LUX METER

A lux meter is a device for measuring brightness, specifically, the intensity with which the brightness appears to
the human eye. This is different than measurements of the actual light energy produced by or reflected from an
object or light source. The lux is a unit of measurement of brightness, or more accurately, illuminance. It
ultimately derives from the candela, the standard unit of measurement for the power of light. A candela is a
fixed amount, roughly equivalent to the brightness of one candle.
While the candela is a unit of energy, it has an equivalent unit known as the lumen, which measures the same
light in terms of its perception by the human eye. One lumen is equivalent to the light produced in one direction
from a light source rated at one candela. The lux takes into account the surface area over which this light is
spread, which affects how bright it appears. One lux equals one lumen of light spread across a surface one
square meter.
A lux meter works by using a photo cell to capture light. The meter then converts this light to an electrical
current, and measuring this current allows the device to calculate the lux value of the light it captured.

USES

The most common use of this type of meter is in photography and video filming. By measuring the light in
luxes, photographers can adjust their shutter speed and depth of field to get the best picture quality. The device
can also be very useful for filming outdoor scenes of television programs or movies as it allows adjustments to
make sure scenes filmed in different light levels have a consistent brightness on screen.

To a very limited extent, it is possible to use a camera as a makeshift lux meter. This works because some
cameras measure light and automatically adjust the exposure time appropriately. Using a formula,
a photographer can then reverse the calculation and convert the stated exposure time into light levels. This
method has several limitations, including the fact that some light is absorbed as it passes through the camera
lens, so the calculation must be adjusted accordingly. The method can be useful in situations where a separate
meter is impractical, however, such as with delicate objects in a museum that can’t easily be reached without
disruption.
Another common use of a lux meter is in meeting health and safety regulations. It can be used to check
whether a room is bright enough to meet any rules designed to protect workers from suffering damage to their
eyesight, for example. The meter takes into account the size of the room in a way that simply measuring the
intensity of the light source in lumens would not.

3 Basic Types of Lighting

ambient, accent and task lighting and

1. Lighting

The single most important concept in creating a good lighting plan for the home is to use an
array of different types of lighting. "My best advice whatever you're doing, whatever you want to
achieve, is to create three layers of lighting—ambient, task and accent," says Patricia Rizzo of
the Lighting Research Center. Too many people make the mistake of expecting one type of
lighting to do it all. Each type meets a particular need.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient: Also called general lighting, ambient lighting provides overall illumination for a room,
and is intended to create a uniform light level throughout a space, independent of any special
lighting that may be needed in targeted areas of a room. In most home settings, when a person
steps into a room and flips on a switch, ambient lighting illuminates the space. Ambient lighting
takes many forms, including: ceiling-mounted or recessed fixtures that direct light downwards;
wall sconces or floor-lamp torchieres that wash the walls with light; cove, soffit and valance
lighting that bounces light off ceilings and walls.
Task Lighting

Task: Targeted to a particular area of a room, task lighting is intended to illuminate a specific
function. Areas of a home that require task lighting include kitchen counters where food will be
prepared; living room seating areas where reading will take place; and home office desk
surfaces where paperwork will be done. In a kitchen, under-cabinet lighting provides task
lighting for a countertop; in a living room, a table lamp is often used for task lighting to
accommodate reading.

Accent Lighting

Accent: Also called highlighting, accent lighting draws attention to a particular object, such as
artwork, sculpture, plants or bookcases. Accent lighting is often used outdoors, to highlight a
beautiful tree, plant or water feature, or to draw the eye to a particular area of the landscape.
Recessed or track lighting is often used for accent lighting, with adjustable fittings that allow light
to be focused precisely even on a small object.

When planning the layers of light in a room, it usually makes sense to consider the ambient
lighting first, then consider task and accent lighting. "I like to move from general to specific when
planning the lighting for a room," says lighting designer Markus Earley of Providence, R.I. With
rooms that are heavily task-oriented, however, such as home offices, some designers focus on
task lighting first. And in a hallway that doubles as a photo or art gallery, accent lighting might
be the first consideration.

"It's so important to think about how you really use a space, and what you do in specific rooms,"
says interior designer Bruce Fox, partner at Wells & Fox, which has offices in Chicago and
Boston. "Only then you can start to identify where you need task lighting and accent lighting."

A light fixture or luminaire is more than just an electrical device used to create
artificial light or illumination for your home. Here are the facts and answers to your
frequently asked questions about lighting.

Accent Lighting - Accent Lighting - Task Lighting -

Definition Uses
Accent lighting is Accent lighting could
directional lighting which be the spot light on
highlights and accentuates river rock fireplace or
certain areas or objects in the light inside your
any given room. This type china cabinet, or even
of lighting adds drama the picture lights that
and style to a room by focus your attention
highlighting certain aspects on the painting
of the room's decor. hanging on the wall, it
could also be
Accent Lighting - the halogen puck
Definition
Task lighting is the
lighting that you
need, to be able to
do a task, it may be
the most overlooked,
yet most important,
type of lighting
application in our
homes and work
places. Good task
lighting makes work
Types
Low voltage halogen
spotlights, including track
lighting, and recessed
lights, are excellent sources
of accent lighting. Pendant
lights are also a type of
accent light as they direct
light down to the surface
below. Pendant fixtures are
very popular
in kitchens around islands
are also highly decorative
and complete the decor.
Search Lumen has
listings of lighting and
electrical manufacturers,
vendors, and importers that
sell to lighting showrooms.
Search Lumen also has
listings of sales reps that
call on lighting showrooms,
as well as listings of lighting
showrooms and more.
lights under your easier on the eyes,
kitchen cabinets, prevents headaches,
the fluorescent back- makes cooking more
lighting at the top of enjoyable, and
your kitchen cabinets, allows the individual
or the rope lighting in to better concentrate
the kick-space under on the job at hand
your kitchen with the added
cabinets. Dining safety of a good
rooms and living light. Task lights
rooms, along focus light in a
with entrance particular direction
foyers and other areas or area, without
of special architectural casting any glare
interest, benefit most and minimize
from accent lighting. shadows on work.
Accent lighting is also Task lighting should
used for dramatic flair always be used in
in landscape lighting conjunction with
proper ambient light,
Accent Lighting - having a bright desk
How To lamp in a dark office
will only add to your
eye strain every time
you look up from
your desk.
Task Lighting
To be dramatic,
accent lighting should
be at least three times
as intense as the Task lighting
surrounding area. For should be at least
highlighting paintings double normal
you want to use ambient light. The
a spacing ratio of light level in a living
about 2/3:1, with the room or dining room
second number might be anywhere
representing the between 10 to
distance from the 20 FC, and by the
center of the painting chair in the living
to the ceiling, and the room where you
first number is the read beside you
distance between light might have it up to
and wall. For 50 FC, but in the
 highlighting three work area of a
dimensional pieces of kitchen, or in a
art, like a statue you home office you may
would use the same want it up to
2/3:1 spacing ratio, 100 FC in brightness.
but you would need to
hit it from multiple
directions about 18"
between lights.

ATRIUM LIGHTING

OVERVIEW

In ancient Roman times, the atrium was the central open area of a house, but today the term atrium is typically associated with

commercial or public buildings. The atrium space type includes glazed courtyard spaces and multistoried spaces. Atria are typically

used as key architectural features in main entries, public circulation areas or as special destinations within a building. Atrium design

often involves skylights and generous glazing areas that provide an infusion of natural light which make them a prominent building

areas well suited to serve ceremonial and social functions.

BACK TO TOP

SPACE ATTRIBUTES

The atrium space type requires flexibility, durable finishes, attention to regular maintenance, and special HVAC systems and

lighting. Typical features of atrium space types include the list of applicable design objectives elements as outlined below. For a

complete list and definitions of the design objectives within the context of whole building design, click on the titles below.

Accessible
 Include accessible elevators and ramps in addition to stairways.
Aesthetics
 Highlight or soften the verticality of the space by delineating horizontal bands (such as at floor or ceiling levels) with windows, lighting, wall
coverings, and signage.
 Specify appropriate finishes for open stairways, pedestrian bridges, and other transitional spaces that match finishes in adjacent spaces.
 Include glazing system materials or detailing that emits natural light, but prevents glare and light reflection.
Functional / Operational
 Design appropriate spaces for the unique requirements of plant species, including attention to lighting, temperature, and air flow. Specify plants
with comfort levels similar to occupant comfort levels.
 Accommodate flexibility and storage of furniture and equipment for ceremonial events and exhibits.
 Design for maintainability of hard to reach areas, such as re-lamping of high light fixtures and periodic cleaning of dust gathering surfaces.
Consider use of portable lifts over scaffolding.
 Design as an informal meeting space where intellectual/social exchange can take place.
 Specify durable finishes to accommodate maximum pedestrian traffic.
Productive
 Specify HVAC equipment that will ensure a comfortable and reliable temperature. For more information see WBDG High-Performance HVAC.
 If the atrium will be used for performances or ceremonies, study its acoustic properties and include sound absorptive materials as needed.
Secure / Safe
 Provide for smoke control/Fire protection engineering requirements.
 In high-risk buildings, such as government or public assembly areas, incorporate blast-resistive design in atria structural system and glazing.
 Design for safety in balconies overlooking atria:
o Glass railings can become dangerous as breaking/falling objects in terrorism or seismic event
o Design to prevent/discourage falls and suicide attempts
 Sustainable
 Atria can be used as light courts. Utilize daylighting to reduce energy use through skylights and window walls.
 Create a vertical "chimney" effect with low intakes and high outlets to facilitate natural ventilation.