CEILING AND LIGHTING DESIGN

1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page 1
Table of Contents 2
Introduction 3
Content 3
Conclusion 9
Recommendation 10
References 10

2
INTRODUCTION

Ceiling is one of the most fundamental surfaces of every interior

space. It is the overhead surface that covers a room and is often used to hide
floor and roof’s inner construction, the modern architecture evolved as the
representation of the ceilings was divided into two classes – the suspended or
hung ceiling and the exposed ceiling. For the suspended ceilings, some
architects wanted to hide amounts of mechanical and electrical equipment such
as electrical conduits, air-conditioning ducts, water pipes, sewage lines, and
lighting fixtures.

 Historic homes capitalize on natural light via large windows and building
orientation. The first fabricated light was likely a torch, while the first lamps were
shells or hollow rocks filled with fuel such as dried grasses or wood. In 4500 BC,

Following this, a variety of types of high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting

were developed, high-pressure sodium, mercury vapor, and metal halide. When
neon lights were introduced, they used argon or krypton gas in a closed tube,
and electricity caused it to glow. Most recently, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were
invented; these did not require a glass bulb like earlier lights, but merely a
semiconductor, which became much more energy-efficient and less expensive
over time.

CONTENT
Ceiling is one of the most fundamental surfaces of every interior space. It
is the overhead surface that covers a room and is often used to hide floor and
roof’s inner construction.

Ceilings became known in ancient Greek period. However, Roman

ceilings proved more versatility in producing amusing paintings as seen proofs in
the ancient city, Pompeii, where most of the ceilings of its architectural structures
were filled with mural paintings. During the Gothic era, structural elements were

3
used decoratively that led to the development of the beamed ceiling. The large
cross-girders support smaller floor beams at the right angle to create a unique
look of ceiling. The beams and girders were stylishly designed and crafted that
were normally painted in bright colors.

In Renaissance period, the design of the ceiling was evolved to its highest
level of style, originality and variety. The three types of their ceiling had different
representations that brought them into success and development.

The first was the coffered ceiling that was designed in a complex manner
by the Italian Renaissance architects who far outdid the creations of their Roman
prototypes. The ceiling was designed in circular, square, octagonal and L-shaped
coffers with their edges that were smoothly carved. The field of each coffer was
decorated with a rosette that makes it more discerning and decorous.

The second type was composed of ceilings that were wholly or partially
vaulted. These ceilings were often designed in arched intersections with painted
and decorative bands. The blank spaces were filled with pictures to add
attractions and amusement. The design simply implied to emphasize the
architectural design of the establishments to show how imaginative and creative
the architects were during this period.

For the third type, the design and style were particularly the same with the
characteristics of Venice. The only difference was the ceiling became one large
framed picture.

Today, the modern architecture evolved as the representation of the

ceilings was divided into two classes – the suspended or hung ceiling and the
exposed ceiling. For the suspended ceilings, some architects wanted to hide
amounts of mechanical and electrical equipment such as electrical conduits, air-
conditioning ducts, water pipes, sewage lines, and lighting fixtures.

4
TYPES OF CEILING
1. Conventional Ceiling

A conventional ceiling construction type is commonly found in homes. These

ceilings have a standard drywall finish and are made of lower-cost
materials, requiring easy installation. 

2. Suspended Ceiling

A suspended ceiling (sometimes referred to as a dropped ceiling) hangs from

a metal grid below the existing ceiling that is already in place.

3. Coffered Ceiling

Commonly found in high-end homes, churches, libraries, and hotels, coffered

ceilings reflect a classic, even luxurious, aesthetic. A pricier option than
conventional options, coffered ceilings require installation by specialists who are
familiar with this variety.

4. Tray Ceiling

Tray ceilings are multi-level ceilings – they start from one height, then drop as
you add levels. As the name suggests, the ceiling layout resembles a tray. The
flat ceiling on the outside of the tray surrounds the raised center, which is the
highest part of the ceiling.

5. Coved Ceiling

A coved ceiling is typically found in formal rooms, theaters, or churches. The

Vatican, for example, houses one of the most famous coved ceilings in the world.
Forming a dome-like design, this concave ceiling has curved edges instead of
sharp angles between the ceiling and walls and is often built using curved

5
molding or framing. The coves start from the top of the main wall and extend up
to the ceiling itself.

6. Cathedral Ceiling

Cathedral ceilings are often found in large living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms,
and even the master bath. Cathedral – or vaulted – ceilings are known for their
inverted V-shape where the tip of the V is the highest point and the sides of the V
slope down. These high ceilings are made from a variety of materials. Linear
Wood is a great option to use, whether planks or panels fastened either
continuously or progressively.

7. Shed Ceiling

Shed, or single-slope, ceilings are typically found on the top story of a home,
either in the attic or loft. Creating a distinct look for your room, a shed ceiling will
begin at a high point at one wall, then slope down toward the opposite wall. 

8. Beam Ceiling

Beam ceilings are typically found in hallways and corridors for commercial
settings and living and dining rooms for residential settings.Though considered
as a contemporary style, it’s actually a traditional ceiling form. Made primarily
from hardwoods or Douglas fir, beams give homes a classic, rustic look. 

HISTORY OF LIGHTING

In 4500 BC, lamps came into use, whose fuel source later evolved to
methane, ethylene, and kerosene. In the 1790s, the gas lamp was invented in
England and brought to the United States. These lamps were popular, as the
same fuel source, gas, was also distributed to homes for cooking. In the early
1800s, the first electric lamps were designed, followed by light bulbs in the
6
1830s. In the 1840s, the arc light was introduced to Paris. Early arc lights, or
“limelights,” for theatre lighting were created by directing an oxyhydrogen flame
at a cylinder of calcium oxide. While this is no longer a source of theatre lighting,
the expression “in the limelight” is still in common use. In the early 1860s,
fluorescent lights were invented.

Thomas Edison developed the carbon filament incandescent light bulb in

1879, which became the standard of lighting for decades. In the early 1880s,
direct current electricity scaled to citywide levels, followed by alternating current
in the late 1880s. In 1901, the mercury vapor light using standard power was
invented. Following this, a variety of types of high-intensity discharge (HID)
lighting were developed, high-pressure sodium, mercury vapor, and metal halide.
When neon lights were introduced, they used argon or krypton gas in a closed
tube, and electricity caused it to glow. Most recently, light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
were invented; these did not require a glass bulb like earlier lights, but merely a
semiconductor, which became much more energy-efficient and less expensive
over time.

TYPES OF LIGHTING
General Lighting

       

General Lighting provides an area with overall illumination. Also known as

ambient lighting, general lighting radiates a comfortable level of brightness,
enabling one to see and walk about safely. It can be accomplished with
chandeliers, ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, recessed or track lights, and with

7
lanterns outside your home. A basic form of lighting that replaces sunlight,
general lighting is fundamental to a lighting plan.

Task Lighting

Task lighting helps you perform specific tasks such as reading, sewing,
cooking, homework, hobbies, games, or balancing your checkbook. It can be
provided by under cabinet, tape and track lighting, pendant lighting, and portable
lamps. Task lighting should be free of distracting glare and shadows and should
be bright enough to prevent eyestrain.

Accent Lighting

       

Accent Lighting adds drama to a room by creating visual interest. As part

of a decorating scheme, it is used to spotlight paintings, houseplants, sculpture,
and other prized possessions, or to highlight the texture of a wall, drapery or
outdoor landscaping. Accent lighting requires at least three times as much light

8
on the focal point as the general lighting around it. This usually is provided by
track, under cabinet, tape, or wall-mounted fixtures.

CONCLUSION

Ceiling is one of the most fundamental surfaces of every interior space.

Ceilings became known in ancient Greek period. However, Roman ceilings
proved more versatility in producing amusing paintings as seen proofs in the
ancient city, Pompeii, where most of the ceilings of its architectural structures
were filled with mural paintings.

During the Gothic era, structural elements were used decoratively that led to the
development of the beamed ceiling. The large cross-girders support smaller floor
beams at the right angle to create a unique look of ceiling.

In Renaissance period, the design of the ceiling was evolved to its highest level
of style, originality and variety. The three types of their ceiling had different
representations that brought them into success and development. The first was
the coffered ceiling that was designed in a complex manner by the Italian
Renaissance architects who far outdid the creations of their Roman prototypes.
The ceiling was designed in circular, square, octagonal and L-shaped coffers with
their edges that were smoothly carved. These ceilings were often designed in
arched intersections with painted and decorative bands.The only difference was
the ceiling became one large framed picture.

Today, the modern architecture evolved as the representation of the

ceilings was divided into two classes – the suspended or hung ceiling and the
exposed ceiling. For the suspended ceilings, some architects wanted to hide
amounts of mechanical and electrical equipment such as electrical conduits, air-
conditioning ducts, water pipes, sewage lines, and lighting fixtures.

In the early 1800s, the first electric lamps were designed, followed by light bulbs
in the 1830s.

9
In the early 1860s, fluorescent lights were invented.

In 1901, the mercury vapor light using standard power was invented.
Following this, a variety of types of high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting were
developed, high-pressure sodium, mercury vapor, and metal halide.

RECOMMENDATIONS

REFERENCES
The History of Ceilings. (2019, September 25). Luxdezine.
https://luxdezine.com/the-history-of-ceilings/

The 8 Different Types of Ceilings. (2020, July 31). 9Wood.

https://www.9wood.com/blog/eight-different-types-of-ceilings/

Turner, S. D. (n.d.). The History of Lighting. Traditional Building.

https://www.traditionalbuilding.com/product-report/history-lighting

‌ axim Lighting. (2018). Types of Lighting | Maxim Lighting. Maximlighting.com.

M
https://www.maximlighting.com/basic-types-lightings

10