness allows the quality of its color. The color temperature creates a mood of its own. The sun is hot, but in comparison to tungsten lighting it is a cool blue. Tungsten lights are also designed to offer different light quality. Fluorescent lights may put forth a greenish hue within a space. The best light design can be ruined by the improper bulb.
Diffusion is part of the dynamic of shaping the light. Light will move where it is pointed. Some bulbs and fixtures focus the direction, others attempt to redirect the light. Diffusion is a way of dispersing the direction of light, softening the shadows that it casts. A well designed restaurant may try to soften the light at a table to avoid the harsh unflattering shadows cast by bright lights overhead. This is sometimes down by pacing a stronger light directly towards the table that will bounce indirect diffused light onto the patrons sitting around the table, casting them in flattering light. Light, can create a variety of moods and textures in any given room.
Tags: Pendant lighting, Vaxcel lighting
Window Hardware | Jane | 14 July 2010 |
