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Residential Lighting Fundamentals for Designers and Installers (4/4/2005)

By David Caddick, The Light Corporation

The Oxford English dictionary defines lighting so: Lighting . noun 1. equipment for producing light 2. the arrangement or effects of light.

In my experience, too many projects are developed with the lighting element seen only in terms of the first definition, with little attention paid to the second. Ironically, it is in meeting the second definition, 'the arrangement or effect of light', where the true value of lighting, both monetary and emotionally, is realised. Lighting affects the visual perception of any scheme and is the source by which mood is created and space is enhanced. It is the visible result of the many hours of installing hidden wires and fittings and, as such, should be viewed as a profit opportunity to be embraced, not a practical necessity just to light up the dark.

With control systems as sophisticated as they are, the ability to weave magic through applied lighting techniques is only limited by the experience and knowledge of architects, interior designers and installers. To unlock this incredible potential, in all its guises, is to understand about the products and technology available and the basic principles that allow, when artfully combined, an integrated lighting design to bring a project to life.

To light a space well, it is vital that a layered approach to illumination be considered. Working from in and on the ceiling down the wall, to the lower wall and on and into the floor. The sensitive, imaginative and controlled illumination at each of these levels generates the desired lighting effects required.

Lighting from the ceiling to the floor

Ceilings are extensively used to host light fittings such as concealed down lights, (individually or in linear recesses), reveal or trough lighting (which lends itself to linear colour change for example), along with surface-mounted or pendant lighting. Used correctly, these all provide flexible illumination without glare. The upper wall lights can be surface-mounted or recessed flush with the wall surface. Picture lights can be used if artwork is not to be lit from the ceiling.

At low level, indicator or floor wash lights are used to great effect in corridors, stairs and at other changes of level. LEDs are now the predominant light sources used in lower wall levels and skirting because of their cool running capability coupled with longevity. Recessed 'walk on' in-ground fittings are frequently used to bathe walls and sculpt architectural features with light, also making use of cool running LEDs and low-voltage but higher-temparature halogen light sources.

LEDs used at ceiling, ground and skirting level

Part of the present residential trend is for decorative 'designed fixtures', such as individual suspended, freestanding or side table pieces - some of which may be contemporary design classics. These are highly visible and used to create warm and welcoming localised focal points, and are an excellent finishing touch to any lighting design.

With such a confusing array of light fixtures, fittings and light sources such as mains, low-voltage, high-frequency compact, LED, dimmable fluorescent, cold cathode, and fibre optic - to name but a few, together with light treatments, techniques and effects, it is easy to become lost in the design, application and use of a lighting scheme. Experience, however, begets knowledge and with this comes understanding.

If layering is an essential building block in successful lighting design, understanding lighting for lifestyle and application is the cement that holds it together. The key to the design is interpreting the needs and requirements of the client and what they require from the space to be lit. Understanding how light moves in and around a space allows you to create ambience, subtle mood changes and enhance the sense of well being. An intuitive lighting designer will be able to flatter not only the room, dˇcor and finishes, but also those who are in it!

Although experience of lighting and its associated disciplines is helpful, a practical understanding of what has to be lit will prove invaluable to the uninitiated lighting designer or installer. It may sound obvious, but to light a bathroom, for instance, without thought being given to the occupant, the mirror position, the bath and basin position etc may lead to creating a space which is lit unsatisfactorily. The use and nature of the light source, its strength and application and consideration of visual stimulus, shadow and glare are essential considerations in the planning stage.

Vanity and flattery are strong motivators in us all - whether we care to admit it or not! So logically, we will feel more comfortable remaining in an environment that makes us feel emotionally secure and look good! It then follows that in a commercial environment, such as a restaurant or bar, lighting can have a direct effect on both the time and consequently the money that we spend in that particular environment, so it should not be taken lightly (sic).

Lighting the dining area

In conclusion, to maximise the perceived value of the lighting scheme and, therefore, the profit, one has to consider both the practical requirement and emotive demands of the project. Lighting for lifestyle encompassing a layered approach and an understanding of the products available and effects achievable will substantially change both the way you look at lighting a space and the benefits that you will deliver to your client. Find good examples of lighting design, observe how the light is both used and structured and strive to emulate it. Be prepared to research and learn about the lighting market, take advice from lighting designers and perhaps, above all, be prepared to experiment and be challenged. If you embrace just some of these ideas, I guarantee you the enlightened path to innovation and fulfilling lighting design.

David Caddick is a Director of The Light Corporation, experienced consultants who provide custom designed interior and exterior lighting solutions, in-house manufacture and the finest range of architectural standard lighting products, made in England.

www.lightcorporation.com