Design of Interior Spaces

1. Course Title: Design of Interior Spaces
Sem. I 2017/2018
Lecture No: 7
Light for Interiors
Suez University
Faculty of Industrial Education

2. 3- TYPES OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT SOURCES
4- TYPES OF LIGHTING DEVICES
Lecture Topics:
2- Types of Lighting
5- Types of Architectural Fixtures
1- Introduction
8- POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN CHOOSING A FIXTURE
6- TYPES OF LIGHT DISTRIBUTION
7- Methods of Lighting

3. 1- Introduction:
Light is not what we see, but what we see by. Exactly what we perceive
depends upon the kind and quality of light available.
The light bouncing off objects reflects back to the eye variations of brightness
and color that correspond in a complex geometric way with the size, shape,
distance, color and texture of those objects.

4. • Light trespass into bedrooms disrupts sleep patterns.
• Glare in our eyes can be blinding and reduce our night
vision.
• New research is being done to discover the impact to our
biological clocks.
Negative Impact on Human Health
3 ASPECTS OF LIGHTING:
• FUNCTION: QUALITY AND QUANTITY IS IMPORTANT
• SAFETY: CERTAIN SPACES NEED MORE CARE : STAIRWAY, PATIO,
DOORWAY, DRIVEWAY
• BEAUTY: GOOD LIGHTING MAKES INTERIOR LAYOUT MORE
BEAUTIFUL
LIGHT AFFECTS PEOPLES:
MOOD OR EMOTION
PRODUCTIVITY
AWARENESS

5. 2- Types of Light
DAYLIGHT / NATURAL LIGHT and ARTIFICIAL LIGHT
NATURAL LIGHT:
THE SUN IS THE OLDEST SOURCE OF
LIGHT KNOWN TO US. ITS
RADIATION NOT ONLY PERMITS US
TO SEE, BUT ALSO ALLOWS THE
LIFE-SUPPORTING PROCESSES TO
TAKE PLACE. ROOMS THAT ARE
ILLUMINATED BY SUNLIGHT HAVE A
VITALITY ABOUT THEM.

6. Daylight is highly variable, its angle and brightness changes over the course
of the day and the year.
Because natural light is both horizontal as well as vertical, it helps define
the changing contours and textures of surfaces. It also provides light from
the entire light spectrum–even those frequencies that we cannot perceive
with our eyes.
Some lighting experts argue that the qualities of daylight are essential to a
sense of well-being in people, and that lack of daylight leads to boredom,
fatigue, lack of concentration, and even a reduction of intellectual capacity.
RONCHAMP CATHEDRAL LE CORBUSIER

7. CHURCH OF
LIGHT TADAO
ANDO
LA SAGRADA ANTONIO GAUDI

8. EAST: East-facing openings admit strong sunlight early in the morning and lose the sun sometime before
noon. BEDROOMS, KITCHENS, BREAKFAST AREAS, AREAS USED EARLY IN THE DAY
WEST: West-facing windows receive the late afternoon sun, which is sometimes too much direct daylight on
summer afternoons, or in climates with many days of strong sunlight. WESTERN EXPOSURE CAN
CREATE UNCOMFORTABLE GLARE AND HEAT IN SOME PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.
SHADING DEVICES SUCH AS OVERHANGS OR BLINDS CAN PREVENT PROBLEMS CAUSED
BY THE HARSHNESS OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT
NORTH: Openings facing north, which never admit direct sun, generally receive cool but consistent light from
the north sky. ARTISTS’ STUDIOS, DESIGNERS WORKSHOPS, THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE A
WIDE VARIATION OF ILLUMINATION
SOUTH: Good orientation, ideally facing south with appropriate shading, makes a difference in winter and
summer. FAMILY ROOMS, LIVING ROOMS, SEWING ROOMS
ORIENTATION

10. Finishes. The color and reflectivity of interior finishes are important in use of daylight
and control of luminous ratios. Light colored surfaces enlarge the perception of space and
diffuse the light distribution. The ceiling is the most effective surface for reflecting light
and typically, it should be very light in color. The floor is one of the least significant, and
it is here that the designer has the greatest opportunity for the use of darker colors, such
as those found in carpets.

11. Shading Devices. Louvers, overhangs, shades, blinds (with or without draperies),
or other devices can be applied creatively to control the excessive illumination
and luminance contrast emitted from the sun. This is critical when eyes that are
concentrating on an interior task can view the light source. In such cases, the
window or skylight should be filtered or shielded from view, or the task should be
oriented away from these sources.

12. Multiple Glazing. Multiple glazing uses two, sometimes three, sheets of glass
that are factory-assembled into a sandwich. The dead air spaces between
the layers minimize winter heat loss or summer heat gain. Special
glass tinted to filter out unwanted heat energy while permitting most light
to pass through can also be obtained.
Furniture Placement. When placing furniture, it is important to keep bright
windows out of the field of vision of any person doing close up tasks like
reading or repair work. Seated people who are doing visual tasks with their
backs to a window can cause problems because of the shadow cast forward on
to the work plane. The traditional advice of “light over the left shoulder” is still
good, although light from the right is also satisfactory for most tasks and ideal
for left-handed people.

13. ARTIFICIAL LIGHT:
Good lighting supports convenience, efficiency, comfort, safety and favorable
emotional reactions. It has been shown that improving the lighting of a space can
be more effective than any other single factor in increasing the overall sense of
satisfaction. Just switching off a glaring ceiling fixture and substituting a well-
placed task lamp can make a dramatic improvement, often at very little cost.
PROPER AMOUNT AND TYPE OF LIGHT ADDS BEAUTY TO THE COLORS AND
FURNISHING OF SPACES. EXCESS BRIGHTNESS DISTURBS THE EYE, IT
SHOULD BE CONTROLLED. LIGHT IS MEASURED IN FOOT CANDLES.

14. • GOOD LIGHTING:
*CAN INCREASE EFFICIENCY: Direct or concentrate attention. Lighting
draws attention to points of interest and helps guide users through space by influencing
the timing and direction of their gaze. A brightly-lit wall or spotlight clearly displays
artwork, and draws the viewer to it. A good light at a desk, with the surroundings at a
lower light level, helps to concentrate attention on work.
*RELEIVES EYE STRAIN
*CUTS DOWN ON ACCIDENTS: Proper lighting can enhance visibility and
engender a feeling of safety; it also can be used to illuminate potential hazards, such as a
change in floor plane or a moving object.
*HELPS SET THE MOOD/ATMOSPHERE OF A SPACE: Dim light usually makes
a space seem intimate and cozy; bright light, more business-like and energetic.
*CAN GIVE CHARACTER: Every designer needs to have a basic understanding of
lighting mechanics in order to deal with design issues directly, as well as to work
effectively with engineers or lighting specialists when they are involved in a project.

17. TYPES OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT SOURCES
INCANDESCENT FLUORESCENT
HIGH INTENSITY
DISCHARGE (HID)
COLD CATHODE

18. INCANDESCENT LIGHT:
THE LIGHT IS PRODUCED FROM THE HEATING
OF THE “TUNGSTEN FILAMENT” INSIDE THE
LIGHT BULB WITH AN ELECTRIC CURRENT
UNTIL IT GLOWS.
*SIZES VARY FROM 15 WATTS TO 200 WATTS
*BULBS ARE AVAILABLE IN BLUE, PINK,
YELLOW, GREEN.
*SHAPES AND FINISHES VARY
ADVANTAGES: IT IS LESS EXPENSIVE , MORE
FLEXIBLE, EASY TO CHANGE, MAY BE
RECYCLED INTO CERAMIC TILES
DISADVANTAGE: IT TAKES MORE ENERGY
AND GENERATES MORE HEAT THAN
FLUORESCENT LIGHT.

19. Tungsten Halogen
A Tungsten Halogen Lamp is a type incandescent lamp with a tungsten filament contained
within an inert gas and a small amount of a halogen such as iodine or bromine.
The filament of the small lamp is surrounded with halogen gas. As the tungsten burns off,
the halogen reacts with the tungsten (called Halogen Cycle), creating a bright light.
Advantages and Disadvantages: Tungsten
halogen costs more than common
incandescent lighting but last three times
longer, burn 10 percent brighter, and are
closer to the natural spectrum. But produce
more heat.

20. FLUORESCENT LIGHT:
THE TUBE IS FILLED WITH VERY LOW
PRESSURE MERCURY VAPOR (OR XENON)
AND A SPECIAL POWDER COAT INSIDE
THE TUBE. WHEN THE CATHODES AT
EACH END OF THE TUBE ACTIVATE THE
VAPOR, THEY CAUSE THE FLUORESCENT
COATING TO PRODUCE LIGHT.
SHAPES AVAILABLE: STRAIGHT,
TUBULAR, CIRCULAR, U SHAPED
ADVANTAGES: IT LASTS LONGER,
PRODUCES LESS GLARE, LESS HEAT,
COSTS LESS.
DISADVANTAGE: COLOR QUALITY.
DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN.

21. • Fluorescent light is a relatively shadowless, even
light, making it ideal for general lighting of
environments where tasks are performed but
where task lighting would be impractical or
undesirable.
• They are commonly used in luminous ceiling
panels, under-the-cabinet lighting over the
counters, in bathroom lighting and over work
surfaces in offices.
• With this type of light, work can take place for
hours without lighting-caused fatigue.

22. HID is used for bright interior and exterior
lighting. HID lamps establish an arc
between two vey close electrodes set in
opposite ends of small, sealed, transclusent
or transparent glass tubes.
HID lamps are used to “uplight” exteriors
of large buildings and sometimes in
interiors of nonresidential buildings.
HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE

23. Other Light Sources:
Fiber Optics. Strands of glass fibers,
usually bundled, can convey light from any
source to one or more remote locations,
where the light then emerges from the fibers.
Various experimental applications are under
development, but the only uses available in
interior design are decorative.

24. Laser Light. This is a process in which light is concentrated and emitted in an
intense beam. Although laser light can be used in decorative and display
functions, it does not yet have extensive practical application.

26. 4- TYPES OF LIGHTING DEVICES:
• All lighting devices fall into one of two mounting types: architectural
or portable. Architectural lighting is fixed by building in or attaching
fixtures to the structure of the building. Fixtures are often recessed, and
more or less concealed. Correct architectural lighting is planned and is
installed as a space is built or renovated. Portable lighting includes
lamps and other moveable lighting devices that are plugged into outlets
and can be moved about or replaced at will.

27. Types of Floor, Table, Desk and
Specialty Lamps
Shaded Lamps. This is probably the most
familiar and useful, portable fixture type. The
bulb or bulbs are surrounded by a shade, which
reduces glare but disperses direct light up,
down or both.
Reflector Lamps. These enclose a regular
or reflector bulb, either incandescent or
halogen, in an opaque reflector that directs
light in one direction. They make good
reading or work lights but can produce
excessive brightness contrast unless fill
light is provided from another source. The
most familiar version is the cantilever,
adjustable neck reflectors that are used as
desk lamps. They have become a popular,
inexpensive solution to many home and
office lighting problems.

28. Globe Lamps.
In these, glass replaces the shade; this reduces
the brightness of the enclosed incandescent
lamp, and delivers diffused light.
Globes are made of clear, frosted, smoked, or
colored glass, and the fixtures are either wall-
mounted or chandelier.
Globe lamps tend to form a spot of glare and
deliver unattractive, flat lighting.
Uplights and Torchieres. These are usually
floor lamps that aim all light output upward
to use the ceiling plane as a reflector,
providing indirect, general lighting. The
source light is usually incandescent, but
halogen and HID versions are becoming
increasingly popular.

29. POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN CHOOSING A LAMP:
• SHOULD BE STABLE AND WELL BALANCED
• DIFFUSED LIGHT GIVES LESS GLARE
• LAMP SHADES SHOULD BE SIMILAR IN COLOR, TEXTURE, OR
CONTRAST
• HEIGHT COULD BE ADJUSTABLE OR TILTABLE
• A FLOOR LAMP SHOULD BE PLACED SO THAT LIGHT COMES
FROM BEHIND THE SHOULDER OF THE READER. LEFT OR
RIGHT, BUT NOT DIRECTLY BEHIND THE READER.
• FOR READING PURPOSES:
• LOWER EDGE OF SHADE SHOULD BE ABOUT 1 M FROM FLOOR FOR
TABLE LAMP
• LOWER EDGE OF SHADE SHOULD BE ABOUT 1.20 M – 1.25 M FROM
FLOOR FOR FLOOR LAMP

30. 5- Types of Architectural Fixtures

31. Types of Architectural Fixtures
Surface-Mounted, Hanging and Recessed Luminaires.
These widely used architectural lighting devices, typically
fitted with fluorescent lamps, provide general lighting. By
spacing according to calculations (which are discussed
later in this guide), they can deliver predictable levels of
consistent light. Unfortunately, low-cost versions of such
fixtures are responsible for the glaring ceiling light all too
common in offices and other large facilities.

32. Track Lighting. This system uses an electrical
track that is usually ceiling mounted. The track
can be fitted with many types of adjustable
lighting units, both general and spot lighting,
which can be moved about with relative ease.
This system is particularly useful for display
and gallery lighting, and is often used in
residential applications.

33. Down lights. These can-type housings are among the most widely used
incandescent
architectural lighting devices; usually selected to illuminate a horizontal
plane or to provide general lighting. They are typically used with a lens or shield
to prevent direct glare. They may be recessed, surface-mounted or hung on a
stem. HID versions are coming into use for large spaces with high ceilings.
Downlights can be effectively mixed with other ceiling lighting systems to
highlight circulation areas.

34. Eyeballs and Wall-washers. These are
similar to downlights, but offer
concentrated light that can be adjusted to
any angle. Wall-washers direct light from
the ceiling to an adjacent wall; the glazing,
angled light brings out texture in finishes
and vertical surfaces.

35. • Hanging Fixtures or Chandeliers. These widely used decorative
fixtures may imitate historic designs or take on a contemporary look.
To provide general light, they may be directed up, down, or both; many
are height-adjustable. Residential versions are usually incandescent;
fluorescent is used for office and store lighting.

36. • Pendants.
Suspended from the ceiling, a pendant light directs its
light down, typically over a table or kitchen island. A
pendant can enhance the decorative style of a room.
Pendants can provide ambient or task lighting.
• Sconces. These fixtures can provide
uplight, downlight, patterns and/or
color, and are used as both a functional
and decorative design elements. Most
often, they are wall-mounted.

37. • Reflectors. These are similar in application to ceiling-mounted can
lights. Many have swivel mountings that provide adjustability for
display lighting, or reading in a fixed place.

38. • Cove Lighting. Lighting by means of sources shielded by a ledge or horizontal recess that
distributes light over the ceiling and upper wall. This system requires a cove, or pocket,
to be built into the ceiling or wall. The light units, typically fluorescent or cold cathode,
are concealed from view and provide indirect light.

39. • cornice lighting Lighting by means of
light sources shielded by a panel parallel
to the wall and attached to the ceiling

40. • soffit lighting The underside of a structural
component, such as a beam, arch, staircase, or
cornice.A light built into a soffit.

41. Valance Lighting
Longitudinal shielding member mounted across the
top of a window or high on a wall to conceal light
sources.
Valance lighting is located in a wood, metal or glass
valance (horizontal shield) mounted above a window
or high on the wall, and the light bounces both
upward and downward.
Lighting from sources that are concealed and
shielded by board or panel at the wall-ceiling
intersection. This lighting may be directed either
upward or downward.

42. 6- TYPES OF LIGHT DISTRIBUTION
DIRECT: SHARPEST CONTRAST BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARK. USED TO EMPHASIZE
OBJECTS
INDIRECT: SOURCE IS HIDDEN, LIGHT IS DIRECTED TO CEILING, A COVE OR
ANOTHER SURFACE FROM WHICH IT IS REFLECTED.
DIRECT – INDIRECT: LIGHT IS DISTRIBUTED EVENLY IN ALL DIRECTIONS. THE
FIXTURE HAS A BULB ON BOTH SIDES,INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE REFLECTOR.
SEMI DIRECT:MORE LIGHT IS DIRECTED TOWARDS WORK PLANE
SEMI INDIRECT: MORE LIGHT IS DIRECTED
TOWARDS CEILING OR UPPER WALL

44. 7-

45. The three most common forms of
architectural lighting are cove, soffit and valance;
all three are integrated into the room's structure.
Cove lighting is located in a ledge, shelf or
recess high up on a wall, and the light is bounced
toward the ceiling or upper wall.

47. Cove lighting can add an understated
elegance and breathe life into the most
uninspiring room. We'll show you how we
built ours using LED strip lighting and
demonstrate how to wire it up. We'll also
give you the lowdown on this type of
lighting and share other cove and lighting
options that might be a perfect fit for your
budget and décor.
Step 1: Mark the wall
Step 2: Install the
light strip
Step 3: Build the cove
Install
the
crown

48. Most coves, soffits, or tray ceilings feature an edge which is shaped somewhat like
an “L” or “J”. The recommended positioning of your lights will depend upon the
particular style of your ceiling, as well as the overall effect which you are looking to
achieve.
For most “L” shaped soffits or tray ceilings, our design team recommends
positioning LED flex strips as close to the wall as possible in order to prevent them
from being seen from certain angles. The goal is to allow the light to reflect off the
ceiling, so diodes should be pointed directly up. Similarly, for “I” beam coffers, lights
should be mounted as close to the center beam to prevent them from being seen.
Again, since the goal is to illuminate the ceiling, LEDs should be positioned so that
they face straight up
Since crown molding coves tend to take on more of a “J” shape, the outer lip can
be used to conceal strip lighting, allowing the LEDs to be mounted closer to the
front. The light should be reflected off of the ceiling to create a subtle glow, so
LEDs should be facing upward. In rare cases it may be beneficial to use a 45°
aluminum channel to adjust the angle of the light, however in our experience the
change in appearance is slight, and often not worth the additional cost.

52. Soffit lighting is located in a soffit or cornice near the ceiling, and the light radiates
downward, washing the wall with light.

54. A soffit is the underside of a horizontal surface protruding from a vertical wall. The
protrusion is usually not very deep and it forms a narrow belt region underneath it.
This narrow belt is often utilized to house lighting fixtures; and such lighting is
termed soffit lighting. Examples of soffits are roof overhangs, ceilings dropped
along the edges, kitchen cabinet underside, etc. You would have noticed recessed
lighting fixtures fitted in roof overhangs, or belts of dropped ceiling equipped with
track lights to illuminate walls, or under-cabinet task lighting in kitchen – all these
are examples of soffit lighting

55. Soffit Lighting for Exteriors
Soffit lighting has gained immense popularity as a contemporary lighting style
because of the versatility it offers. In modern buildings, soffits are especially
created to house lighting fixtures. It is because this form of lighting can be put
to numerous uses. It is commonly used for outdoor lighting. Roof overhangs or
eaves and window projections can be equipped with light fixtures for soffit
lighting. This creates a dramatic effect as it illuminates the exterior walls;
thereby accentuating the exterior finish of the building. This technique is
known as wall washing as the light from the soffit grazes the wall and
illuminates it. Hence, soffit lighting is frequently used as wall washer or for
‘close to wall’ lighting

56. Soffit Lighting for Interiors
For interior spaces, soffit lighting can be used for ambient lighting, task lighting or
accent lighting. Decorative bands of dropped ceiling are frequently used as interior
design elements in contemporary buildings to provide lighting. These bands are
fitted with recessed lighting fixtures and deliver ambient light to the interiors. For
lighting kitchen countertops, cabinet underside can be equipped with recessed
lighting fixtures. This form of soffit lighting provides task lighting to the countertop.
Ceilings are dropped along the edges to create soffits. These soffits accommodate
light fixtures, for e.g. spotlights or track lights. In this case, soffit lighting can be
used for accent lighting. Any painting or photograph hung on the wall can be
focussed using the spotlight. Similarly, a series of paintings or artefacts can be
highlighted by installing track lights in the soffit. This is another instance of using
soffit lighting for ‘close to wall’ lighting. This form of lighting also finds application in
lighting wall alcoves. Shallow alcoves can be created to keep decorative antiques
and flower vases; and soffit lighting can be provided to accentuate them. This is
another example where soffit lighting is used for accent lighting.

57. Valance lighting is located in a wood, metal or glass valance (horizontal shield) mounted
above a window or high on the wall, and the light bounces both upward and downward.
The technique of bouncing light off walls and ceilings is known as indirect lighting, which
is favored by many lighting professionals because indirect lighting minimizes shadows and
glare. Architectural lighting is most often used as ambient lighting

62. • ADJUSTABILITY, MULTIFUNCTIONALITY (DIMMER CONTROL,
HEIGHT, SWING)
• DIFFUSED LIGHT IS MORE PLEASANT, EXPOSED BULB IS
IRRITATING
• DESIGN OF A FIXTURE SHOULD BE IN HARMONY WITH THE
CHARACTER OF THE SPACE
8- POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN CHOOSING A
FIXTURE:

63. • Keep it Low. Contrary to the older school of thinking, working in adequate
yet dim light will not harm the eyes, anymore than listening to music at lower
volumes will hurt the ears. Brighter light is not necessarily better.
Uniform Overhead Fixtures Cannot
Provide the Only Source of Light. This is
especially true for offices now that
computers are the focus of many peoples
jobs. Additional and appropriate lighting
should accompany each individual task in
a work area.

64. Make Lighting Specific. Tasks need to be
identified carefully and lighting chosen for
each based on the task itself. It is important to
take into consideration the task’s size,
importance, the duration of time it needs to be
performed, its priority in relation to other tasks,
general lighting in the area, and the physical
condition, age, and expectations of the person
performing the task.
Let the User Control Lighting Options Whenever Practical. Because comfort
factors will vary dramatically from task to task and person to person, the best task
light is one that gives the user the most control over position and intensity. It is also
important for the same person to be able to alter light levels to match his or her
changing needs over the course of the day or season.

65. Consider the fixtures as a design element. Select fixtures that complement the
over-all design objective. They should be a compatible scale, color, finish and
geometry. Plan placement so that it coordinates with the structure from every
view, and does not destroy the harmony of the design.

66. Prepare for the Aging Population. As people’s eyes age, the lenses grow
larger and more rigid, requiring more effort for the eye muscles to focus at
close range.