Lighting serves more than just illumination purposes. It can create a desired atmosphere and environment. When designing lighting projects, professionals must take into account various aspects:
- Direction: Focus on the subject.
- Intensity: Determine the brightness of the light.
- Softness: Control the harshness or softness of the light.
- Color: Choose the warmth or coolness of the light.
Additionally, lighting designers should consider essential elements of design:
- Illumination determination: Standards set by the IEC and specific application requirements influence the choice of illuminance.
- Type of lamps: High-efficiency luminous lamps and their placement influence the selection of lighting fixtures.
- Lighting control methods: Each room has unique control requirements for safety, ease of use, maintenance, and energy conservation.
Understanding customer wishes and needs is crucial for a successful design process. Lighting designers should focus on:
- Understanding the customer: Patients is needed to decode customer lighting goals, as many struggle to articulate their needs.
- Understanding the objectives: A proper lighting design improves functionality, attention to detail, customer style, and budget while enhancing lifestyle.
Limitations on light design include budget restrictions, compliance with codes and regulations, light locations impacting lamp choices, and amp load/power constraints.
Lighting has two main purposes:
- Utilitarian: Providing comfortable illumination for clear vision and safe movement.
- Design: Enhancing interior design through accent, task, decorative, and ambiance lighting.
Safety and code considerations are essential, requiring adherence to relevant codes such as the IECC and ASHRAE standards.
Communication with customers and other partners is crucial for successful lighting projects. Understanding customers' needs and effective communication with architects, contractors, and electricians are key elements of the design process.
